January 6, 2010

A True New Year In a few days another year will be behind us. At
midnight, December 31 we will cross the threshold into a new year and a
new decade. Will your new year really be new?

For a new year to be truly new, something more than the changing of
numbers on a calendar must happen. If something doesn't change in us,
the year to come will be much the same as the one that will soon pass.

As you get ready for a new year, what kind of things need to change in
you for the new year to really be new?

Here is a short checklist of things that have to change if our new year
is going to be truly new:

Ways of thinking about life and others.
All too often we develop thought patterns and processes about life and
others that torment us and bring unnecessary pain to our relationships.
When our minds are poisoned with "stinking thinking," we will never be
happy. A healthy mind makes a peaceful and happy life.

... we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2
Corinthians 10:5

As you go into a new year, go after the thoughts that are unhealthy or
ungodly.

Attitudes.
What attitudes characterize your life? Are there any attitudes that keep
you from enjoying God's best and being your best for God? What
attitude-baggage do you need to leave behind if your new year is really
going to be new?

Maybe it's an attitude of ungratefulness? Perhaps you are ruled by a
spirit of competition, jealousy or resentment? It could a cynical or
critical attitude? It could be a destructive attitude of unsettledness
or double-mindedness that keeps you from giving your all where God has
placed you.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus ... -
Philippians 2:5

Make a decision to leave ugly, negative, unproductive attitudes behind
as you head into the new year.

Words.
Did you know that your words can make a huge difference in the joy and
usefulness of your life? What we say, to ourselves (self-talk) and to
others, actually impacts our destiny.

When our conversations are filled with cutting, destructive words or
doubt-filled, hopeless words we are sowing the wrong kind of seed, and
are sure to reap the wrong kind of harvest.

The tongue has the power of life and death ... - Proverbs 18:21

Decide to change the way you talk to yourself and to others this next
year. You will be amazed at the difference it makes.

Friends and influences.
What kind of friends and influences do you have in your life? Are they
helping you love God and people more? Are they helping you stay
committed to God's assignments in your life? Do they reinforce you in
your commitment to live faithfully for God? Are they truly a positive
influence in your life?

One of the toughest but most important changes we can make in life is to
disconnect from negative, destructive people and influences.

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." - 1 Corinthians
15:33

Do you need to make any relationship changes for your new year to really
be new?

Habits.
A habit is a way of thinking. living, acting, doing that is a regular,
usual, predictable and settled part of your life. Habits can be good or
bad; healthy or unhealthy.

To be the best for God and to experience the best of God, we need to
cooperate with Him by developing habits that draw us closer to Him.

Healthy and holy habits include regularly setting aside time for prayer
and the study of God's Word and church participation. It involves
growing as a giver. It involves cultivating habits of serving others. It
involves things like our diet, rest and physical exercise choices.

Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is
far more so, making you fit both today and forever. - 1 Timothy 4:8

As you head into a new year think about the habits God wants you to
change.


This new year can truly be new if you decide to adjust some key areas in
our lives. And the good news is, God is ready to help you!

Pastor Dale