Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

December 30, 2009

New Year Goals

Twitter is one of the new communication tools on the internet. Some use it to share what they are doing, some to communicate with their friends, and some to share thoughts. I saw one the other day that caused me to stop and think. It read simply, “2010. Would u rather 'get' or 'become'?” It was posted by Mike Henderson, a pastor in Virginia.

How would you answer the question, “Would you rather ‘get’ or ‘become’?” The New Year is a time when many think about their lives. We think of improvements we would like to see in our lives. We think of changes we’d like to make in our lives. We think of goals for our lives.

In an effort to make improvements in our lives, many will make some New Years Resolutions. I imagine most of our New Years Resolutions relate more to “become” than “get.” Some of them may actually relate to both.

The sad reality is, many of our resolutions will be broken by the end of January. Some of them will never make it past the first week. Why is that? Is it that we really are not serious about making the changes we know we need to make? Could it be that we need some help to sustain the changes we need to make?

I’m excited about a new message series that I will be preaching beginning January 10th. The title is “Keep the Change – Resolutions that Stick.” The Bible is a book about sustaining changes in our lives. God really does want us to live the Good Life. To live life to it fullest, we have to make changes in our lives. That’s what sanctifying grace is all about, keeping the changes in our lives.

In this series, we’re going to look at some biblical teaching related to keeping the changes we seek to make in our lives. God knows that we have problems sustaining the Good Life. God knows we face temptations to compromise. So God has given us instructions, even guidelines that will help us remain faithful.

In preparation for this new series and the New Year, prayerfully consider some New Years Resolutions that God would have you make. You might think in terms of these areas of your life: Body/Health, Relationships, Finances, Spiritual and Vices. Your Resolutions might relate to changes you need to make or areas in which you need to grow.

On Sunday, January 10th, we will kick off this series with a message entitled, “Thinking for a Change.” During the morning services, you will have an opportunity to commit your resolutions to God and begin the journey in making them stick.

This coming Sunday, January 3rd, we will celebrate the Epiphany, the arrival of the wise men. Judy Shepherd will be preaching a message entitled, “Wisemen Still Seek Him.” Then on Sunday night, we will join as Methodists have since the times of John Wesley, to participate in a Covenant Renewal Service.

During the Sunday morning services on January 3rd, we’ll also commission our Church Leadership for 2010. If you will be a member of the Administrative Board, the Council on Ministries or one of the Boards, Committees or Ministry Teams, make plans to be present for your commissioning. If you have not gotten your Covenant Sheet, it should be in the mail. Sign it and bring it with you to worship. There will be an opportunity to affirm your commitment during the service.

New Wednesday Grow classes begin January 6th. If you have not made a commitment to some class or Small Group, I encourage you to find a place to grow with other believers. The last Connection had a list of the classes being offered. Or, you can contact Jeri Hunt about signing up for a Wednesday Grow class. (jhunt@gmvumc.org)