New Years Resolutions

It's that time of year again. We're going to lose weight, exercise more, get out of debt, stick to a budget, save for
the future and spend more time with family. We make resolutions because we want to improve ourselves and our quality of life. And the top resolutions, for most people, tend to revolve around the same three subjects: money, health and family.
 
But what would a set of New Year's resolutions look like for you from the church, for your role as a faith leader, or simply as someone who wants to live a more Spirit filled life? Here are several ideas to consider for your New Year’s Resolutions from First Presbyterian Church.
 

1. Pray more. Ephesians 6:18 says, “pray at all

times in the Spirit. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”  Here is another great quote: “Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it,” ~ Corrie Ten Boom.  
 

1. Invest in your spiritual gift(s). “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you….Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that every-one may see your progress” (I Timothy 4:14-15, NIV). We are all given gifts some for teaching, some for deliberating, some for creating, some for caring and there are many more. You are unique. You have a special God-given talent. You know what it is. Don’t keep it a secret. Develop it. Take a class about it.  Read a book or articles about it. Then share it.  

 
 

1. Make the tough decisions you know are best.   

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).  We all have patterns of behavior which prevent us from living more fully.  Decide now to prune back and get ready for new growth in the New Year. 
 

1. Build deeper relationships. Love people, not

 just crowds or memories.  “If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy, but don't love,
I'm nothing, but the creaking of a rusty gate.”
(I Corinthians 13:1, Message). God has given you special people in your life. This may be your family, but it also may be a very special group of friends. This is your community. It is precious. Take time to build those relationships. Make them even stronger. Create a new memory together. It will last a lifetime.  
 
5. Stay focused on the vision. “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe giving to each other as each had a need…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God.” (Acts 2:42-47, NIV). Having a glad and sincere heart is the vision of daily living our church has for you. 
 
May you have a blessed New Year!
 
                                                      Rev. Trey Hegar