This is the first week of a brand new year. For many, 2021 was a disappointing year, and they would just as soon put it behind them. What kind of year will 2022 turn out to be? Will it be notably better? Maybe. A lot will depend upon what kind of choices we make in the new year. Replacing an old calendar with a new one will not necessarily change your life.
What kind of priorities will you set? What kind of roads will your travel? Too often, we follow 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 definitely help us arrive at the right destination.
Christian Growth
Bible: How about reading through the entire Bible, or a significant part of it, in 2022?
Fellowship: You will not prosper spiritually by yourself. Does a person have to attend church to be saved? No! But it is not a salvation issue; it is a Christian growth one. I have seen few people survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. God made us to grow through relationships. We need one another. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Personal Growth
Health: Are you making healthy choices with what you eat and how you live? No, you don’t need to become a health fanatic, but we are to be good stewards of everything we have, including our bodies.
Learning: Read a helpful book. Fill your mind with good nutrition. Be a life-long learner.
For most of us, the issue is Discipline. We need to move beyond desires and intentions to actually doing it. I have often heard that seven times establishes a pattern. Set new patterns. Follow new roads. Start this week. Start today!
I received the following some time ago. It is a good reminder for the New Year.
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 I’m loved.
This Sunday, January 9, we will begin a new 3-week teaching series about Habits (Who Before Do, Starting, Stopping). Please join us 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). It will also be uploaded later that afternoon here to our website.
Coming Up: Our 1st Drive-Through Prayer outreach for 2022 is this Saturday from 1-3pm. The annual Week of Prayer (and fasting) will take place January 9-15. The “Joy of Belonging” membership classes happen January 9-30. Whether you are a long-time member or just curious about what membership means, these classes are for you.
Aloha ke Akua!