Someone once said, “Opportunities are seldom labeled.” However, I have always felt that every New Year is a new opportunity to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a new opportunity to move forward along life’s journey and to make one’s life more eternally meaningful.

Because I believe 2007 is a new opportunity for the Lord, I have spent much time in prayer, Bible reading, and goal-setting for this year. I trust that you, too, have set some goals and are trusting the Lord to use you in a greater way!

It has been said, “He who aims at nothing hits it every time!” I would rather try and fail than never try to do the things God lays upon my heart. Let me encourage you to step out by faith in this New Year.

for_the_faithFor me and for the church family where I serve, it is my heart’s desire that everything we do will be for the honor of Christ and for the furthering of His faith in this world. We are challenged to live “for the faith” and it is my prayer that generations to come will talk in the faith because of the goals and prayers that have been established already this year.

A pastor by the name of Walter Schoedel once prepared a list of resolutions for the New Year. He called his list “The Seven Ups.” This had nothing to do with the soft drink, but had everything to do with attitudes toward the New Year.

The first is WAKE UP – begin the day with the Lord. It is His day. Rejoice in it.

The second is DRESS UP – put on a smile. It improves your looks. It says something about your attitude.

The third is SHUT UP – watch your tongue. Don’t gossip. Say nice things. Learn to listen.

The fourth is STAND UP – take a stand for what you believe. Resist evil. Do good.

The fifth is LOOK UP – open your eyes to the Lord. After all, He is your only Saviour and He has promised to return!

The sixth is REACH UP – spend time in prayer with adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplications to the Lord.

And finally, LIFT UP – be available to those in need, serving, supporting and sharing with each of them.

Whatever your goals for the new year, it is my prayer that God will bless you and use you for His glory!

Pin It on Pinterest