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Thoughts For The New Year

When the old year ends and the new begins, thoughts often turn to the evaluation of the past and plans for the future. Why can some yesterdays be recalled with great pleasure? Usually it is because something good happened:

1. A soul converted
2. Someone agreed to study
3. Truth was upheld
4. A congregational problem solved
5. Error renounced

Whatever the good, did it just happen or did someone plan and work the plan? Paul made plans (Rom. 15:28). If we have no plans or purposes in life, we wander with aimless feet. Consider some thoughts for this year.

I will read God's Word every day. "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple" (Ps. 119:130). "Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way" (Ps. 119:104). We need to have God's word fresh in our mind. Then we can give an answer for our hope (I Pet. 3:15).

I will pray to God every day. "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice" (Ps. 55:17). "But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee" (Ps. 88:13). "Pray without ceasing" (I Th. 5:17). Many people want, and need, our prayers. Our own work should prompt constant prayer. We need to come boldly to the throne of grace to let our requests be made known to Him who sees in secret. Paul wrote, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:6).

I will not be ashamed of the gospel. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16). Are we reluctant, or ashamed, to talk about the gospel in a public place? How often has someone asked us a question and we answer with timidity when there are those around us who need the truth.

I will put on the whole armour of God and stand for the truth. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil...and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth....For we wrestle...against spiritual wickedness..." (Eph. 6:11-14,12). It takes time to equip ourselves "...to give an answer to every man that asketh...a reason..." of our hope (I Pet. 3:15). In addition, it takes time to learn how to deal with doctrinal errors. We are warned to "Beware of false prophets..." and "...try the spirits..." (I John 4:1). This type of growth comes from dealing with those errors rather than closing our eyes and pretending they do not exist. Errors relating to the Deity of Christ, AD 70, MDR, Romans 14, fellowship, mechanical instruments of music in worship, the uniqueness of the church of Christ, and doctrinal softness in the pulpit.