New Year's resolutions... these words strike fear into the hearts of almost all of us as we find ourselves now approaching the first week or two of 2010.  Late in 2009, as we looked back on the previous year, we often found that we hadn't accomplished all that we had intended to do.  So we looked ahead to a fresh start in the coming year, and boldly made proclamations that "This year things will be different!"

When we made those resolutions, did we promise ourselves that we would "do all the things we did inpast years, exactly as we had done them before?"  I doubt it.  Deep inside, we long for things to be slightly different, better perhaps, than in the past.  In our mind's eye we envision a more fit physique, a better balanced checkbook, or a better relationship with our loved ones.  To do better we have to know what did and did not work, and then work on a plan to improve things.

While we are often eager to change things about ourselves to make our lives a bit better, we don't apply the same urgency to our spiritual lives.  Have you considered your spirit as you made your resolutions this year?  Have you thought about your church?  How easy it is to leave those things out and to concentrate on those things we think we have control over.  But God requires much of His followers.  He demands much of His Church.  What are you willing to do to answer those demands?

There are two layers to this, the first of which is our personal spiritual life.  We are to keep on seeking the Lord, while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6).  Seeking is an action.  In the Hebrew the word for "seek" means to tread or frequent, to follow and pursue.  The implication is that we cannot stand still and rest where we are.  We must move ahead on a determined course of action in our quest to find God and His will for us.  Continue to pray.  Keep with the fellowship of believers - come to worship regularly!  And, as always, stay in the Word of God.

Last year we followed a plan to read through the Bible in a year.  Many of you signed the covenant agreements to do that.  I found it to be very rewarding - often difficult to maintain a regular schedule, but in the end well worth the effort.  I hope you found the same result.  We will offer a year-long schedule once again.  I am reminded of the words of Jeremiah: "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty." (Jeremiah 15:16)

The second layer is church life.  Christians are to be actively involved in the fellowship of believers.  We are reminded by the writer of Hebrews: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..." (Hebrews 10:25)  This year let's make an effort to do what this says, to encourage one another.  Perhaps we can begin to set aside the things that keep us apart, the selfishness that demands that we each get exactly what we want, and begin to consider what is best for one another.  Put the other person first.

And, as in our individaul personal lives, it will not do for us to remain exactly as we were last year.  We must aspire to be more, to do better, to change!  It doesn't take a major makeover to be a better congregation.  It does, however, take a willingness to occasionally try something different and not reject it immediately.  It does require that we seek to find God's will and purpose for our church, and do what it takes to fulfill that purpose.

I pray for our church all the time.  One of my prayers is that God gives us clarity in our direction.  2010 is going to be one of those years that will define our future.  I believe this with all my heart!  Will you join with me in this prayer?  Are you willing to courageously and joyfully pursue the worship of God and service in His name, whatever He askes of us?  We can either languish and slowly fade away, or we can find new energy in the Holy Spirit to do what it takes to be a vibrant, Spirit-led people of God.  Let's take a bold approach in 2010.  Let's see what God has in store for an obedient people!  Happy New Year!

Learn more about Salem Hellers Church online: www.salemhellers.com