“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Begin your New Year with a closer relationship with Jesus by spending more time in prayer, studying, and meditating more on the Bible. (Joshua 1:8). Devote time each morning to speaking with Jesus and draw closer to him by meditating on his Word, show your renewed commitment to Jesus by serving others this new year, look for ways to help those in need, and be willing to step in and make a difference. (Mathew 5:16). Find joy in the Lord and in all of the blessings God has given you. Praise Him and speak positively about his mighty power and all that He has done in your life. (Psalm 100:1-2). Make it a point to gather with other believers this new year to worship and celebrate the good news of Jesus. Allow the gospel to transform your life and experiences more. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

This new year, strive to become more like Jesus in your words and your actions. Allowing him to lead your life and guide your decisions will bring more peace and joy.

Here are four ways to renew your commitment to Jesus this year.

1. Start A Prayer Challenge: Establishing a prayer challenge is a great way to approach the new year with Jesus. (Luke 18:1). Set a goal to spend a specific amount of time each day in prayer, or to read through the Bible in the next 12 months. Begin each day with worship and gratitude and spend time each day discussing problems and praying for help from God. Pray to recommit your life to Jesus and ask Him to help guide you and lead you throughout the new year. He will give you the strength and courage to keep your commitment to Him.

You may consider creating a plan for a prayer challenge. This plan should include the length of the challenge, how participants can join, and how success will be measured.

• Create an online prayer challenge calendar. This should include a plan for when and what to pray for each day.
• Invite friends and family to join the prayer challenge. You can do this through email, social media, or other online platforms.
• Encourage participants to be consistent in their prayers and to check in with each other regularly. You can do this through prayer calls, chat, or video calls.
• Share inspirational prayer stories and examples from the Bible.
• One hour a day is a great goal for most people. You can modify it depending on the needs of your group.

At the end of the challenge, make sure to celebrate the success of the group and thank them for their prayers!

2. Renew Your Commitment: Commit to reading the Bible more this year, attending church regularly, and donating more to charity. Renewing your commitment to Jesus is a great way to start the new year. Commit to reading the Bible more regularly and take time to explore its stories and messages. Set aside at least 30 minutes each day to read the Bible and meditate on its teachings. Also, make an effort to find ways to apply its principles to your life and share its good news with others.
3. Examine Your Life Through Prayer: James 5:16B says: “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Use prayer to examine and reflect on your life and to identify ways to make the upcoming year better. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you and guide you and be open to hearing His voice.

Prayer Insights:

1. Dear God, I come to you today to examine my life and look to you for direction. Please help me to recognize where I need help and how I can grow. Help me to see my mistakes, my successes, and what I can do to improve. Guide me to be the best version of myself through your love and mercy. Lead me in paths of righteousness, so I may use my life to glorify you and love others in Jesus’ name. Amen.
2. Dear Heavenly Father, Today I come before you to examine my life. I pray for Your guidance and divine wisdom to help me take a good look at the areas of my life that need improvement. I ask that You open my eyes to any areas that I may be unaware of, so I can be honest and transparent with You in my examination.

Help me to see the things that I have done wrong and the areas that no longer serve me, so I can seek Your forgiveness and be obedient to Your will. As I reflect on my thoughts, words, and actions, I pray You will give me the grace to be humble and accept constructive criticism.

Most of all, I ask that You bless me with Your love and mercy, so I can accept what needs to be done and start on the path of improvement and growth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

4. Create New Spiritual Habits: Start the new year off with a plan to add new spiritual habits, such as weekly Bible studies, attending prayer meetings, or volunteer work at your local church. The more consistent you stay with these habits, the more intentional growth there will be in your spiritual walk. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law doth he meditates day and night.” (Psalms 1:1-3). Take time daily to read the Bible and meditate on what it says. Allow the words to influence the way you think, feel, and act. Join a Bible study or church group where you can be surrounded by other believers who can help hold you accountable and spur you on to live a life that honors God.

Look for opportunities in your community or church where you can serve Jesus and meet the needs of people. Develop a plan for regular giving to support the work of the Church and ministries doing God’s work. Connect with other believers on a more personal level and form meaningful relationships where you can encourage one another to grow in faith.

Make a plan and take strides to live intentionally – living out a life that honors God with every decision made. Regularly remind yourself of who you are in Christ and allow this knowledge to become a light in your life, guiding your decisions and actions.

Beloved, I hope you have learned one or two things through this piece, let’s continue the conversation in the comment section. Shalom!