Articles
Happy New Year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
When asked if New Year resolutions were still made, one individual responded, “No,
because I don’t believe in accountability.” I’m pretty sure it was said “tongue in cheek”, but I
can’t help but think there was a little truth mixed in as well. Resolutions are not emphasized as
they were at one time, but perhaps we have ditched them too soon. Whether considered at the
beginning of a new year or in the middle, it is a good thing to consider our lives and determine
what changes (for the better) need to be made (2 Corinthians 13:5).
In writing to the church in Philippi, the apostle Paul said, “To write the same things again
is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you” (Phil. 3:1). In the manner of the apostle, I
share with you the same “resolutions” I have shared in the past with the hope that each of us will
see the necessity of leaving our “status quo” behind and truly grow in the Lord.
Consider the following as challenges this year in your walk with the Lord:
1. Read the Bible everyday. We have provided in the bulletin a daily Bible reading schedule.
Some have chosen to use the Narrated Bible or some other schedule to help in this challenge.
Whatever you choose to use, set aside a time that will guarantee your success in reading your
Bible each day.
2. Spend time in prayer each day. Prayer is a vital part of a Christian’s life. If you are not
praying each day, begin. And be sure to pray for your spiritual walk with Christ, not just the
physical “needs”. When our spiritual lives are enriched, we will find less “physical” concerns
and find greater “spiritual” blessings (2 Corinthians 12:9-11).
3. Be in attendance each time we worship and study. Our worship each week is vital to our
spiritual welfare (Hebrews 10:23-25). Our worship will bring us closer to God and closer to each
other. Don’t allow the “world” to dictate when we can or can’t worship!
4. Be about saving one soul for Christ this year. This is not an option in the Christian life, but a
command given by the Lord (Matthew 28:19-20). What are you doing so as to be in compliance
with His command? My hope and prayer for the church this year is to see growth for the Lord,
whether in number or (and) spiritually, as each individual strives to serve Him! God bless us all
in this effort. ~P.Mowrer
