New Year's Resolutions

It's that time again. Time for those New Year's resolutions which we make, you know...those for which we have good intentions but usually never live up to? Have you made yours yet? Time is running out. We have about twelve hours left here (some of you may be blessed with more time, depending on what time zone you're residing in). One of my resolutions is to lose about thirty pounds of weight. I've attempted this throughout the year; I usually make it a week or so and then I fall back into old habits. :(

Some folks just want to make a fresh start when the clock strikes 12 am on New Year's Day. In order to make a "fresh start" that's meaningful, though, knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is top priority. Coming to God in acknowledgement that we've gotten way in over our heads and created a mess we call "life", realizing we cannot "fix" it ourselves, and knowing we need God's help to straighten all of it out is the first step in truly starting over. When we do, we'll understand we have a God who loves us more than we could ever imagine, and we, in turn, can look forward to having a daily relationship with Him. He'll be with us at all times, will never leave us or forsake us, and He'll prepare a beautiful place for us to live with Him. When we finally come to God, we can finally know the peace and joy that life offers by doing what God has individually called us to do.

Do you need a fresh start? You don't even have to make that decision before New Year's Day. You can do it anytime. The Bible says that "today is the day of salvation", so if you're reading this and God is leading you to salvation, don't put it off because none of us are promised a tomorrow. Some people believe you can only be saved at church, but that's not the case. God will meet you wherever you are at the time (I gave my life to the Lord in my apartment about eight years ago, somewhere between my living room and kitchen. I'm not really sure just where; it doesn't matter, though. Just as long as you're sincere in doing it and you go through with it).

What does the Bible say about how a person goes about being saved?

dmit.

We are all sinners in need of God's grace.


"...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)

elieve.

Believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son and that He died for your sins.


"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40)

onfess.

Confess your sins to God and repent. Receive Jesus Christ into your heart, giving Him control of your life.


"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10)

To be saved involves just simple prayer to God. You can put it in your own words because God knows your heart. If you cannot put it in your own words, try using a prayer something like the one below:


Dear God, I know that Jesus is Your Son and that He died on the cross and was raised from the dead. Because I have sinned and need forgiveness, I ask Jesus to come into my heart. I am willing to change the direction of my life by acknowledging Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and by turning away from my sins. Thank you for giving me forgiveness, eternal life, and hope. In Jesus' name, amen.


Once you're saved, you need to find a good Bible believing church to attend so you can grow spiritually and be with other believers. If you don't have a church you normally attend, click here to find one. :)

Happy New Year Everybody!!