It’s time for New Year’s Resolutions. What will yours be?

A college friend of mine, Dave Hastings, writes on Facebook: "Okay gang – here are my thoughts for a great New Year. Everyone is talking about it now, so for what it’s worth, here are my two cents.

I know it sounds too simplistic, but a great year starts with getting in a Bible-believing, passionate-worshipping, practical-preaching church. After 50 years on this earth I can honestly say a personal connection to a great church is one of the most powerful things I know of for personal happiness and purpose. I’m talking about regular worship attendance, building strong relationships with other faith-ful people, and serving in some capacity to advance the cause of Jesus.

So if you are in a church – STAY THERE. If you have dropped out of a church – ENOUGH WITH THE EXCUSES AND GET BACK. If you have never been in a church – PERHAPS IT’S TIME!!"

Dave is so right. As we enter into a New Year, many people will make Resolutions to lose weight, to stop a bad habit, to gain new knowledge, to go to a never before visited place, to accomplish a won-derful goal, or a myriad of other objectives. But if I might put my "two cents" in…there is NOTHING you can do that is of greater fulfillment and higher calling than to become more faithful in your walk with Jesus. That includes growing in relationship and service with the body of Christ, the Church.

Would you resolve right now to make 2011 the year that you connect more deeply and more inti-mately with Jesus and your fellow believers? I want to invite you to make Sunday School and Wor-ship a priority. Find a place where you can use your talents to glorify the One who died for your sins. Look for opportunities to encourage others and make yourself available to God’s Spirit and His lead-ing.

By the way, if you aren’t involved in a Sunday School, let me take this opportunity to invite you to mine. We are starting a new book this Sunday called "Discovering God’s Story," which helps you understand the Bible in chronological order. You are welcome to join us or any one of the quality Sunday School classes that are available each week. And yes, there are classes for all of your kids.

I hope you will be with us this Sunday. We are going to confront some Myths in January in our new series, Mythbusters. Don’t worry, I won’t be trying any of the experiments they do on the TV show.

PS – Tanya and I want to say thank you for all the encouragement and kindnesses shown to us this Christmas. We are truly blessed by you. We want to wish all of you and your families a blessed 2011.

SEE YOU SUNDAY,

Doug Hargrave