Editor’s Note: These are excerpts from the sermon Donald Jacobs preached on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2023, at Christ Church Los Angeles
People like to make New Year’s resolutions, most of which are forgotten by the end of January. I heard something a couple of days ago. About 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions and only 20% of those who make them keep them. However, let me make some suggestions for resolutions that are centered around spiritual growth, service, and a deepening relationship with God.
Remember, these resolutions are not about perfection but about a continual journey of growth and reliance on God's grace. Tailor these goals to your personal circumstances and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance as you strive to live a life that honors Christ in the coming year.
1. Commit to Daily Bible Reading and Study:
Resolve to spend time in God's Word daily. Set a realistic goal for reading and studying the Bible, allowing the Scriptures to guide and shape your life.
2. Prioritize Prayer:
Make prayer a foundational part of each day. Dedicate specific times for prayer, seeking not only personal needs but also interceding for others and expressing gratitude to God.
3. Engage in Fasting, if you can without a negative impact on your physical health. You may want to check with your doctor before this one.
Consider incorporating fasting into your spiritual discipline. This practice can help deepen your dependence on God, enhance spiritual clarity, and cultivate self-discipline.
4. Practice Generosity:
Embrace a spirit of generosity by giving of your time, talents, and resources. This could involve volunteering, supporting charitable causes, or assisting those in need within your community.
5. Cultivate a Grateful Heart:
Develop an attitude of gratitude. Regularly reflect on God's blessings in your life and express thanks for His faithfulness, even in challenging circumstances.
6. Build Healthy Relationships:
Resolve to foster positive, uplifting relationships. Seek reconciliation where needed, forgive others as Christ forgave you, and surround yourself with individuals who encourage your faith.
7. Serve Others Selflessly:
Look for opportunities to serve others without expecting anything in return. Whether within our church, community, or beyond, strive to embody Christ's love through acts of service.
8. Embrace Holistic Wellness:
Recognize that your physical, mental, and emotional well-being are interconnected with your spiritual health. Take care of your body, cultivate a positive mindset, and manage stress through prayer and reliance on God.
9. Set Personal Growth Goals:
Identify areas of personal growth and commit to ongoing development. This could involve pursuing education, for you younger folk and even some of us senior sainte, developing new skills, or working on character traits that align with biblical values.
10. Share Your Faith:
Resolve to share your faith with others. Whether through conversations, acts of kindness, or intentional evangelism, let the light of Christ shine through your life.
11. Seek God's Guidance in Decision-Making:
Make a conscious effort to seek God's guidance in all aspects of your life. Pray before making significant decisions and trust that His wisdom will lead you on the right path.
The New Year is not just a transition; it is a spiritual milestone. As we surrender our plans to the Lord, set intentions rooted in His Word, embrace divine resilience, foster Christian community, nurture our souls, and anchor ourselves in faith. When we do those things, we step into the New Year with a profound sense of purpose and expectation. May this be a year of spiritual breakthroughs, deeper intimacy with God, and a radiant reflection of His love in our lives.
Dear God, as we enter this new year, please give us the wisdom to discern your will for our lives. Help us set meaningful and purposeful New Year’s resolutions, aligning our desires with your perfect plan. Guide us in self-improvement, so we can become more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. Help us build healthy habits of prayer and meditation to stay in close communication with you throughout this year. Motivate us to read and study your Word the Bible regularly, enjoy worship regularly, and build relationships with our fellow believers, so we can keep growing spiritually. Help us notice your presence with us each day and night. When we face challenges this year, strengthen our resolve to persevere and remember that Jesus tells us that “with God all things are possible.” May the power of your Holy Spirit empower us to overcome challenges and to keep growing closer to you. As we begin this journey let your Word be a lamp on our feet and a light on our path. We trust you, the Light of the World, to direct us and illuminate the way forward. May the resolutions we make reflect a desire to honor you in every aspect of our lives. Our hope is in you, God. Amen.
People like to make New Year’s resolutions, most of which are forgotten by the end of January. I heard something a couple of days ago. About 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions and only 20% of those who make them keep them. However, let me make some suggestions for resolutions that are centered around spiritual growth, service, and a deepening relationship with God.
Remember, these resolutions are not about perfection but about a continual journey of growth and reliance on God's grace. Tailor these goals to your personal circumstances and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance as you strive to live a life that honors Christ in the coming year.
1. Commit to Daily Bible Reading and Study:
Resolve to spend time in God's Word daily. Set a realistic goal for reading and studying the Bible, allowing the Scriptures to guide and shape your life.
2. Prioritize Prayer:
Make prayer a foundational part of each day. Dedicate specific times for prayer, seeking not only personal needs but also interceding for others and expressing gratitude to God.
3. Engage in Fasting, if you can without a negative impact on your physical health. You may want to check with your doctor before this one.
Consider incorporating fasting into your spiritual discipline. This practice can help deepen your dependence on God, enhance spiritual clarity, and cultivate self-discipline.
4. Practice Generosity:
Embrace a spirit of generosity by giving of your time, talents, and resources. This could involve volunteering, supporting charitable causes, or assisting those in need within your community.
5. Cultivate a Grateful Heart:
Develop an attitude of gratitude. Regularly reflect on God's blessings in your life and express thanks for His faithfulness, even in challenging circumstances.
6. Build Healthy Relationships:
Resolve to foster positive, uplifting relationships. Seek reconciliation where needed, forgive others as Christ forgave you, and surround yourself with individuals who encourage your faith.
7. Serve Others Selflessly:
Look for opportunities to serve others without expecting anything in return. Whether within our church, community, or beyond, strive to embody Christ's love through acts of service.
8. Embrace Holistic Wellness:
Recognize that your physical, mental, and emotional well-being are interconnected with your spiritual health. Take care of your body, cultivate a positive mindset, and manage stress through prayer and reliance on God.
9. Set Personal Growth Goals:
Identify areas of personal growth and commit to ongoing development. This could involve pursuing education, for you younger folk and even some of us senior sainte, developing new skills, or working on character traits that align with biblical values.
10. Share Your Faith:
Resolve to share your faith with others. Whether through conversations, acts of kindness, or intentional evangelism, let the light of Christ shine through your life.
11. Seek God's Guidance in Decision-Making:
Make a conscious effort to seek God's guidance in all aspects of your life. Pray before making significant decisions and trust that His wisdom will lead you on the right path.
The New Year is not just a transition; it is a spiritual milestone. As we surrender our plans to the Lord, set intentions rooted in His Word, embrace divine resilience, foster Christian community, nurture our souls, and anchor ourselves in faith. When we do those things, we step into the New Year with a profound sense of purpose and expectation. May this be a year of spiritual breakthroughs, deeper intimacy with God, and a radiant reflection of His love in our lives.
Dear God, as we enter this new year, please give us the wisdom to discern your will for our lives. Help us set meaningful and purposeful New Year’s resolutions, aligning our desires with your perfect plan. Guide us in self-improvement, so we can become more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. Help us build healthy habits of prayer and meditation to stay in close communication with you throughout this year. Motivate us to read and study your Word the Bible regularly, enjoy worship regularly, and build relationships with our fellow believers, so we can keep growing spiritually. Help us notice your presence with us each day and night. When we face challenges this year, strengthen our resolve to persevere and remember that Jesus tells us that “with God all things are possible.” May the power of your Holy Spirit empower us to overcome challenges and to keep growing closer to you. As we begin this journey let your Word be a lamp on our feet and a light on our path. We trust you, the Light of the World, to direct us and illuminate the way forward. May the resolutions we make reflect a desire to honor you in every aspect of our lives. Our hope is in you, God. Amen.
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