Themes for 2010

Sunday, December 27, 2009

The beginning of each year is a good time to reflect on our lives and select some areas to start anew. A look at the most common New Year’s resolutions reported at http://www.usa.gov/ shows that most are in relation to physical things:

Lose Weight
Manage Debt
Save Money
Get a Better Job
Get Fit
Get a Better Education
Drink Less Alcohol
Quit Smoking
Reduce Stress Overall
Reduce Stress at Work
Take a Trip
Volunteer to Help Others

These are all worthy goals yet they do little to promote our spiritual welfare. We read in Joshua 24:15 that the faithful leader Joshua made a resolution, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This is such a simple statement, but it reveals the commitment Joshua had for living a God-filled life. We would all do well to resolve to live a life of service to God, wouldn't we!

Like 50% of Americans, every year I take stock of my life and decide on a few areas to improve. This year in lieu of writing behavior specific goals, such as, reading the Bible through, I am going to focus on a theme for 2010: a Purpose-filled Life. I look forward in the coming year to searching scripture, praying, reading books, soul-searching, and seeking counsel from others about what God purposes for my life. As part of my service to God, I want to share these strategies with others who are struggling to find meaning in life and to discover what God’s purpose is for their life.

I urge you to determine a theme for 2010 and ask God to show you how to live an intentional life during the coming year. You might consider some of these:

Treasure Hunting

Gratitude
Possibility Thinking
Positive Attitude
Choosing Happiness
Service

Or you might choose to follow Rev. Rick Warren's plan for spiritual growth:

G - Go to God in prayer daily.

R - Read God's Word daily.

O- Obey God moment by moment.

W - Witness for Christ by your life and words.

T - Trust God for every detail of your life.

H - Holy Spirit - Allow Him to control and empower your daily life and withness.

Remember those who have the greatest success with resolutions:

Write it.
Commit to it.
Share it.
Plan for it.
Evaluate it.
Celebrate it.

Have a blessed New Year!