“It’s a new year”
(cont...)

Do you have a list of New Year's resolutions?  You may want to get fit in the year 2009.  (I am always amazed at how active the athletic club is the first few weeks after new years.)  You may have a goal to pay off some debt that has been hanging over your head.  You may have an objective to study a certain topic so you are going to take a class on it the community college.  This may be the year you are going to do something with your yard.  (Boy, have I said that for a few years…maybe this year).

          There are a variety of New Years Resolutions you may work on for this coming year, but, here are four resolutions I read about recently, that I trust will change your life.

 1.      Seek to reconcile a broken relationship.

         You have heard me say it many times, and that is because it is true,   "It is not about the championship but the relationship."  Relationships are the most important thing in life; our relationship with God, and our relationship with one another.  The New Testament provides many principles, guidelines, and commands as it relates to one another.    One of which is: Eph 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

        Is there somebody you need to be kind and compassionate to?  How about forgiveness; is there someone you need to forgive?  You may need to go to that person and offer your forgiveness or ask for their forgiveness, and then do something kind for them.

        Do your best to reconcile any broken relationships.   (Romans 12:18; 14:19)

2.      Do something helpful for someone else that you don't want to do.

       You and I live in a gratification-orientated society.  If it feels good, do it.  Jesus calls us to live a different kind of life.  It is being focused on others, even when we don't feel like it or it is not convenient.   Jesus gave us a great example of this by washing the disciple's feet. (John 13)  I am sure washing feet was not the most pleasant of experiences—especially after

trapsing around in the desert.  Jesus washed their feet, however, as an example of serving others.

        There are fewer activities that get our minds off of ourselves and on to others, than when we serve others.  It is amazing how this works.  As you go to serve others,  you are blessed and encouraged yourself.   As we begin this new year, look to see where you can serve others. I know Community Meals  can always use some help.

 3.      Share your story of faith with someone.

       Although it can be a bit "scary", there is nothing more exhilarating than sharing your faith.  This does not mean you have to preach a  3-point outline for 40 minutes; it just means you are willing to share what God has done and is doing in your life.  It could be as short as one minute, or as long as several hours. The key to being able to share your faith is developing friendships with those who do not know Christ. Many  times people do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.   When they know you care it is a natural opportunity to share your faith.

        Write down three people you would like to share your faith with, and then begin to pray for them. Look for natural opportunities, and pray for boldness, and wisdom.

 4.      Give God the part of your life that you've never given before.

       If you have an area of your life that you need to give to God, it is usually that one area that we least want to give to the Lord.

        For example, a rich man asked Jesus what it took to have eternal life.  Jesus didn't tell him to go do a bunch of good things.  He didn't say, "Drop to your knees and worship me."  He didn't even share the “Romans Road” spiritual truths.  He simply told the rich man to do what God had told him to do.  When the rich man wanted to know the details, Jesus told him to give up his riches and follow Him.

        Why?  Because that's what he held on to the most.   God wants whatever you treasure the most because He want BE what you treasure the most.  Find a tangible way this year to show God you are giving up what you treasure.  If your car or home is what you treasure the most, begin to use them as tools to serve God.

Have a Happy New Year,

Pastor Steve