The Top 5 New Year's Resolutions 2024

According to Forbes, the 5 most popular New Year's Resolutions for 2024 are:

1-Improve fitness

2-Improve finances

3-Improve mental health

4-Lose weight

5-Improve diet

Those top five resolutions are good, but what about something spiritually-focused? Consider using this as a New Year's Resolution:

"Get To Know God Better"

It doesn't matter if you currently don't know God at all, or if you have know Him for a long, long time, whatever your relationship is like now, you can always know Him better! 

So here are 3 ways how you can make this resolution happen and keep it going throughout the year........

1. Daily Bible Reading.

First, commit to reading it daily, even if it is just a few verses a day. Many Bible apps have a daily reading you can sign up for. Or if you want to open your Bible and read, have a plan. My thoughts are to start in the New Testament, one of the Gospels, like the book of Mark. Read a chapter a day. It's better to read slowly with understanding than reading too fast. 

Click on this link for more information:

  

5 Pointers On Reading The Bible

2. Daily prayer.

By prayer, I mean basic conversation with the Lord. Prayer is simple dialogue with God, like you are talking to Him on a personal level. And this should be done throughout each day - not just in the morning, not just at night, but as you go about the day. 

3. Daily Doing Life With Him

Commit to 'doing life with Him' - and doing life with Him on a daily basis. Be a Christ follower - following His way, His truth, His teaching, and His example. Walking with Him is being more than just claiming to be a Christian, it's being a Christian. It's more than words, it's how you live your life.

So if someone asks you, "What's your New Year's Resolution?" Just say, "to get to know God better." Then you can share three ways on how they can do the same.

How Your GPS Perfectly Illustrates Belief vs Faith

Long before we used cell phones and GPS for directions, I remember the paper map days. Everyone had a paper map in their car. When unfolded, it was huge and very detailed. Usually it covered the entire state! So if you were traveling to say, Pennsylvania, you would have a Pennsylvania state map. 

There was an art and a challenge to properly refold the map back into its compact, original shape. For many, this was nearly an impossible task. To obtain a map, they were available for purchase at most gas stations, and many times free at highway welcome centers. Back then AAA would even prepare a detailed road trip for you, providing maps and notes. 

When taking a road trip, there was a driver and a navigator. The navigator usually had the map in their lap, telling the driver what road or turn was coming next. Usually this was the source of much anxiety, especially if the navigator was not good at reading maps. 

The map was essential when traveling to unknown areas. If there ever was a case when you were driving without a map and got lost, the dreaded asking for directions scenario would occur. That means stopping for directions at a gas station, a store, or just simply rolling down your window and getting the attention of a stranger on the sidewalk. 

The days of maps are long gone. I'm not sure if you could even find a map to buy today. We are sure in a whole different world as far as navigation. With GPS, there's no such thing as getting lost. Well, you could get lost I suppose, but GPS will always re-route you, and ultimately get you to your final destination without fail. Unless, of course, your phone dies!

Using a GPS will tell you when there is a delay ahead, and tell you, in real time, if there is a shorter, alternate route. We all have most likely had the experience when suddenly the GPS device will urgently say something like, "There's a 10 minute delay ahead. Take the next exit to avoid the delay." Suddenly you need to make a quick decision. Should you just stay on the existing route, one that maybe you're familiar with and accept the delay, or should you trust the GPS and take the unplanned exit? Therein comes the illustration between belief and faith. 

Belief is illustrated in the fact that you believe the navigation device speaks truth, and if it says there's a delay ahead, you believe it. You wouldn't even turn the navigation device on if you didn't think it would accurately get you to your destination.  And you also believe the device when it says that it would save time to take the next exit. However, will you actually take the exit? That's the question!

Faith is similar to belief, but is different. Faith is when you actually do take the next exit even when its going to possibly take you into uncharted territory! 

Believing that the GPS is true is one thing, but faith is another. Faith involves action. And when you turn on to the exit, it's like a blind faith, totally trusting in the GPS's guidance. You could describe it as obedience. It's your response in complete confidence that the GPS is going to ultimately take you to your destination. 

Belief involves the acceptance of truth. Faith involves confident trust and obedience. 

The Day Jesus Sat On The Beach

Everybody loves a beautiful beach. Me included. I'm fortunate to live close to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I live about 20 minutes from the ocean, and every chance I get, summer or winter, I head to the beach even if just for a few minutes. It seems Jesus loved being around water as well!

Jesus grew up in the small town of Nazareth in Galilee. There were no bodies of water nearby. The town is set in the hilly countryside. But later, He went and lived in Capernaum, a seaside village located on the Sea of Galilee, about 30 miles from Nazareth. Much of His ministry was centered around the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus called Peter and Andrew, James and John from their fishing boats as he walked by the sea. Jesus often went out by boat into the sea and taught from the boat. Jesus did the Sermon on the Mount on the hillside of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus walked on water on the Sea of Galilee. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared on the beach of the Sea of Galilee as the disciples were out fishing, and He cooked them breakfast on the beach, grilling the fish they had just caught.

Jesus liked being by the sea. One of my favorite inspirational verses involves Jesus being by the sea.

On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. (Matthew 13:1 NKJV)

You've heard the phrase, "What would Jesus do?". I think He sets a good example. If it's good for Jesus, it's good for me! And I like to imitate Him as often as I can, sitting on the beach. Why do you think Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea? I'm sure there are many reasons -- to pray, to think, to rest. Perhaps He just needed some solitude and wanted to be around the beauty of creation. All good reasons.

There's just something about being next to a body of water, whether it's the ocean, a bay, a lake, a pond, or a river. Why do people like being close to the water? Maybe it's the calming effect or just the beauty of creation itself. Whatever the reason, a body of water attracts us. Jesus was no different. 

When we are around creation's beauty it reminds us of the Creator. And we can't help but be in the mindset of acknowledging and worshiping God. Everything around us is a reminder of Him. People have no excuse to claim there is no God. The evidence is all around us.

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. (Romans 1:20 NKJV)

I remember years ago walking up to a panoramic view on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee. There was an incredible view of the river below and the mountains in the distance. I overheard a stranger next to me say, "How can anyone believe there is no God when they see this". 

When we look at creation, it reveals His eternal power and divine nature. Everything God has made, the flowers, the trees, and everything of beauty, demonstrates His creative powers. The fact that there is a divine designer is obvious, especially when we look up into the sky, view the stars at night, and the vast universe on display.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4 NLT)

It's good practice to admire and be in awe of the creation around you. Let it prompt you to admire and be in awe of our Creator God as well.

    "As I gaze out my window and look at the sky, admiring the color of blue, it reminds me of You.

    Watching the clouds as they billow and roll, creating a scene always new, it reminds me of You.

     Watching the sun as it's starting to rise, beginning a whole brand new day, it reminds me of You.

     A sunset displaying its colors so bright, its beauty makes me want to say, it reminds me of You.

       Cause You are my God, the maker of life, Creator of everything."

        --- excerpt from the song, "Creator Of Everything", by Chip Vickio

       

       

    

The Renewal Of Your Mind

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2a)  

 

The Apostle Paul's words are intriguing. It's understandable that we should not conform to the pattern of this world, and we all know what that looks like. But what does he mean by the renewing of our minds? And how does this lead to being transformed?

 

First, it's important to reflect on when the initial renewal of one's mind originally happens. That original newness is the new way, the new life, that Jesus referred to when he said we must be born again. The Apostle Paul talks about this a lot. For example in Romans chapter 6, he explains that when we make that decision to be a Christ follower, and are baptized into Christ, we die to our old self and put on a new self -- to walk in a newness of life.

 

We are changed from the inside out. Not just our minds are changed, our hearts are changed. We are transformed from the old way of thinking and acting, from the pattern of this world, to the pattern of Jesus. When we become Christ followers, our minds and hearts, our thoughts and attitudes, are changed to be more like God's. 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

But our minds and hearts alone cannot truly transform us. We need some supernatural help, and as Christians, we have it! The Holy Spirit is in us to help convict us and guide us. That empowers us to put off the old self. Therefore, we are equipped. 

 

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:3-7)

 

Yes, it's important to first reflect on when the renewal of one's mind originally happens. But secondly, there is also an ongoing, continual renewing that is needed. We must keep renewing that original newness that we had to begin with!

 

As Christ followers, we are personally responsible to be in a continual transformation toward a more mature, spiritual way of thinking and living! The Greek word for "transform" (the New Testament was written in Greek) closely resembles the word metamorphosis, which means a process of changing from an immature form to an adult form. Our transformation is ongoing. It takes effort. It takes practice. It takes commitment.

 

Here are 5 keys that help make the renewal of your mind a continual process: 

 

(1) Have A Teachable Spirit. 

 

This requires humility and a desire to learn and follow the teachings of Jesus. We'll never get to the point of perfection. We will never know it all. We can always improve our walk with Jesus, learn, and grow. 

 

(2)  Be In The Word

 

The Bible is God's Word -- it reveals who He is, who we are, and how we need to live. We should read it daily, hear it preached, and follow it's teachings. It's the only way to come to personally know the Lord. 

 

(3)  Be Connected With Other Believers

The best way to be connected with other believers is to plug in to a local Bible believing church, doing life with other Christians, encouraging each other and serving each other.

(4)  Pray

 

Prayer is simply a conversation with God -- a father/child conversation. We need to pray often and realize that we can communicate with our Lord at any time for any reason. Prayer is a powerful tool that we have to help us navigate life. 

(5)  Acknowledge God's Presence

 

Rely on God's providence -- that He is able to intervene for us at any time, and that He is in control. We have a real-time God who hears us and understands our situation, and is faithful to His promises.

 

If you practice these five things, you will grow spiritually. There are many benefits to becoming spiritually mature. Paul points to one of the benefits as we look at the complete verse of Romans 12:2.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) 

One of the benefits of growing spiritually is this: you will be able to more clearly understand how God's ways are your ways, and have better discernment in how to live your life.                                                                                                                  

    

The Most Bizarre Resurrection That Ever Happened!

 On Easter we celebrate the greatest resurrection from the dead that ever happened — the resurrection of Jesus after three days in the tomb. His resurrection gives us believers the promise of eternal life — life after death, in paradise with the Lord. His resurrection proves that He is who He said He was, and that His promises are true. His resurrection gives us hope. Because He defeated death, we defeat death as well. 

There are many resurrections from the dead recorded in the Bible, but none as significant as the resurrection of Jesus who died on the cross to forgive us of our sins, and then was raised to life to give us the promise of life after death.

Elijah raised a widow’s son from the dead. Elisha raised a young man from the dead. There was even a case where a dead man was thrown into Elisha’s grave, and because he came in contact with the bones of Elisha, and was raised to life!

Jesus raised the widow’s son to life at Nain. He raised Jairus’ daughter to life. And He brought Lazarus back from the dead. Peter raised Tabitha back to life, and Paul raised Eutychus from the dead. 

But there is one resurrection event that is the strangest, most unusual, and bizarre one that has ever been recorded. It happened during the time of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Himself. Let’s take a look. 

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people. (Matthew 27:50-53)

The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead? Wow! Does the Bible give more detail about this? Maybe the other gospels talk more about it? The answer is no! This is it. I wished there was more. All we know is right here in just two sentences. 

Let’s break this down. First, at the moment when Jesus died, there were repercussions. Creation itself was affected. The curtain was torn, the earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs were opened. That is clear. What’s unclear is whether the people were raised to life at that moment, or at the moment when Jesus resurrected. My view is the latter — the tombs were broke open when Jesus died, but they were raised from the dead when Jesus was raised from the dead.

The resurrection of Jesus after three days in the tomb was so powerful, so intense of a moment, so significant, that as a consequence, it incidentally brought up other people as well.

Now comes the bizarre part. The people who were raised from the dead went into Jerusalem and appeared to many people! Can you imagine the chaos this caused? People saw dead people walking into the city — maybe their friends — maybe their relatives. Crazy. Were the resurrected people able to talk? Or were they more like zombies? Did they remain alive, or did they soon rise up to heaven as Jesus did? We will never know the details. We just need to accept it as truth. 

One thing is for sure — there was a spiritual upheaval going on during this time. Death was just defeated! Jesus was victorious over death! Maybe their resurrection was a spiritual statement, announcing to everyone that death was just defeated by Jesus. What an amazing story!

We, as baptized believers, are able to relate to the details of this event. That’s because we are resurrected from the dead as well, and not just once, but twice!

1) We are Resurrected -- with Jesus, spiritually speaking, when we are baptized.

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.  (Romans 6:3-5 NIV)

Baptism is that point when we bury our old self (and our old ways) and rise up to walk into a new life with Jesus. It’s a washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). As the book of Romans says, through Christian baptism we are raised, resurrected, united with Jesus in a resurrection like His.

2) We are Resurrected -- to be with Jesus, after we die.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25)

Yes, we have the promise of eternal life! And it's all because Jesus resurrected from the grave.

Perhaps our best takeaway from all this would be to get in the mindset of praising God for the resurrection of Jesus. The Apostle Peter said it well…

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you. (1 Peter 1:3-4)