New Year New Goals
Another year, another round of resolutions. What will you resolve to do?
Maybe your resolution goes deeper than losing weight or saving money. Maybe you’re ready for a life makeover—a fresh start. But is that even possible?
Sometimes we make so-called resolutions that are little more than wishful thinking. We might want to change, but until we do something about it, it isn’t a resolution. A true resolution puts our wishes into action. So what can you do?
The Bible has a lot to say about wanting to better yourself. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:18, “I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” Why is that?
As imperfect people, we’re often attracted to things that aren’t good for us. We have a problem called sin that weakens our souls. That keeps us from doing what we know we should do.
Just like someone with a broken leg can’t compete in a race, someone with a broken soul can’t live the right way. Sometimes we start going down the wrong path and think there’s no way back. … But there is.
Maybe you don’t like where your life is headed, but it’s not too late to turn it around. Change is possible with Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Only Christ can change us from within and give us strength to live as we should. This year, resolve to follow His leading. It won’t guarantee a perfect, stress-free year, but it will guarantee a Friend to guide you—and the joy of being with Him forever.
Make a fresh start today. Start by asking for Christ’s guidance in your life.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
