What kind of year will 2021 turn out to be? Will it be better than last year? Maybe. But a lot will depend on what kind of 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 definitely help you arrive at the right destination.
Christian Growth
The issue is Discipline. We need to move beyond desires and intentions to actually start Doing what we know we need to do. Start this week; start today. I’ve read that seven times establishes a pattern. Try it with the following.
Bible: How about reading through the entire Bible, or a significant part of it, in 2021?
Fellowship: You will not prosper spiritually by yourself. Does a person need to attend church to be saved? No. It is not a salvation issue; it is a Christian growth issue. Few people survive spiritually, let alone thrive, on their own. God created us to grow in Him through relationships. We need one another.
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 to be good stewards of everything we have, including our bodies.
Learning: Read a helpful book. Fill your mind with good substance that matters. Be a life-long learner.
Have you seen this insightful poem? It’s 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 am 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.
Jesus has given us authority over our spiritual enemy and we rest in His amazing grace and unconditional love.
This Sunday, January 17, we will continue our New Year’s emphasis with “My ‘Never Again’ List” (Philippians 3:12-14). There are habits in your life and words in your vocabulary that you need to let go in order to be able to Step Out in Faith to receive the Greater Things that He has promised you.
If you are not able to join us in person at 10:35am for worship, a video of the message will be uploaded later that day on our website (honoluluag.org), Facebook page (Honolulu AG) and YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly).
Important Update: The teaching on membership that was to be a separate New Members class will instead be taught to everyone during the Adult Bible Class each Sunday morning at 9:30am beginning this Sunday through February 7. For some, this will be new information; for others, it will be a refresher. Attendance of the class does not obligate you to become a member but is essential to becoming a member. (Note: The study in 2 Peter and Jude will continue on February 21. Classes for children and youth are also available at 9:30am.)
Aloha ke Akua!