Ten Great Resolutions for 2016
1. Read the Bible every day.
God’s word covers everything that is important in life. If we read the word of God and apply it to our lives, everything gets better.
2. Spend more time with family.
No one ever said on their deathbed that they wished they had spent more time in the office. Quality time shows up more with larger quantities of time. Schedule time with family, get home at a decent time, vacation and live, laugh and love with those who count most in life.
3. Speak positive words.
It is so easy to slip into the way of the world: criticizing, complaining and speaking negatively about circumstances and others. It won’t help you and certainly won’t help others. The Bible says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” I want to speak life. Encouragement, approval, compliments and kind words: these things change people’s lives for the better. Let’s make effort to be the person others remember because of our positive impact on their lives. It is way more fun and fulfilling.
4. Be more generous.
Joy comes from giving. The Bible says that we are happier (blessed) when we give than when we receive. Help out a neighbor or a family member, someone struggling to keep things together because of tough times, or give to charities that help the poor. Joy follows the generous giver.
5. Develop a hobby.
We need more space in our lives. We are so busy, so committed to building our financial resources. Ask yourself what would you do on a regular basis for fun and relaxation if you could? Then do that because you can. You are the one who creates your own schedule. If you find time on a regular basis for yourself, you will fill your tank and be even better for family, work and every area of life. God says in Ecclesiastes 8:15a, “So I commend the enjoyment of life.” (NIV) God wants you to enjoy life too.
6. Serve somewhere.
Okay, this is similar to giving, but it is our time, not our money. Serve where your heart is, do something for someone without expecting anything in return: the community, your church, a family member or a beggar on the street. Jesus said, “Anyone wanting to be the greatest must be the least-the servant of all!” (Mark 9:35). Serving helps us know that our lives are making a difference for others and it is one of the things that bring a sense of fulfillment in life.
7. Exercise and keep yourself healthy.
Do you want to feel better and live longer? Exercise. The Bible says, “Physical training is good…” (NLT, 1 Timothy 4:8b). This will give you more energy for the rest of life.
8. Go to church every weekend.
One of the best things you can do for your family and yourself is to find a great Bible-believing Jesus-centered church and attend regularly. It is the best place to find the love of God, good friends, good friends for your kids, and a steady diet of Bible teaching that will help you grow. “Really?” you say. “Yes, really!” Check this out:
Jesus went regularly. Luke 4:16 “Jesus traveled to Nazareth, where he had grown up. On the Sabbath day he went to the synagogue, as he always did, and stood up to read.” (NCV) If you are going to follow Christ, well then you should follow His example.
The bible says we should. Hebrews 10:25a “”Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do…drawing near.” (TLB) When you settle in a great church, your family will find great blessing.
9. Sleep better.
Take care of yourself. Doctors say you need 7-8 hours of sleep a night to be your healthiest. This will keep you from getting sick and cranky. We are not much different that three year olds when we don’t sleep well. You need it to be your best, so work at it.
10. Hang out with friends more.
You need to be around people who like you. You’ll find encouragement, laughter and flat out fun. You also get someone who will help you work through the tough times in your life. These things really do make life more enjoyable and bearable.
Proverbs 17:17a A friend loves you all the time… (NCV)
Ecclesiastes 4:12b Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (NLT)
So you may be thinking, “Who has time to do all of these things?” Remember, there are 168 hours in your week. If you work 45 hours a week, that leaves you 123 hours to work these things in. So choose one or two areas to emphasize this year. If you do, life most likely will get better for you.