New Year's Disciplines

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Are you like me and sometimes you look in the mirror and wonder what happened to you?  A few weeks ago I looked in the mirror and thought to myself, “WOW, have you gotten fat?!”  I was so disgusted with myself.  I made the decision it was time to do something about it.  The thought went through my mind for me to wait until after the new year to start a new diet or change my eating habits.  But upon further examination, I decided NOW was the time.  It has been difficult, but I have lost 20 pounds since Thanksgiving.  I have had to say “no” to steak at the Deacons’ Christmas party, to Mexican food at the staff party, and to the fudge and divinity . . . and on and on and on.  Yet, it has been worth it.  It definitely has not been easy, but with discipline and prayer I have made it!  I found myself at times thinking I could just have a little of this or a bite of that.  It would not hurt me.  I knew it would, so I made a commitment and have stuck to it!

I challenge you this coming year in a couple of areas.  I challenge you to spend time in God’s Word every day for a year.  I challenge you to pray every day.  I challenge you to make Sunday School, discipleship, worship and ministry a priority in the year to come!  I know there will be excuses and days that you want to “cheat” a little.  Let me encourage you to be disciplined and to make a decision that you want to be better for the Kingdom this year!  There will be times that something “looks” better, but stay on task, stay focused and be committed this coming year.

On a bit of a lighter note, I simply want to say thank you for being a loving and caring church family.  Over the past ten years you have accepted my family and me and loved us as a part of your family.  That is what we too consider all of you — our family.  Through the holiday season’s cards, gifts, and special worship times, you have shown us how much you care and we greatly appreciate and love you all! 

This has been a wonderful year for First Baptist and I fully believe it is only a foundation to what is to come.  Will you be disciplined and committed in 2009?  Take a look in your spiritual mirror and see what it is God wants to do in your life!  I pray you will. 

Happy New Year!