Yesterday we finished our first series of the new year. This was one of the most personal series of messages I’ve ever delivered. The six resolutions were (are) mine for 2011. I hope they were challenging and inspiring for you as well. Here’s a recap:

#1 – Get more rest.

“If you refuse to work you’re lazy. If you refuse to rest you’re disobedient.” Throughout scripture we see a call to know our own limitations. We have to slow down and make time to recharge. To be healthier and more productive in our lives we have to prune our schedules and find time to rest. (Exodus 41:14-15, Job 14:5, Ecclesiastes 4:6, 1 Corinthians 10:23, Luke 5:16)

#2 – Tell more people about Jesus.

“Followers of Jesus, but be finders for Jesus.” Telling others about our first love should be a daily occurrence. Everyday we get opportunities to share the reason we have hope. Yet we often allow fear or insecurity keep us from sharing Jesus. We must be more intentional about making Him known to those we encounter. For that to happen we must have a burden for those who don’t know Jesus. (Matthew 4:18-19, 9:35-27, & 28:18-19, John 1:40-42)

#3 – Be a better steward.

“Stewardship is not born out of abundance, but rather obedience.” We own nothing. We are simply managers of God-given resources. Every resources exists to bring God glory. When we allow these truths to sink in it will radically change the way we live our lives. Whether you think you have a lot or a little, you are called to be obedient. How you mange what God has given you is important and makes a huge statement about your relationship with him. (Psalm 24:1-2, Deuteronomy 8:17-18, Luke 12:15 & 23)

#4 – Invest in my family.

“Your home is the frontline of your mission field.” God has specific purposes for family. No matter the dynamics at play, whatever “family” looks like, God wants to use that environment to prepare us for life. We have to own our responsibility to our family and not allow other things to distract us from giving them our attention. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Luke 2:52, Proverbs 14:26)

#5 – Grow deeper in my faith.

“A stationary target is easiest to hit.” Stagnant and complacent are unacceptable. We have to keep moving toward living and loving like Jesus. To do this we first have to remain passionately in love with Him. When Jesus has his rightful place in our hearts, then disciplines like bible study and prayer move from being habitual to transformational. If you want to grow you have to remove the idols that dilute your passion. (1 Kings 18, Revelation 3:15-16, Philippians 3:7-12)

#6 – Be more encouraging.

“You need me and I need you”. Nothing great is ever accomplished alone. We need each other. Having people in our lives to help us endure the failures and celebrate the victories is key. All the heroes of scripture had moments where someone stood with them in a valley. In a culture that preaches self-reliance, we have to recognize our need for others and stand together. (Hebrews 10:24-25, Ecclesiastes 4:9-11, Exodus 17:9-13, 1 Samuel 19-20)