Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
Believe it or not, I sit here at 1:30 a.m. at the living room desk, and it’s January 1, 2009! My, how time has flown! I don’t even know what to say. Paul told us to “redeem the time, because the days are evil.” Time is like riding a bike downhill; it seems the longer you ride, the faster it goes. That can be sad sometimes, and exciting sometimes. In any case, I had a great year! And that’s a HUGE understatement. I wanted to write a post about 2008, but I didn’t get time, and the new year is here.

I was at church through midnight and we had a fantastic service, ending by each family praying in the new year together! I have always enjoyed watch night services to bring in the new year, and this year was no exception. We were honored to have the presence of the Huussen family, as well as my Uncle Tim and his family, for the service via skype call. The Huussen’s usually tune in on Sunday mornings, and my Uncle’s family tunes in on Sunday nights. I call it our church’s “skype ministry!” :D

I was honored to be able to preach tonight..er..um..last night! :D I preached a message entitled “On Fire for God,” out of Proverbs 30:15-16.

Well, all that to say, I believe in “new years resolutions.” Simply, because I think second chances are gifts of God! And that is part of what the new year is about; changing some things that you did in the previous year. So, here goes…


1. Eat healthier

I did pretty good for part of this past year, and then somewhere during the holiday season, I crashed! I don’t know why, either. There were also other spells throughout the year where I didn’t pay good attention to my eating habits. Frankly, I do not wish to put myself in an early grave when I could live a longer, healthier life by making better choices. “Let your moderation be made known unto all men.” Phillipians 4:5

2. Get better exercise

I did the same thing with this that I did with my eating habits. I believe that we ought to do the best we can to be in good health. There’s certainly no reason for an able-bodied person like me to be a slob. I went through some dry spells with this last year as well, but…that was last year!


3. Read more Bible

This is one of those things that you constantly have to work at. I think it’s because my flesh is absolutely opposed to it. I have to work at it, though. Also, this includes being a better student of the Bible. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to be “…ready always to give an answer…”

4. Pray more

There is never time for prayer. Don’t ask me why, because I don’t have an answer. On some of the most relaxed days I have, it seems like I didn’t pray like I wanted. Then I look in the mirror that night as I brush my teeth and say, “You bum; your such an idiot!” Think I’ve gone bananas? I answer myself too!!! :D That’s the flesh warring against the spirit, brother! Amen! The truth is, so many people need the prayers of the saints, and less and less prayer is going around. We need to do our part.

5. Love God more

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

You see, this one thing affects everything else you do. And not just everything you do, but the motive for which you do it. A love relationship with anyone is not built on words alone, but on actions to prove the love.

“I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.”

1 Corinthians 8:3 says, “But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” So, in all honesty, empty words of love to God do nothing for others, because they know what you really love!

Just a few of my resolutions…for a new year! Well, seeing it's now 2:30 a.m., I guess I should go try to get myself to go to bed. Good night...morning...whatever! :D

Happy New Year, 2009!!!