On this day in history Martin Luther was excommunicated by Pope Leo X for writing against the church’s use of indulgences and insisting that salvation is a free gift from God, not something achieved through good works. Luther refused to recant his criticism of the church saying, “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise.”
On January 3rd 1521, Martin Luther didn’t make a New Year’s Resolution. He stood firmly planted on the Rock of Salvation and boldly held firm to the truth of Scripture. A biblical scholar and Augustinian monk, Luther didn’t plan to start the Great Reformation that day. But God did.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5P7QkHCfaI
As we transition from the old to the new, remember our Heavenly Father is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. Resolutions are wonderful goals and can certainly be helpful to align our priorities and set a focus for the year. But what He wants from us doesn’t come from a ‘to do’ list or set of annual goals. He wants disciplined, surrendered hearts. Always. With faith like Luther’s imagine how our Living Lord will transform our lives and those around us. Imagine the transformation. Imagine the reformation!
Happy New Year!
Love,
This is great, Kristin! You are so right that what God wants does not come from a to-do list. I really like the idea of choosing one word as a focus for the year and this is my first year for choosing a word. I picked “Satisfied”. I am seeking to be satisfied in Christ alone. It really isn’t a to-do, rather it’s a to-be. (Okay, that just made me think of Shakespeare 😛 ). Anyway, thank you for this timely reminder!
xo,
Shelli