I know what you are all thinking, but it can be done.  And I will prove it to you.  As a matter of fact, I CHALLENGE YOU to keep your New Year's Resolutions with me. I have compiled a list of some of my personal resolutions that I encourage you to keep as well.  So, with out further adieu, MY TOP FIVE:

As Christians you can not believe how amazing this is.  In an increasingly busy culture where we are constantly surrounded by noise and media, taking time out to pray, read and focus on stillness can be a refreshing departure from the day to day grind.  Not only is the Bible clear about resting on the Sabbath, but turning off the TV, logging off the Internet and focusing on God can give you a chance to reflect on things that really matter and further develop your spiritual walk with God.

This can go along with the previous resolution.  Today we loose our sense of appreciation for the great writers of yesterday. Writers that plumb the depths of the human soul and put to words, emotions, thoughts, and feelings that we can't even describe. However, due to the rise of everything technology, books have been kept on the shelf. I challenge you to expand your mind by reading not only the Bible (which is the most important, and all sufficient) but other great books to grow in your Christianity.  Here are a few to get you started:

Don't Waste Your Life   - John Piper

Get outside. That's it, that is all I have to say on that issue. What amazing things are we missing when we stay indoors.  Experience the beauty of God.  Experience the glory of God.  Experience the love of God.  There is a fantastic world for you to explore.

For me, I know that serving is awesome and it is something that Jesus calls us to do. And I believe that it is something that I am good at and I love to do.  YET, I can ALWAYS get better.  Even though I do serve already, I can always get better.  In today's society, not just in the world around us, but right here in Santa Barbara, there are people that are hurting and are in need of some love.  And what better thing can we do than to serve them?  Nothing.  I believe that it will be this generation who will need to step up if there ever is going to be a change in the world.  You can bring the faith, hope, and love to people who have never experienced it.  If you have a question about where to start; the answer is: START WITH YOUR FRIENDS. They need to be served just as much as those in Africa.  Love them and bring them Jesus Christ.

This piggy-backs the previous post.  But this is something that I want to do better in 2008.  We are called to go unto all nations and preach the Word of God. And it doesn't mean that we are to go to another far off country to do that (unless you are called there by God), it means that you can be a missionary right where you stand.  God has put people in your life who need and want hope and peace. And, as Christians, we have hope and peace.  True hope and peace comes from Jesus Christ, and we need to share with them the Gospel.  TAKE JESUS OUT OF THE CHURCH AND INTO THEIR LIVES.

So these are only a few.  DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS OF YOUR OWN? I would love to hear about them and I would love to pray for you to accomplish what the Lord is calling you to do this year.  And if you don't FEEL FREE to adopt mine.  These are a great place to start, God Bless!