Pastor's Corner - Resolutions

Dear Friends,
At this time of the year, I usually start thinking about New Year's Resolutions that I probably won't keep...but I REALLY want to. I do believe that Christmas and the approach of a new year is a great time to start thinking about spiritual disciplines that you will cultivate for yourself and your family. I would love to give you some ideas below to help you and your family grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
  1. Start family devotions.  Perhaps you have never done this and it is intimidating to you. To help you get started, if you have older children, simply start a book of the Bible and try to read one chapter 2-3 evenings per week after dinner. If you have smaller children, consider reading through one of the many excellent children's Bible story books out there.
  2. Start reading your Bible. I bet you've tried this before in the New Year. How many times have you read through Genesis 1 through 12? Consider an alternate Bible ready and Bible study plan. Click here for an excellent 30-day reading through the Bible plan. Perhaps you want to go a little deeper? Consider studying the book of Romans for yourself - here is an excellent commentary to get you started. And if you want to go even deeper, start memorizing Scripture. Here is a plan to get you started.
  3. Go to church more regularly. Let's face it, we all have stuff and things going on that are battling for our attention and affections every week. One of the first thing to go is weekly worship. What better way to keep in fellowship with the Triune God than attending worship every week? And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
  4. Cut something out of your schedule. I am convinced that we are all driving ourselves crazy busy. Kevin DeYoung wrote an excellent book about this. What do you need to take out of your schedule this year in order to cultivate a closer relationship with Jesus.
  5. Add something to your schedule. This is not a good way to end a list but I just listed some things you should start doing so maybe one of these things should be considered? Try this: get up 30 minutes earlier to read and study your Bible. This may mean you need to go to bed 30 minutes earlier.  Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:8 ESV)
Let me know if I can help you with any of these things. This will be my last Pastor's Corner for the year - see you next year! Merry Christmas!
By His grace and to His praise, your pastor,
Wilson
Worship Notes: December 20, 2015
  • This Sunday we will continue in our Advent Sermon Series, The Songs of Christmas: The Simeon's Song, Luke 2:22-35
  • In preparation for the sermon: "The baby Jesus was and is God's salvation." ~ R. Kent Hughes
  • A new hymn for the week: Fullness of Grace
  • Click here for this week's bulletin.
  • We are podcasting! Catch up on sermons on iTunes.

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