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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] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
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 free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that 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 receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray this prayer?