Discipleship Resolutions for 2012

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  1. Remain silent before your accusers. (Only the bold and brave dare take that one on.)
  2. Only say those things about people that build them up and edify them.
  3. Make your prayers more personal (It is through Jesus that the unapproachable Holy God became Abba, Father, Papa). Talk to your heavenly Father out loud. Tell him everything!  Confront Him, question him, confide in him.  Get past those trite phrases.  Actually have a conversation with Father.
  4. Be completely honest.  No white lies, no shading the truth to make yourself look better or less guilty.
  5. Don’t say or do anything that draws attention or a compliment to yourself.  Let others get the credit, even if you did it.
  6. Don’t manipulate people or situations for your gain or benefit.
  7. Spend time each day praying through scripture (reading is good but too easily becomes routine and we cease to listen to the Spirit).  Never read a passage with out asking:  How will I obey this scripture today?
  8. Changing your view on something that you complain about at home, work, school, while driving, at church.  Make it a matter that no longer matters.
  9. Talk less, listen more, every day.
  10. Don’t let a butterfly, flower or sunset pass without praising the name of God.
  11. Don’t’ let a person pass without uttering a prayer that they might find peace and the hope of Jesus and that you might be the means that comes about.
  12. Completely begin to believe and act like the only work that can save you is the work of Jesus on the cross.  Because it is.
  13. Pray daily with your spouse (meal times don’t count).
  14. Challenge yourself to see a long held religious preference/opinion in a different way.
  15. Take deliberate steps to actually love and pray for your enemies.

With these types of resolutions and commitments we begin to turn the corner and before we know it our religion becomes a relationship with Jesus and we truly begin to rely on grace and not works more than ever before. And what greater way to start out the new year? — Peace, Doug