It's hard
to believe we are making resolutions for another new year. I'm still trying to
overcome the guilt of unfulfilled resolutions from this year. I guess the
failures of unrealized resolutions make New Years resolutions more attractive.
We get another chance.
One
resolution I want to make in my life is simple: I want Jesus to increase in my
life, while I decrease. What will that look like in the coming year?
Personal Life
For
several years, I have used the One-Year Bible to facilitate my devotional life.
Each morning, I dedicate an hour to the Lord. This hour consists of Bible
reading from the One-Year Bible, listening to God speak to me through the
Bible, meditation, and prayer. I usually, not always, write out my prayers in a
prayer journal. I have fourteen years of prayer journals on my shelf that I
often go back and read. I will continue this discipline.
I also
want to understand more of what it means to live the gospel-centered life. God
gave me a glimpse into what it means (I thought I knew) this past year. I am
learning to embrace my weaknesses and failures so that the power of Christ can
rest upon me. I am learning about total acceptance in Christ, and living up to
his expectations alone. I am learning what it means to express gospel-centered
living in my leadership at home, in the church, and in the community. And yes,
I have a great deal to learn.
I want
Jesus to increase in my personal life.
Family Life
I must confess
that I have been a poor leader in my family's devotional life. I can make
excuses, but I won't. Needless to say, I must lead my wife to quiet times of
reading from God's word and praying together. I also must lead my family back
to the family altar for a time of discipleship and prayer.
I want
Jesus to increase in my family life.
Church Life
I want
Jesus to increase his presence at FSBC. I desire to see broken people, humbled
before the Lord, crying out as King Jehosophat did, "O our God, will you
not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde
that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on
you" (2 Chronicles 20:12). Then Christ's presence will increase and
streams of living waters will begin to flow through the people of First
Southern to a lost community in need of a Savior.
I want
Jesus to increase in my church life.
Jesus be
Jesus in me
No Longer
I, but Thee
Resurrection
power
Fill me
this hour
Jesus be
Jesus in me.
Set a fire
down in my soul
That I
can't contain, I can't control
I want
more of you, God.
