John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Think

A new year is an opportunity for positive change.  We put a plan of action in place and begin strong with a great outlook.  Unfortunately, we soon realize that there are forces in the world that would rather see us fail at our attempt for a new and improved life. We try to do things differently and even think differently. However, there is something that keeps reminding us of what we are trying to change from.  It's as though negative labels are being hurled at us at every step. The negative labels can become so daunting and so consuming that we begin to believe them and turn away from the pursuit of positive change. But Jesus gave us the way to remove negative labels! It is only through a relationship with Him that those negative labels can be removed and true positive change can be made. Only through Jesus can we truly realize positive change in our lives and have life to the full. Allow Him to remove the negative labels from your life and replace them with life-giving labels such as love, joy, kindness, forgiveness, hope, and generosity.

Act

As a follower of Christ, many of the labels Jesus has for us can be defined as the "Fruit of The Spirit" found in Galatians 5:22-23. Take a minute to read them and ask God to show you opportunities to use and grow these life-giving labels in you throughout the year.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that you sent your Son, Jesus, so that I might have life and have it to the fullest. Help me to trust You and allow You to remove the negative labels from my life. Help me to receive the life-giving labels You want to replace them with. In Jesus' name, Amen.