New Year's Plans
Pathway Points
Stepping Up for Jesus
It’s
that time of year again. The holidays are approaching and New Year’s is just
around the corner. As you think about the new year, I encourage you include
your faith in your resolutions. To help, I found some questions that I’ll
be prayerfully considering for myself in the weeks to come (Taken
from 10 Discipleship Questions to Consider Now For 2017).
1. What
will be my Bible reading plan for 2018? I
like the reading plans provided by the YouVersion Bible
app. For those of you that would prefer a paper version, any of the
pastors or I can get one for you, just let us know!
2. What
specific step will I take in the new year to love my family better? As
the author says, “if I don’t make intentional plans, I’ll let my
relationships slide into mediocrity.”
3. On
what nonbeliever(s) will I focus my prayers and evangelistic efforts in 2018? Remember
the “Surprise the World” sermon series and the BELLS model? That wasn’t
meant to be a one-time thing. We’re called to make disciples, and that’s not
possible if we don’t reach out beyond our church family and Christian
friends. Need a copy of the book? Let me know.
4. In
whom will I invest my life as a disciplemaker this
next year? Every
Christian, no matter how far along the Pathway, should be in an apprenticing relationship.
5. What
sin will I fight the hardest to overcome in the new year? Church
should be a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints. Begin the
year with repentance and a plan, with God’s help and the help of the
person you’re in relationship with in #4, to be more like Christ.
6. What
will be my giving and saving goals for 2018? Trusting
God with our finances is an incredibly difficult thing for many of
us. Having that conversation with Him before the money is in our
hands tends to help clarify what to do with it.
7. When
will I fast regularly next year? Fasting
is a topic that isn’t discussed regularly in most churches, but can be a very
helpful spiritual practice. Remember, the point is to give something up (food,
TV, video games, etc.) and replace it with time with God.
8. What
mission trip(s) will I take in 2018? Mission
trips are an amazing experience. Would you be interested in helping coordinate
one for our Grace Church family?
9. What books will I finally read next year? Remember this is a discipleship question. Don’t have any books that will help you on your journey? Join a small group! We’re always reading something.
10. Am I committed to follow God in 2018—regardless of the sacrifice or cost? This is a deceptively simple question. As good Christians, our automatic answer is, yes. However, what if the price isn’t minimal? Will you trust Him and follow where He leads…no matter what?
Stepping up with you in His strength!
Monica Lebsack
Creative Ministries Director