Resolutions

How many of you have made a “Resolution” for this year?  It always fascinates me to see the things people resolve to do as the calendars change over: weight loss, education, personal habits improved… all of these things are wonderful goals, but have you considered a SPIRITUAL resolution?
 
Paul writes his prayer for the church in Colossians 1:
 
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;  being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
 
I’m sure that all of us can look at this passage and see areas in our own lives that could use some improvement.  As we begin this coming calendar year, this is my prayer for all of you… that your habits and preferences increasingly align with a lifestyle and thinking that reflects the Gospel.  In effect, that you walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.  If you are looking for some resolutions to help you in that, here are some suggestions!
 
1. Read through the Bible in a Year.  There is no better way to align our thinking and behavior to God’s will than to read His word!  You can find a great One-Year reading plan here that is chronological and at a very reasonable pace.  You can find the plan here
 
2. Commit to Praying every day.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us that we should pray without ceasing, but if we are honest it can be hard to have meaningful prayers each day.  Commit to pray once a day in a focused, intentional way for five minutes.  If you need help guiding your prayers so they don’t feel forced, I highly recommend Donald Whitney’s book Praying the Bible.  You can find it as low as $7, and it an excellent resource for any library! You can buy 
 
3. Make fellowship a priority.  Hebrews 10:25 gives us a strong command to treasure, and not forsake, the regular gathering of believers.  With today’s culture, I’m fully aware that Sundays are no longer left alone by employers, schools, sports teams, and community events.  Even so, do not let those things become more important than gathering with other believers.  You may be able to get excellent teaching from your favorite YouTube preaching channel, but you are missing out on one of God’s great gifts to you… the church
 
I hope you all have a great year in 2020, but even more I hope that you grow in wisdom, knowledge, and discernment as you become more like Christ!
 
For His Glory,
-Pastor Zach