As we look at the calendar, we see that this year will be over in a couple of weeks. While most people wait until the last minute, it would be wise to evaluate your circumstances before the New Year gets here. It is time to make those resolutions and if you get a head start, maybe you can keep them for a change. Where are you now, and where do you see yourself this time next year? Most resolutions are made to better oneself in their health habits or how they treat other people. Hopefully this message will cause you to think about your spiritual condition. Don’t just read the Bible, LEARN the Bible, and apply it to your life.

We may not have much control over many circumstances that affect us everyday. But there are things that we can and must control if we want the desired result of going to heaven when this life is over.

Foremost we must have a good relationship with Jesus Christ and God. If you are not living in fellowship with God, your life is a waste. While many people think that they have a relationship with God, they need to examine themselves to see if they are indeed in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Many people have been deceived to think they are right with God, when in reality, the Devil has them. So how do you know if you belong to God or Satan? Well, you cannot rely upon your feelings, because our feelings can deceive us. And many false teachers deceive us.

The only way to be right with God is to live according to the teachings of the Bible. This may sound fundamentalists or patternistic, or legalistic. But The Bible emphasizes obedience throughout its pages.

“And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him; the one who says he abides in him ought himself to walk in the same matter as He walked. 1 John 2:3-6

The second way to know that we have a good relationship with God is to treat our fellow man honestly and fairly. Remember the golden rule. It was true when Jesus said it, it is true today. Considering others as more important than yourself is to almost guarantee that God will accept you. There are many who are in worse shape or conditions as you are and showing compassion and offering assistance is what pleases God.

----LOVE GOD and LOVE your fellow MAN. That is a resolution to live by.---

Please, let us help you turn your life around and keep your resolution to be stronger spiritually than you have in the past.

We know that God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God (2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.

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By Carey Scott via the Madisonville Meteor, December 17, 2008

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