What I wish for you in 2008-
I wish that you would…
1. Enjoy God wholeheartedly! Whatever it takes to put the awe in your worship, do it. Read Gary Thomas’ book Sacred Pathways. On the other hand whatever you need to do to shrink the distance between you and the Lord and rekindle that intimacy with Christ, take that step, now.
2. Find out who God’s made you to be and what He’s designed you to do. Become that person. Do those things it without reservation. Don’t be a copy be an original. Be the Spirit-filled you. This is the only time you get to live 2008. Talk with Lisa Hall (Northlake Volunteer Coordinator) for more ideas, suggestions, testing, etc.
3. Simplify your life. Learn to say no not only to the sins that easily beset us but to the good things that keep us from the best. Stop cramming your schedule. Show some margin. God put rest in the seven day rotation for a purpose. Develop a more sacred rhythm to your schedule.
4. Resist the urge to isolate yourself. Open your home, get involved either in service or Bible Study, NU, Rhino or Women’s Ministries, Life Groups. People who volunteer are the happiest. Talk with Myrna Harmon (Women’s) or Alan Elzea (Men’s) ministries.
5. Be prepared to tell your own Jesus story at a moment’s notice.
Nobody wants a canned spiel but everyone loves stories. Learn to tell how God brought Christ into your life and how you connected to God. Look for divine appointments. Pray for 5 friends to trust Christ soon.
6. Get to know and serve your neighbors, no strings attached. Look for opportunities to do things with them and for them. Do something for our community. Need suggestions? Call Carolyn Roy at the Resource Center.
7. Warm up the friendship factor in the church. Invite new people over. Say hi to someone new each Sunday. Call someone you haven’t seen for a while. Write a real note of encouragement not just an email. Start your own supper group, neighborhood bible study, etc.
8. Get rid of everything negative and fearful. Being afraid is not a fruit of the Spirit. There are approximately 360 commands in the Bible to not be afraid: one for each day of the year. What would the unafraid you, look like? We’re waiting to see! Recommended reading: 9 Things a Leader Must Do by Henry Cloud.
9. Become a “pro” at one NT and one OT book this year. Read these books over and over again. Memorize favorite chapters, verses or perhaps the whole thing. Try a NU Class this year! Tell someone which passage you’re memorizing.
10. Think and pray missions. Pray each week for the missionary we focus on in the bulletin and consider going on a short term trip soon or sponsoring someone else.
May God grant that these wishes become new realities for Christ’s sake and your own joy.
Pastor Bill
