Newness of Life With Bragging Rights.

  Have you ever heard it said, "Nobody likes a braggard."?
  It is certainly mostly true.  Certain athletes, especially select professional ones, have an extreme braggard, boasting mentality.  Hollywood lives on and breathes boastfulness.  It can be seen in the ritzy neighborhoods of Scottsdale, and the small towns of quiet north Alabama. And the mindset can creep into any life, if one is not careful to keep it in check.  We are warned that pride becomes before a fall, and ultimately, destruction (see Proverbs 16:18).
  But as I think about newness of life, there is a boasting that will help us to travel well through the sometimes rough roads of life. 

  Jeremiah 9:24 lets us know:

"But let him who glories, glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.  For in these I delight says the LORD."

   So, here it is, that we see that we can boast in Him.  Let the world know how awesome He is.  Let the world know of His amazing grace, what He has done.
  It is clear that we begin by beginning to know and understand God, as He has revealed Himself.  This comes by keeping the main things as priorities in front of you.
  Number 1 - Spending time reading and studying the Bible, so that you can know Him better and also be able to share what you know of Him and are learning about Him.
  Number 2 - Spending time in prayer, treasuring quality time in His presence.
  These two things are top priorities, and sharing the Good News and helping others to be disciples naturally coincide and follow.
  We can never keep to ourselves what we know God has done, what He is doing, and what He has promised to do.  And as we align ourselves with His will, He delights in us.
  "Repentance, faith, prayer, and righteous living all please God because they are expressions of love.  That's the overarching principle.  Whenever you express your love to Him- whether by words of praise or by acts of obedience- you bring Him joy.
  Doesn't it thrill you to know that the God of the universe delights in you? It should!  Let that realization motivate you to find as many ways as possible to bring Him joy today." - John MacArthur

  He also tells us this:

  "Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4

  Please also know that whatever gifts and delights He has given to us should be used, and used for His glory and honor.
  Ask Him to give you pleasure in your relationship with Jesus.  And take the talents He has graciously given and bring Him glory with them.
 
  So, let us boast with wise boasting - which is proclaiming that we are His and known and loved by Him.

A prayer:
  Dear Father, please let me see any things that I boast in myself, and submit them back to you, knowing your gifts are to honor you alone.  Please let me treasure time with You in your Word and in prayer more than ever before.  I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.