Happy New Year
4 January 2008So, did Santa bring you everything you wanted this Christmas? If you’re a teen, then under the tree on Christmas you probably found at least one of the following: a North Face Denali, an iPhone, a subscription to Teen Vogue mag, or maybe a copy of Britney’s BLACKOUT – okay, maybe not the new Britney CD.I do hope you had an awesome time over Christmas break. I did. Before school gears up again this week, I have a challenge for you. Now that ’08 is officially here and last year is in the history books, this would be a great time for you to take a few moments before life gets busy again to get focused for what lies ahead in the new year. This is something I do at the beginning of each new year. I always set aside a few moments to rewind and think about what happened in my life the previous year, and then consider what I desire, and more importantly, what God might desire of me, for the next. No, I’m not suggesting that you make a list of New Year’s Resolutions – those rarely seem to stick. Instead, think about making a list of these four things:
1. New Year’s Cheers
Make a list of all the things that you are thankful for in your life. I’m not sure that most of us take time to really sit still and be reminded of all those things in life important to us. To CHEER means: to express happiness and optimism. Consider those things in your life that are worth cheering. For instance – do you ever cheer over the fact that you are alive, that you are healthy? If you are breathting air right now then you should be cheering God for this privelege. I lost two family members in ’07. Friends of ours at church lost their nine month-old child last month. A business associate of mine committed suicide several months ago. This year I have been reminded of the simple truth that being alive is something worth cheering over.Just today I made a list of all God did in my life and ministry in ’07. If you stop and think about it, God probably did much in yours as well. Take a moment and cheer over all God has done for you!
2. New Year’s Jeers
To JEER means: to shout or laugh at something as an expression of disgust, scorn, or other displeasure. Okay, so this one isn’t necessarily a fun one. But it is an important one. Make a list of those things in your life that “disgust” you. Proverbs 15:19 says, “The Lord detests the way of the wicked…” Could it be that there is something – a habit, addiction, relationship, struggle, or lifestyle – of yours that is detestable to God? Admitting that there are things about you that are displeasing to God may not be an easy realization at which to arrive. But be reminded, the Bible also says in Proverbs 16:18 that “Pride comes before a fall.”Maybe there is an area in your life in which you failed miserably in ’07. Finding personal “displeasure” in such actions could be the first step towards true freedom. For me, I’ll share one very personal thing in my life that needs addressing that God has been showing me lately. I need to learn to live in the moment. I get so concerned about the future, that I often miss the blessing in the moment. I am guilty of being so focused on tomorrow, that it could be I often miss what God is doing in my life today. I think that is what Jesus was saying in Matthew 6:34 when He said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
3. New Year’s Adheres
To ADHERE to something means: to hold firmly to a belief, to follow a rule, to keep to an agreement. This is a great one; an important one that I believe can help you develop a clear strategy and vision for ’08. Make a list of things you would like to accomplish this year. For me, I’d like to run for president…but I don’t think I’ve got much of a chance.Ask yourself such questions as, “What do I want to do with my life this year?” “If I could accomplish something I’ve never thought I was capable of doing in the past, what one thing would I do?” “Who do I want to talk with about Jesus?” “What personal goals can I set?” For me, I have a neighbor who doesn’t know Jesus. I am praying that this year God will give me the right opportunity and the right words to share Jesus with her.
4. New Year’s Fears
Is there something you are fearful of? Is there something holding you back or keeping you captive? What a perfect time of the year to recognize such vices, and then to give those over to God and trust that His plan for your life this year is much bigger, better, and brighter than any fear Satan wants to convince you that you can’t overcome. Remember, Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”Finally, give God this year. Let Him know that in ’08, you desire His desire in your life. I believe for me personally, my family, and for Jeffrey Dean Ministries, 2008 is going to be an awesome year. I hope you too will move forward this year with the same expectations for you own life. So, zip up that Denali. Download some cool ring tones for that new phone. And, go have a great year!
I am married to Amy. I have two daughters, Bailey and Brynnan. Though we rarely have a winning season, I am a Razorback fan. I am a pastor, author, and communicator. I love teens, ice tea, Mac, and I believe any day is a good day when it is spent on my boat.
