What kind of year will 2024 turn out to be? Will it be better than last year? Maybe. But much will depend on what choices you make in the New Year. Replacing the old calendar with a new one won’t necessarily change your life. What kind of priorities will you set? Too often we travel the same roads over and over, and then wonder why we don’t arrive at a different destination. To arrive at the right destination, we need to make sure we are on the right road. The following roads (priorities) will help you arrive at the right destination.
Christian Growth
For most of us, the issue is Discipline. We need to move beyond desires and intentions to actually doing what we know we need to do. Start this week, start today. I’ve heard seven times establishes a pattern. Try it with these.
Bible: How about reading through the entire Bible, or a significant part of it, in 2024?
Prayer: Are you setting aside time each day to be with your Heavenly Father (Luke 10:38-42)?
Worship: Do you have a song of praise in your heart each day (Psalm 150)? Give Him all the praise!
Finances: Be sure to honor the Lord with your giving. We do not want to steal from Him (Malachi 3:8-10).
Fellowship: You will not prosper spiritually by yourself. Do we have to attend church to be saved? No! But it is not a salvation issue; it is a Christian growth one. Few people survive, let alone thrive, on their own. God created us to grow through relationships: with Him and with others. We need one another (Hebrews 10:25).
Personal Growth
Health: Are you making healthy choices with what you eat and how you live? You don’t need to become a health fanatic, but we are called to be good stewards of everything we have, including our bodies.
Learning: Read a helpful book. Fill your mind with good things (Philippians 4:8-9). Be a life-long learner.
Have you seen this poem? (Attributed by “Chicken Soup for the Christian Family Soul” to Carol Wimmer.) It’s a good thought for the New Year, for each and every day.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting “I am Saved!” I’m whispering “I was lost!” That is why I chose His way.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak of this with Pride. I’m confessing that I stumble, needing God to be my guide.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be Strong. I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of Success. I’m admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be Perfect. My flaws are too visible, but God believes I’m worth it.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of Pain. I have my share of heartaches which is why I seek His Name.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to Judge. I have no authority. I only know that I am loved.
All thanks and praise to Jesus Christ who has redeemed us from Satan’s power and continues to transform us into His own image (Romans 8:28-29). He lavishes us with mercy and lovingkindness, and His compassions are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). He has given us authority over the enemy, and we rest in His amazing grace and unconditional love (1 John 3:1-3). We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:35-39).
Are you choosing “First Things First” (Joshua 24:15)? Make Jesus Christ your 1st priority every day this year. Please invite someone to join you this Sunday at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We livestream every Sunday to both locations.
The “Joy of Belonging” classes for current and new members continue this Sunday, January 14, in the 9:30am Adult Bible Class. If you are interested in, or simply curious about, membership, this series of four classes is for you.
On Sunday, February 4, everyone is invited to stay for an “ono-licious” Lunch in the Fellowship Hall. (No need to bring anything for the meal; everything will be provided.) After the lunch, all members are invited and encouraged to stay for our Annual Meeting of the congregation as we rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness. Please don’t miss it!
Aloha ke Akua!
Comments