5 ways to get closer to God in your busy schedule

1. Prioritize: Set aside dedicated time each day or week specifically for connecting with God. Treat it as a non-negotiable appointment and block off that time in your schedule.

2. Simplify: Evaluate your commitments and responsibilities, and consider letting go of any that are not essential or aligning with your values. Creating space in your life by simplifying allows for more time and energy to focus on your relationship with God.

3. Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or prayer, throughout your day. These moments of intentional focus can help you stay connected to God and bring a sense of peace and presence into your busy life.

4. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to unnecessary obligations or activities that may drain your time and energy. Setting healthy boundaries will allow you to create more room for God in your life.

5. Integrate faith into daily activities: Find ways to infuse your everyday tasks and routines with spirituality. This could include listening to worship music or podcasts while commuting, praying during household chores, or reflecting on scripture during exercise. Intentionally integrating your faith into daily activities can help you stay connected with God even when life gets busy.

Resolutions with a Purpose: God-Centered Goal Setting

Resolutions with a Purpose: God-Centered Goal Setting

As the new year approaches, many of us take time to reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the year ahead. While it's common to focus on personal achievements or aspirations, creating God-centered resolutions can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. By anchoring our goals in prayer, scripture, and God’s guidance, we can align our ambitions with His will and experience the abundant life He promises.

Start with Prayer

The foundation of God-centered goal setting is prayer. Before deciding on your resolutions, take time to seek God’s wisdom and ask Him to reveal His plans for your life. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Through prayer, we invite God to direct our steps and refine our desires, ensuring that our resolutions reflect His purpose.

Root Your Goals in Scripture

Scripture provides timeless wisdom and guidance that can shape our goals. Consider verses like Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Let this verse inspire you to prioritize spiritual growth, such as deepening your prayer life, studying the Bible regularly, or serving in your local church.

For example, if you’re setting a health goal, pair it with 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This perspective transforms health goals from being solely about appearance to acts of stewardship and worship.

Surrender Your Plans to God

Proverbs 16:3 teaches us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Surrendering our resolutions to God means trusting Him with the outcome. It’s easy to get caught up in our own timelines and expectations, but God’s plans are always higher and better than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Be open to His redirection and rely on His strength to achieve your goals.

Be Specific and Action-Oriented

While it’s important to seek God’s guidance, it’s also helpful to create specific and actionable steps for your resolutions. For instance, instead of resolving to “be more generous,” commit to tithing regularly, volunteering monthly, or blessing a neighbor in need. Specific goals help you stay accountable and measure progress.

Pursue Growth Over Perfection

Remember that resolutions are about progress, not perfection. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.” When you fall short, don’t be discouraged. Use setbacks as opportunities to rely on God’s grace and grow in perseverance.

Reflect and Celebrate God’s Faithfulness

At the end of the year, take time to reflect on what God has accomplished through your resolutions. Celebrate His faithfulness and thank Him for the growth you’ve experienced. Psalm 145:13 declares, “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” Acknowledging His work deepens our gratitude and strengthens our faith for the future.

As you step into the new year, consider how your resolutions can glorify God and draw you closer to Him. By focusing on His will, you’ll not only achieve meaningful goals but also experience the joy and peace that come from walking in His purpose.

The Christmas star

The brightest star revealed just before Jesus’ birth, isn’t created for us to bask in its beauty; it is created to point us in a direction.

This star, though majestic and beautiful in its own radiant light, points to something greater.

That was exactly the role of the Star of Bethlehem. It leads to the Perfect Light, the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, and that’s exactly what we should do. We should be stars that guide others to Christ.

Matthew 2:1-2; 9-10— After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” NIV

Wishing you all the joys of a blessed and beautiful Christmas!

Cindy Dennis and the CDM Leadership Team

"On earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14 KJV