Good morning Sunrise and Happy New 2012! Man, I want to tell you, I have been looking forward to saying that. Now, before we get into some deeper theological thinking, I want to ask - who has made some New Year's resolutions?
How realistic are they?
The problem with our New Year resolutions is that we don’t have “sticktoitness.” Some of us will resolve to be more intentional about being scholarly. But, let's look at the Evolution of this New Year’s Resolution
EVOLUTION OF RESOLUTION #1
Jan 1 - I will read at least 20 good books this year.
Feb 1 - I will read at least 10 books this year.
Mar 1 - I will read 5 books this year.
Apr 1 - I will finish The Pelican Brief
May 1 - I will read some articles in the newspaper this year.
Aug 1 - I will read at least one article this year.
Nov 1 - I will try and finish the comics section this year.
Others may resolve to make some physical lifestyle changes. Yet, often this resolution evolves like this
RESOLUTION #2
Jan 1 - I will get my weight down below 180.
Apr 1 - I will watch my calories until I get below 190.
May 1 - I will follow my new diet religiously until I get below 200.
Jul 1 - I will try to develop a realistic attitude about my weight.
Sep 1 - I will work out 5 days a week.
Oct 1 - I will work out 3 days a week.
Dec 1 - I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week.
In all seriousness, how was 2011 for you? Let's take a few moments to share with other our feelings about last year.
[Share good moments...share bad moments]
[Allow anyone to share corporately]
I know some of you had a really great year. For me, some of the high points were:
- Katie starting to date Kevin
- Emily's solo
- Graduating (ending 36 of 45 yrs in school)
Some of the low points:
- losing both parents
- losing Kevin's mom
- losing Daric Beiter
For me and my family, we say good riddance to 2011. If I were French, I would say something like, "I spit on you, 2011"
But regardless of if the last year was great or miserable, we come here today hoping and praying that 2012 will be better, Amen?
2 Corinthians 5:14-17
14 Whatever we do, it is because Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them. 16 So we have stopped evaluating others by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though he were merely a human being. How differently I think about him now! 17 What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!
The difference is that in these areas: spiritually, relationally, and professionally - we will be resolving to live lives that is Christ-centered and Spirit-filled. That will ensure that this year will be different.
I want to close out this time together by offering an opportunity to start this transformation for a better year by having us participate in a historic covenant prayer that the founder of the Methodist movement advocated. I invite you to allow it to serve for you today as the prologue of your resolution with God.
Covenant Renewal
Lord, let me be your servant under your command.
I will no longer be my own.
I will give myself up to your will in all things.
Lord, make me what you will.
I will put myself fully into your hands.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and with a willing heart give it all to
your pleasure and disposal.
In the power of the name of Jesus,
Amen.
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