"Resolutions For The New Year

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION:

INTRODUCTION

Can you believe that this year is over? As a New Year is about to begin, I am reminded of the fact that we are one year older and our end is one year closer. I look at last year and ask myself questions. Did I do all I could to serve my Lord, am I any closer to Him. Has my relationship improved any?

Does anyone make resolutions? I found this list on the internet, it’s called; ‘7-UPS for the New Year.’ No, this has nothing to do with the soft drink. These 7-UPS fall under the heading of attitudes and actions.

‘7-UPS for the New Year.’ No, this has nothing to do with the soft drink. These 7-UPS fall under the heading of attitudes and actions.

The first is WAKE UP–Begin the day with the Lord. It is His day. Rejoice in it.

· We can waste it away by sitting around and worrying about the things we failed to accomplish last year, or the mistakes we made through out the year. OR

The second is DRESS-UP–Put on a smile. It improves your looks. It says something about your attitude.

The third is SHUT-UP–Watch your tongue. Don’t gossip. Say nice things. Learn to listen.

· We can decide to make the most of this New Year that God has granted us.

The fourth is STAND-UP–Take a stand for what you believe. Resist evil. Do good.

The point I want to get across is, whatever we’re going to do with our lives this year, we had better get on the move because time is moving on. Time is not going to sit still until we can make up our mind about what we are going to do. One other point that I want to make is, if we’re not doing something with our lives it really doesn’t matter how long the year is or how much time we have left in the year.

Five, LOOK-UP–Open your eyes to the Lord. After all, He is your only Savior.

Six, REACH-UP–Spend time in prayer with your adorations, confessions, thanksgivings and supplications to the Lord.

So what are we going to do with 2018? How will this year be any different than last year? How many of us would like 2018 to be better than 2017?

And finally, LIFT-UP–Be available to help those in need–serving, supporting, and sharing.

So what are we going to do with 2018? How will this year be any different than last year? How many of us would like 2018 to be better than 2017? Do we have any personal goals set? Are you one that doesn’t set goals, because you don’t want to fail? We, as Christians, should have goals.

****Our goal for the new year should be to encourage each other, to reach out to this community, and to make better use of the time we have left, and to prepare us for the worship of our Lord and the work we need to do for Him.

left, and to prepare us for the day of reckoning that awaits us. Let's

Let's begin, then, by asking...

begin, then, by asking...

I. IN THE PAST YEAR HAS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND CHRIST IMPROVED?

A. HAS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND CHRIST IMPROVED?

A. Have we drawn nearer to Christ, and in doing so, drawn nearGod?

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

ye double minded.

your hearts, ye double minded.

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

hearts, ye double minded.

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

2. Bearing in mind that a close relationship depends upon good

ye double minded.

B. Bearing in mind that a close relationship depends upon good

communication...

1. Have we been faithful in listening to God through His Word? Another year has gone by; did we read through the Bible this year?

1) Another year has gone by; did we read through the Bible

this year?

2. If not, and especially if we never have, can we honestly

say that we are taking our relationship with God seriously?

seriously?

3. Have we been steadfast in talking to God through prayer?

Good communication requires two way communication, therefore fervent Bible study should be joined with fervent prayer

2) Therefore fervent Bible study should be joined with

fervent prayer

3. Has our degree of prayerfulness increased or decreased

this year?

II. HAS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BRETHREN IMPROVED?

A. Has our love for one another increased this year?

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

4:9-10

9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

2. Are we any closer to one another than we were a year ago?

B. Are we any closer to one another than we were a year ago?

1. As people of God, we have an important responsibility toward those around us and in the world.

b. E.g., have any of them been in our homes?

3. Do we even know who our brethren are?

a. Each year brings new members into the family of God

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if

b. Have we made the effort to know them? Even by name?

1. As people of God, we have an important responsibility toward

the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

those in the world.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

a. To be a positive influence ("You are the salt of the

earth") Do we try to be a positive influence?

b. To demonstrate a better way ("You are the light of the

world") Do you let your light shine?

2. Have we made progress this year in developing meaningful

relationships with people in the world thru missions? We support several missions, could we do better? Could we do better individually?

a. So the light of Christ can be seen in our lives.

b. So the gospel of Christ can be communicated to them.

3. Or are we like most "neighbors" in this day and age...

a. Living next to each other, but not really knowing each

other? This is a small town, are all the residents known by church members? I know that I do not know everyone, but I am going to try to at least be familiar with everyone. Not force myself or the church on anyone, but make them aware that the church loves them and is available.

b. Have we forgotten the lost art of “hospitality"?

"Another year has gone by; have we made good use of the time the Lord has given us, or have we wasted it?"

year has gone by; have we made good use of the time the Lord has given

us, or have we wasted it?"

It is likely that all of us in some degree have not made good use of

the past year. But at this point, let's apply the words of Paul:

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one

thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal

for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

****With this verse in mind, let us look at some resolutions that we could make for ourselves as a child of God...]

resolutions...]

III. FOR THE YEAR AHEAD, RESOLVE TO DRAW NEARER TO GOD AND CHRIST...

A. RESOLVE TO DRAW NEARER TO GOD AND CHRIST...

A. By having a daily reading program of God's living and abiding

Word -

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1. Read the Old Testament this year - cf. ; ;

1. Read the Old Testament this year.

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

2. Read the New Testament also - ;

2. Read the New Testament also;

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

B. By being diligent in prayer.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.B. By being diligent in prayer.

B. By being diligent in prayer.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1. Let's be a thankful people - cf. ;

1. Let's be a thankful people;

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

2. Perhaps Daniel's custom of praying three times daily would

17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.2. Perhaps Daniel's custom of praying three times daily would

2. Perhaps Daniel's custom of praying three times daily would

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.2. Perhaps Daniel's custom of praying three times daily would

be worthy of emulation ;

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

IV. FOR THE YEAR AHEAD, RESOLVE TO BECOME CLOSER TO THE BRETHREN...

A. This Applies More to me, By making it a point to learn

every one's name.

but I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

1. Get a directory

14 but I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

1. Get out and get to know people, Get a directory.

2. Each week, connect a couple of names and faces until you

learn them all

B. By inviting people over for coffee or just to get to know them.

Or by visiting a different person or family each month

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1. It doesn't have to be a fancy dinner

1. It doesn't have to be an elaborate gathering, just a simple visit

2. Just a simple visit to become better acquainted

to become better acquainted

C. Become closer by visiting a different person or family each month, if you can.

1. It might not always be convenient to have people in your

home

2. But you can arrange to visit them in their home (if you are

alone, take someone with you) We will be glad to go with you.

V. FOR THE YEAR AHEAD, RESOLVE TO GET TO KNOW NON- CHRISTIANS BETTER...

A. By having one neighbor or co-worker in your home each

month.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

B. Or by visiting or calling one neighbor or co-worker each month.

1. It doesn't have to be a fancy meal or formal visit, just a phone call or a drop-by minute visit to let them know you think of them.

2. It is amazing how far simple hospitality and neighborly kindness can go to build meaningful relationships In which opportunities can be created to share the gospel

kindness can go...To build meaningful relationships In which opportunities can be created to share the gospel

1) To build meaningful relationships

2) In which opportunities can be created to share the

gospel

CONCLUSION:

These resolutions may sound simplistic; but if implemented, they go a long way to producing the kind of lifestyle that is becoming of Christians. They will develop closer relationships with God, our brethren, and the lost. That will bless our lives and be a blessing to the church and our community

1. These resolutions may sound simplistic; but if implemented, they go

a long way to producing the kind of lifestyle that is becoming of Christians.

a. To producing the kind of lifestyle that is becoming of Christians

b. To increasing closer relationships with God, our brethren, and

the lost.

That will bless our lives

2) And be a blessing to the church and our community

So, how do we make resolutions that make the best of our time and that please God? By God’s grace. Through faith in God’s power. For God’s glory.

c. To create a clearer conscience next year at this time

Time is short, a precious commodity, given to us by God...

By God’s grace.Through faith in God’s power.For God’s glory. c. To create a clearer conscience next year at this time

2. Time is a precious commodity, given to us by God...

Life is truly like a vapor.

13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? hIt is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

b. That needs to be carefully redeemed - cf.

That needs to be carefully redeemed - cf.

Time is a precious commodity and needs to be carefully redeemed

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

-- I hope that these suggestions for resolutions for a new year will

I hope and pray that we take our role in God’s plan very seriously, and I hope that these suggestions for resolutions for a new year will

help us in making us better !

Finally, let me share with you the following poem...

"A New Year, A New Beginning"

The old year ends, a new begins With pages clean and new;

With pages clean and new;

And what is written on each page will now depend on you.

will now depend on you.

You can't relive the year that's past, Erasing every wrong;

Erasing every wrong;

For once a year - or day - is spent, It is forever gone.

It is forever gone.

But don't give up in dark despair If you have failed some test;

If you have failed some test;

Seek God's forgiveness and resolve Henceforth to do your best.

Henceforth to do your best.

Resolve each precious day to do Things good and kind and pure;

Things good and kind and pure;

Though days and years may pass away, These things shall still endure.

These things shall still endure.

You know not where your path may lead Nor what's beyond the hill;

Nor what's beyond the hill;

But know that God walks at your side, If you will do His will.

If you will do His will.

All things are possible with God, Though days be bright or dim;

Though days be bright or dim;

So do your best and know that you Can leave the rest to Him.

Can leave the rest to Him.

- Author Unknown

If you are not a Christian, or you are a child of God who has strayed

from the Lord, you need to make the best use of the time you have now...

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured* thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

*Assistance or support in times of hardship and distress.

to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: `In an

*Assistance or support in times of hardship and distress.

acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation

I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold,

now is the day of salvation."

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