Resolutions to Change...

The New Year brings promises from individuals who want to set goals sometimes to off-set how they feel about what they did not accomplish in the previous one.  Sometimes things occur in the year that cause us to strive to do better or different as if the New Year brings a swiping of the etch-a-sketch and we all get a do-over.  Of course, there are some visions that make sure that before we actually start the New Year that we make sure the old one goes out with a bang.

There are several popular New Years resolutions out there - here is the top 10 from 2010.

• 1. Stop Smoking
• 2. Get into a Habit of being Fit
• 3. Lose Weight - the Battle of the Bulge
• 4. Enjoy Life More.
• 5. Quit Drinking
• 6. Organize Yourself - this is one of the keys to reaching your goals
• 7. Learn Something New
• 8. Get out of Debt
• 9. Spend More Time With Family
• 10. Help People.
• I've researched back for the past several years and in some way shape or form, they remain the same.  What do each of these resolutions say to you?  Are some of them on your list?
• The Bible says in Genesis 1:27 that "God created man in His own image".  Have you ever stopped to figure out then what God really looks like?  Is that a driving factor deep within us that says we must strive to change in order to be more like God?
• Here are some facts about resolutions:

1. Within 1 week 30% of New Years resolutions are broken.
2. Within 6 months more than 50% are broken.
3. By the end of the year, a mere 10% have stuck to their resolutions for the New Year.

Why do you think this might be?  Could it be that our priorities are out of whack?  Does it strike anyone as odd that "Get closer to Jesus" does not make the list?

Romans 3:23 says that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".  Maybe this hinders us from trying to get closer to God because we believe we will fail anyway.

However, God loves us and wants to be closer to us.  This was the reason for Jesus.  

We can get closer to Him.  

We can put him first.

We can resolve to change.

But in order for that change to take place, we must rely on God.  I once heard a joke that went like this - If you want to make God laugh, tell Him YOUR plans!!  

Philippians 4:13 says "I can do everything through him who gives me strength".  Notice it does not say one thing, many things, or some things.  It says I can do EVERYTHING.  Many Bibles translate this to say ALL things.  The point is that when we put our trust, faith, hope, and love in God, 

WE CAN DO ALL THINGS!!!

 This is only one part of the equation.  The next part is THROUGH HIM. This isn't when we feel like it or only when times are bad.  This means to do all things we must be with God because it is only with the strength, power, and love of God that we can achieve God's glorious plan for us.

My challenge to each of you is this:  

Resolve to put God first.  

Get closer to Jesus.  

Take time each day to have a conversation with God.  

Let him know your thoughts, worries, fears, doubts, and joys.  

Give Him praise for what he is doing in your life.  

Even in times of trouble, you can find God's goodness at work.

It is my belief that even if some (or all) of the things on the top 10 resolution list are on your list, if you resolve to develop a stronger relationship with God, you will be able to accomplish everything.  You may stumble, you may falter, but when God is standing with you, what can stand against you?

As we look to the New Year, I pray for great blessings to each of you.  May you find strength to persevere through the trials of the enemy.  May you find the love of our Lord to wrap you and shield you.  God loves you and so do I.

Pastor Jim 

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