2004 - This is the Year

by Rock Church | December 31, 2003
What does God want to do in your life?
What does God want to do in your life?

It's a new year and time once again to make ourselves promises that we're destined to keep, despite last year's valiant efforts to do the same. Statistics show that 98.4% of New Years Resolutions aren't kept - over ninety eight percent! Of course, statistics also show that 85% of statistics are made up on the spot.

Society, especially our current generation, is known to be the laziest ever since we are living in a time of instant gratification. In a world reliant upon remote controls, microwaves, cell phones, computers, flubber, it's no wonder we can't keep our own promises, even when the goal is to better ourselves! Could there be a solution?

100% Money back Guarantee

There is a way to be absolutely certain that any goal you set can be attained. What's the catch? Discipline. Proverbs 16:3 tells us to commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed. If you put God first in your life, spend time daily in prayer, and practice Spiritual disciplines such as fasting, anything in His will can be accomplished.

Some may fret over the thought of 40 days with a diet consisting solely of H20 because it's hard enough going a few days without a Double Double (mmmm Double Double). Seriously though, instead of reciting Stephanie's every "How Rude" line while watching the same episode of Full House you've already seen a hundred times, make the decision to fast by not indulging in television for 30 minutes. Spend that time seeking God's presence. Psalm 37:4 instructs us, Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Making a difference

Make the most of the time you've been given
Make the most of the time you've been given

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. But be careful not to misinterpret this cliché. This isn't an excuse to procrastinate. The Bible teaches us that tomorrow isn't promised. Remember the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 who only stored up for himself treasures on earth. When all is said and done, what is really going to matter in your life?

Jesus follows up the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 by encouraging us to not worry about worldly things. Matthew's interpretation of this account in Matthew 6:33-34 says, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

One of the best ways to make a difference in your life and the lives of others is to get involved in a ministry at the Rock. Don't simply look for the most convenient or the most fun ministry, because without a doubt that is the Writer's Ministry, but instead look at the talents God has given you and how He wants you to use those to serve others. Ask God for guidance and seek out the ministry in which you can best be used. Don't wait for the rest of your life to get involved, start making a difference, that's right, today!

History 101

There is no known significance as to why we celebrate January 1st as the beginning of a new year. Though different days are celebrated as New Years Day throughout the world, January 1st has been celebrated in the Gregorian Calendar since 153 BC.

Thousands of years ago, and perhaps more logically practiced, was the celebration of the New Year in late March after the first New Moon when crop season began. The traditional New Years Resolution at that time usually had to do with agriculture and borrowed farm equipment. So whoever still has the Rock's tractor, please return it immediately.

Back to the Future

It's just a movie, make the most of your time right now
It's just a movie, make the most of your time right now

The past is behind us, the present is here, and the future awaits us. Make a daily commitment to set aside time to pray and meditate on God's Word, and do something proactive to contribute to achieving your goals. Everything you've done up to this point is in the past and there's no getting it back.

So until "Doc" perfects the Flux Capacitor to make time travel possible, we must live everyday like it's our last. As the Bible commands, make the most of every opportunity. Happy New Year.

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