The week after Christmas and before all of the New Year celebrations is usually a time of reflection and planning. As I sit at my desk preparing to finish this year and plan for the next, I wanted to share with you some resolutions to consider to help us grow spiritually in the new year.
First, make a commitment to grow together in community. In our busy, fast-paced lives the need to connect with others, to explore our faith, to create intimacy with one another becomes even more important.
The writer of Hebrews understood the importance of community and writes this in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Church and small groups help us stay true to what we say and reminds us that we are not alone. We have small group studies each Sunday at 10am and worship at 11am. We have a prayer ministry that meets every Tuesday at 7pm. We will begin our Wednesday Night Bible studies soon in the New Year. We have a men’s group that meets each month – you get the idea. Let’s connect more this year.
Second, reduce the noise in your life. One of the best ways to focus your heart on God and to spend quiet time with Him is through a daily devotion. Matthew 6:33 urges us to “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Again, in today’s fast-paced society, where it seems like everyone and everything is screaming for our attention, reducing the noise, will take effort. But, it is worth it. Learn to sit quietly before the Lord. Begin the day with prayer and meditation and leave the texts and e-mails alone. They’ll be there later.
Third, and this may actually help with number two above but, commit to reading the Bible. As Christ followers, we base not just our lives, but our eternities on the Bible. Much of who we are is formed around the words that make up this book that is, “alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…” as described in Hebrews 4:12. If we desire to know more of God, to experience a more intimate relationship with him in this new year, then we must learn from Him.
This year, I want to encourage you to join us in our Bible Study Plan. We are going through the New Testament. The study we will be using is ownit365 New Testament +, and it is free on the bible.com app. Of course, you can use any study you wish. My desire is to see our whole church involved in the practice of daily Bible reading and devotion.
I know that there are many other resolutions we can make – health, finances, family, etc… however, I wanted to get you thinking and focusing on what God is doing in your lives.