and influences our faith. If our thoughts and words aren’t pure, lovely, and just, as Philippians 4:8 (KJV) urges us, we invite negativity into our lives. Disciplining our minds to dwell on what aligns with God's truth takes determination and practice. By keeping records of the changes that come from guarding our thoughts and words, we’ll see how much more our prayers are answered and how our lives reflect God’s glory.
Another area that often requires significant attention is finances, particularly the need to become debt-free. The Bible speaks strongly against the bondage of debt, stating in Proverbs 22:7 (KJV), "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." Similarly, Romans 13:8 (KJV) encourages us to "owe no man anything, but to love one another." Debt brings with it unrest, negative thoughts, and actions that can weigh us down spiritually and emotionally. Overcoming this requires a mindset shift, relying on God to meet our needs and learning to live within His provision.
The process begins with prayerful reflection and inventory. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, as Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) teaches: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Create a plan to tackle one debt at a time, trusting God to provide wisdom and strength to stay the course. Reach out to creditors and explore solutions, but be cautious of scams that prey on the desperate.
Living in God’s provision means learning to trust Him fully. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) reminds us to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." While we are called to work diligently—Colossians 3:23 (KJV) encourages us to "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord"—we are not called to toil endlessly in frustration. God’s promise is for us to live in His peace and provision, enjoying the fruits of our labor without being enslaved by it.
In every aspect of discipline, remember to rely on God’s strength. Philippians 4:13 (KJV) assures us, "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Whether it’s guarding our thoughts, speaking life, breaking free from debt, or trusting God’s provision, the journey begins with taking intentional, prayerful steps. Let us commit to doing something today—however small—to align our lives with God’s will and prepare our hearts to receive His blessings.
As we embark on this new year, let us adopt a disciplined and faith-filled approach, knowing that God’s promises never fail. May we honor Him in every area of our lives, reflecting His love, wisdom, and provision to those around us.
