Weekly Devotion from Pastor Bryan White or Youth Pastor Ben Blackburn

New Year's Resolutions
 
As we come upon the new year, it is a great time to reflect upon our life. Looking at life in a set time frame, like a year, can really help us measure where we are compared with where we've come from. It would be great for all of us to consider some realistic, measurable goals for our Christian life in the next year.
 
I recently read that 80-85% of those who make a New Year's resolution don't keep it. Therefore, why should we even bother to make goals or commitments to the Lord for the coming year? The difference should be two-fold. First, Christ should be our motive for change.(Phil 1:21) When He is, the motive won't run out in a few weeks or months. Your desire to change has to remain stronger than the desire of complacency and the only way to ensure that is to let your changes be based on what God desires for your life.
 
Second, we must rely on the power of God. Most resolutions that are made depend on working harder or trying more. Let yours depend on God working through you to make you more like Him. Remember John 15:5 says "without Me ye can do nothing." That verse is pretty exclusive! If it's not God working though you then it isn't anything that pleases Him, no matter how spiritual it looks or how good it makes you feel.
 
Have a great day and Happy New Year!
 
Ben Blackburn