Last week I wrote about the concluding of a year. As I write at this present moment, it is about 8:30 PM MST on Sunday evening, January 5, 2025. That means we have already lived almost 5 full days of our New Year 2025. So what are in your thoughts, plans, and dreams for this year. It is still early and we have 360 days left to make a difference in our own lives and perhaps in the lives of some other people as well.
How have these first five days gone? Many of you have made the traditional new year resolutions including losing weight and exercising regularly. Have you started those yet? Have you already stopped them? Maybe you traveled over the holidays and your one goal right now is for your return flight to not be cancelled or delayed or maybe it is to find a new flight.
Too often our thoughts about a new year are shallow or repetitive from years gone by. What are some things that you could determine to do that would make 2025 truly meaningful? Here are some words that Jesus spoke that may help us to begin to consider ways to bring our lives more in line with God's will in this new year.
"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also
to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 7:12
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one
another; just as I have loved you, you also are
to love one another."
John 13:34
"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one
another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32
Many times when we read the words from the Bible, we like the thoughts but are not sure what to do in our own lives to apply those words. God's Word was never intended to just be read and forgotten or ignored. He gives us His Word that we might make it the guiding truth for our lives. Here are a few questions or suggestions to help each of us to grasp how we can make 2025 better by applying God's Word to our lives.
Read the Bible in its entirety in 2025. There are many reading plans for reading the Bible through.
Who do you know that you have failed to forgive for some past action? Determine to go to that person this year. Plan what you will say, when you will go, and how you will approach the person.
Are there those in your neighborhood or along your path of work, errands, or school to whom you could take time regularly to show acts of kindness?
Are there people who are without shelter, food, or warm clothing that you could assist directly or through one of the ministries in your community?
Are there people in your family or in your circle of influence to whom you need to share Jesus?
In what environment or ministry would you volunteer to serve this year?
How often do you smile to those you pass on the street or in the halls? How often do you take the time to sincerely ask another person "how is your day going" and then take the time to listen to their reply?
Whom do you want to help the most in 2025 - yourself or others? Is it possible that when you help others, you also help yourself?
Pray for God to make clear what you should do in 2025. All of the above are suggestions. He may have other plans for you. Follow Him, not me.
This year would be a great time to do more than wish; it is a year to do. I pray that this first full week of 2025 will be a real time of planning and implementing what God gives you to carry out this year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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