Happy New Year

What does the Bible say about making resolutions?  You won’t find, verbatim, the answer to this question.  There are 2 verses however, that we can associate with resolution making.  The first comes from Romans 7:18 and says, “I know that good doesn’t live in me – that is, in my body.  The desire to do good is inside of me, but I can’t do it.”  (CEB)

So, as we look at each of these on the list, bear this in mind.   We will look at the second verse in closing.

Today we will look at 10 ways you can make spiritual resolutions rather than ones like, I am going to work out more or I will lose 10 pounds this month. Resolutions such as these or things like resolving to de-clutter, make better financial decisions and the like set us up for failure.  Researchers suggest that only about 9% of Americans that make resolutions keep them.   Instead, make your resolution this year to strengthen your relationship with God.

Here are 10 Ways to do this:

1.       Improve your prayer life – if you are not used to having prayer time you may want to begin by praying each morning when you get up, or while you’re brushing your teeth.  Start with 5 minutes and every few days add 5 more, then another 5 minutes until you find yourself going to Him more and more.

2.       Read your Bible this year –find a Bible reading plan that works for you and read it through this year.

3.       Help others – Helping others is part of the Christian walk.  Faith produces works.

4.       Get involved in church – Are you involved in what the church offers?  Regular or special meetings or events?

5.       Become a better steward – Do you tithe?  Could you?  We are called to be good stewards and cheerful givers.

6.       Use a devotional – A devotional helps you apply Biblical concepts in your everyday life.  Many are available or ask your Pastor for advice.

7.       Plant seeds of faith – Make it a goal this year to talk to a certain number of people about your faith.  Remember that we are only commissioned to plant the seed.  God will complete the harvest.

8.       Get to know your parents/children better – God commands that we honor our mothers and fathers.  Do things with them and share your life with them.

9.       Go on a mission trip – From the spiritual preparations to working on the trip, God works through you and in you as you see people eager to hear about Christ.

10.   Bring someone to church – Simple idea but it takes a lot of courage to ask a friend to come to church with you! Christians often have difficulty asking non-Christian friends as faith is very personal.  Many Christians would not have come to Christ without that one friend’s invitation to church.

Some of these may seem daunting and you may think you could never do one or the other of these items, but our 2nd of the scripture verses reminds us how we CAN!  Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do ALL things through Jesus who gives us strength!

Here is a simple prayer for the New Year that you may want to use as 2024 begins.

Gracious God, we come before you seeking renewal in the New Year. Renew our minds, our hearts, and our spirits. May we be transformed by the power of your Holy Spirit, leaving behind the old and embracing the new that you have in store for us.

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