Make New Year's Resolutions that Last
As a new year begins, so many of us reflect on changes we'd like to make and focus on resolutions to implement those changes. Whether it's losing weight, eating healthier, quitting a bad habit, or starting a new habit like exercise or flossing regularly--(as a dental hygienist, I appreciate that one!)--so many people focus on matters with temporal value rather than eternal significance.
While many of these are excellent ideas to incorporate, this life is just a small amount of time compared to eternity.
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For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8, CSB)
The most important new start we can make in this life is to start a new life in Christ Jesus through salvation in Him. This happens when we trust that Jesus took all of our sins to the cross and paid the full price for them. No amount of good works we do could ever save us. Because He rose from the dead, He defeated sin, death, and the devil forever. Through faith in His finished work, we, too, will live forever with Him in heaven.
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Have you come to this new life in Him? Do you trust ONLY in Jesus's work to save you, and not any merit of your own? (If you have any questions about this, please send me an email at: heather@goodportionpromises.com as I would love to hear from you and pray with you.)
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My challenge to you this year is to make at least one resolution that has eternal consequences, for you or someone you love.
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Here are some ideas to get you started:
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Spend time in God's Word every day. (Even if just a few minutes, this living truth will transform your heart and mind.)
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Attend a Bible-believing church weekly. (If you are physically able to attend, spending time with other believers can help you grow in your faith and be an encouragement to yourself and others.)
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Set aside a prayer time every day. (Spend time talking to God, sharing your heart with Him, confessing sins, asking Him for your needs and for the needs of others, asking for His guidance, praying for your unsaved friends and family to come to faith in Christ, and praising and thanking Him for all He has done.) If you need ideas for prayer books to help you get started or are looking for a new Bible, check out my favorites HERE!
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Share the Gospel with at least one person (per week, month, year, or whatever God lays on your heart.) Ask for opportunities and for courage to share your faith. This is definitely one that can have eternal impact!
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Memorize Scripture. (Hiding God's Word in your heart will mean you have ready access to truth whenever you need it.) Choose how often you would like to memorize, for example one verse per week/month, and set a goal for the year.
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Join a Bible Study. (Check your local church for offerings, or reply to this email for more suggestions of reputable online sources.)
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Start Volunteering. (Find a Christian ministry you are interested in supporting and set aside some time to help as you are able.)
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Invite a friend to church. (This one is an easy way to help someone hear the Gospel if you are timid about sharing it yourself.)
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This list is just a beginning and not all-inclusive by any means. My hope is that it sparks some ideas of your own. Pray and ask God what He would like you to do!
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By putting Him first in all we do, He makes sure that not only the material and temporal needs of this life are met through Him, but the eternal ones as well.
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But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33)
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Wishing You All God's Blessings,
Heather