My goals and resolutions for 2010

Tonight is the last day of 2009. Its going to be exciting to bring in the New Year with family and friends. I am looking forward to all that this night would have. May the Lord bless it and open our hearts to some sweet fellowship with Him and a eagerness to go after Him more in 2010.

And that brings me to think about what I want to do different next year. And not that I can do anything to change me, but that I don't want to waste 2010. I really hope to see more dying on my part and gospel growth. To know that God's power and glory are in the gospel, and that is the avenue that we have to pursue a personal relationship with Him and for us personal holiness. I mean what can I do to grow in righteousness and holiness? If God started the work in my heart and God is who sustains it and completes it, then I am unable to do anything in and of myself.

The gospel is my daily reminder that all that I am is because of Christ's work on the cross. My right standing before God is from nothing I have done in my own life. And if I come to believe that there is something in and of myself that is good, then what does that say about the gospel of Jesus Christ? Did Jesus die for good people? By no means! He died because we are filthy, vile, wretched sinners and the only way possible for us to be raised to newness in life is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of Christ's death on the cross I am free from sin, death and the wrath of God. Without Christ death there is no redemption possible.

So my goals and resolutions for 2010 are:
- To find ways to die and live through Christ
- To meditate and celebrate the gospel in my life daily
- To continually pray for God's power to continue to transform my life
- To daily plan to go after a time to get alone with God (it could be on lunch at work or at home in an isolated place) for more personal prayer with Him.
- To be in His presence through prayer and meditation of His gospel and Scriptures
- To love Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. To keep my eyes focused on Him and His kingdom and righteousness
- To love others as myself, and finding ways to love them through the gospel.
- To share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around me.
- To live out the gospel in my own life and speak the truth in love as God grants opportunity
- To read the Bible through twice
- To read as many good books as I can
- To continue family and personal Bible study
- above all gospel growth in my life and those around me

Lord willing, I look forward to looking back over 2010 and sharing with you all what the Lord did in my life through my 2010 journey on earth! Please do pray for me. Pray that the gospel would shine in and through all of His people and that our hearts would desire more of Him, being thankful for everything and desire to see gospel growth in those around us. God has entrusted me with this treasure and I don't want to waste it! May the Lord make me strong for His purposes and desires for my life! May He be given all honor, praise and glory forever and ever, AMEN!