I Resolve

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.