10 TIPS FOR A GREAT NEW YEAR (Part 1)
As we begin 2023, don’t overlook the fact that SMALL changes can have a BIG IMPACT on the New Year. Below are 10 small things you can do every day that will help ensure a blessed 2023.
1. Thank God daily! David wrote, “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits” (Psa. 69:18). The apostle Paul added, “…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father...” (Eph. 5:20). Thanking God does not take long, but brings a special perk - in every society the most thankful people are invariably the happiest!
2. Lift up (at least) one person daily! Virtually everyone we encounter - postal workers, delivery drivers, receptionists, waitresses, cashiers (not to mention relatives) receive far less encouragement that they deserve. Say something nice; it will give both of you a lift! "…a word spoken in due season, how good it is” (Prov. 15:23).
3. Think before speaking! Millions of marriages, family relationships, friendships and church relationships have been damaged and even ruined by angry or bitter words. James wrote, “…the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:5-6). Although sticks and stones may break our bones, cutting remarks can terminate precious relationships.
4. Be the first to apologize! The biggest obstacle to forgiving others is pride. Never allow your pride to keep you from saying, “I'm sorry", even if the other person is partly at fault. And if an offender apologizes you, be QUICK to forgive. Jesus taught us to pray, “…forgive us our debts, AS WE FORGIVE our debtors” (Mt. 6:12).
5. Gradually decrease your possessions. A popular bumper sticker reads, “He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins!" Sadly, countless Americans believe it. Millions measure their success by the number of things they own. But Jesus warned, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15). Paul added that becoming obsessed with money or things can cause us to “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Tim. 6:9). Begin shedding some of your material baggage. You will end up richer toward God!
To be continued!
A Recommitted Me in 2023!
Dennis
As we begin 2023, don’t overlook the fact that SMALL changes can have a BIG IMPACT on the New Year. Below are 10 small things you can do every day that will help ensure a blessed 2023.
1. Thank God daily! David wrote, “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits” (Psa. 69:18). The apostle Paul added, “…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father...” (Eph. 5:20). Thanking God does not take long, but brings a special perk - in every society the most thankful people are invariably the happiest!
2. Lift up (at least) one person daily! Virtually everyone we encounter - postal workers, delivery drivers, receptionists, waitresses, cashiers (not to mention relatives) receive far less encouragement that they deserve. Say something nice; it will give both of you a lift! "…a word spoken in due season, how good it is” (Prov. 15:23).
3. Think before speaking! Millions of marriages, family relationships, friendships and church relationships have been damaged and even ruined by angry or bitter words. James wrote, “…the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:5-6). Although sticks and stones may break our bones, cutting remarks can terminate precious relationships.
4. Be the first to apologize! The biggest obstacle to forgiving others is pride. Never allow your pride to keep you from saying, “I'm sorry", even if the other person is partly at fault. And if an offender apologizes you, be QUICK to forgive. Jesus taught us to pray, “…forgive us our debts, AS WE FORGIVE our debtors” (Mt. 6:12).
5. Gradually decrease your possessions. A popular bumper sticker reads, “He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins!" Sadly, countless Americans believe it. Millions measure their success by the number of things they own. But Jesus warned, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15). Paul added that becoming obsessed with money or things can cause us to “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Tim. 6:9). Begin shedding some of your material baggage. You will end up richer toward God!
To be continued!
A Recommitted Me in 2023!
Dennis
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