What Changes Need You Make Based Upon Last Year by ‘Brother Bill’
Looking back and moving forward, a few biblical and general wisdom lessons stand out—especially ones that challenge us rather than just comfort us.
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1. Growth Often Comes Through Difficulty
Lesson learned: Hard seasons are not wasted; they shape character, faith, and maturity.
KJV verses that challenge us:
• James 1:2–4 –
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
• Romans 8:18 –
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Challenge: Don’t just ask God to remove difficulty—ask what He’s forming in you through it.
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2. Obedience Matters More Than Intention
Lesson learned: Wanting to do right isn’t the same as actually doing it.
KJV verses:
• 1 Samuel 15:22 –
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
• James 1:22 –
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Challenge: Faith shows up in daily choices, not just beliefs.
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3. Your Words and Thoughts Shape Your Life
Lesson learned: What we allow in our minds and speak with our mouths eventually directs our actions.
KJV verses:
• Proverbs 4:23 –
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
• Matthew 12:36 –
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Challenge: Be intentional about what you think, say, and consume.
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4. Time Is a Stewardship, Not a Guarantee
Lesson learned: Time moves quickly, and how we use it matters eternally.
KJV verses:
• Ephesians 5:15–16 –
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
• Psalm 90:12 –
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
Challenge: Don’t drift into the new year—walk into it with purpose.
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5. Humility Precedes True Growth
Lesson learned: God resists pride but strengthens the humble.
KJV verses:
• Proverbs 16:18 –
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
• James 4:10 –
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
Challenge: Let God shape you before asking Him to elevate you.
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6. Faith Requires Trust, Not Control
Lesson learned: We don’t grow by controlling outcomes but by trusting God with them.
KJV verses:
• Proverbs 3:5–6 –
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
• Hebrews 11:6 –
“But without faith it is impossible to please him.”
Challenge: Release control and walk forward in obedience, even when clarity is limited.
