Happy New Year!
An old adage suggests, “Aim at nothing and you’re bound to hit it!”
I am afraid that statement is, for many, a reality. An aimless, pointless existence is no doubt a great contributor to the depression and anxiety that plagues 21st century society. Sadly, that same malady is found in the lives of many professing Christians.
On Sunday I shared Ten New Year’s Resolutions with my church family I hope you might consider adopting as your own. The first five are Spiritual Resolutions; the latter five are Personal Resolutions.
Five Spiritual Resolutions for 2018…I resolve to:
Read God’s Word daily (Psalm 1:2; 119:11, 15-16; 2 Timothy 2:15)
Psalm 1:2 – But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Live a holy, consecrated life (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:19-22)
Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Be unwavering in my faith and walk with the LORD (Hebrews 10:23)
Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised😉
Love, serve, and encourage others (Hebrews 10:24)
Hebrews 10:24 – And let us consider one another [give continuous care] to provoke [to incite; prod; stimulate] unto love [agape’] and to good works [honest labor]:
Make congregational worship a priority for my family (Hebrews 10:25)
Hebrews 10:25 – Not forsaking [leaving or neglecting] the assembling [gathering] of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day [Second Coming of Christ] approaching.
Five Personal Resolutions for 2018…I resolve to:
To be a better steward of my life, body, and health – To lose weight; Eat healthier (i.e. eat less; eat nutritional foods)Exercise regularly
Read more and watch less TV (Romans 12:2)
To be less involved on social media and more involved in people’s lives
To “love my neighbor” and show compassion for lost souls (Luke 10:27; Galatians 5:14)
In summary, to be more Christlike (Matthew 5:3-16; Romans 13:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
With the heart of a shepherd,
Pastor Travis D. Smith
Copyright 2018 – Travis D. Smith