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I spent some of my first lucid hours of 2012 at Fellowship Church in Jacksonville, Texas, listening to my brother preach on “Putting First Things First.”
He laid out the text, Matthew 6:33 – “a Biblical resolution for the new year,” and then identified three obstacles that keep us from the goal.
- Earthly interests are here and now.
- Sin has skewed our view of the world.
- It’s easy to be mastered by stuff.
It was a well-chosen message for the new year, but the second point really caught my attention and got my imagination working.
“Our minds have been seriously damaged by sin,” he said. “That’s why they need to be renewed. Believers need to be renewed on a daily basis.”
I’ve always liked the idea of a new year. A fresh start. A chance to reset and begin again. To remember and reaffirm promises and plans of the past. To empty out a vessel and prepare to refill it. I think it’s an ideal time to think about the topic of renewal.
In an attempt to be more intentional about this new year than I have in years past, I’ve decided I’m going to try to approach each month with a theme in mind. Twelve themes for twelve months for Two Thousand and Twelve. I want to take each month’s theme and focus on it – in what I read, the songs I listen to, the conversations I have, the movies I watch, the photos I take, the words I write, the prayers I pray.
And so, in January, I begin with the theme of RENEWAL. I’ve got some potential themes for the coming months as well, including love, friendship, identity, acceptance, perseverance, hope, joy and thankfulness. But I’m always open to suggestions. And I definitely would appreciate suggestions for movies, songs, books, activities that will help me focus on renewal.
That’s the way it works in my happy little fresh new year’s brain of course. You know, the one that hasn’t yet been ground up by a million and one deadlines, projects, time-wastes, sick days, setbacks and the general craziness of life.
So here’s what you can do in all this… pray for me, encourage me, advise me, engage me, even join me. And let’s see what kind of year this can be.
I like it. I like it fine.
My recommendation: buy a small notebook, like a moleskine or something, divide it into 12 sections, with a page for scripture verses, movies, books, songs, etc. in each section, and then when ideas come, jot them down, so you’ll be all set for that month. It will help you be more proactive and better prepared. Makes the goal more attainable.
The old pen and ink, eh? Sounds good to me. My Uncle John never goes anywhere without a little pad of paper in his pocket (alliteration at it’s awesomenest), and I’ve always thought that was some old school journalistic cool.
I love it!!! AND i love YOU!!!
The feeling is mutual, Bug. I would’ve really liked to have stayed in Conway an extra day and gotten to hang out with all of you plus our cousins from the great white North. I hope you had fun with them.
Great post Corey! I listened to Graham’s sermon yesterday and I’m still working through my plans for 2012 to Put First Things First. One suggestion for your January Renewal theme is to re-read Pilgrim’s Progress. This little book provides great encouragement to those who are serious about their Christian walk. I am currently reading a new version of this classic with modernized language and notes by Warren Wiersbe.
Corey, Great post!! I always like the start of a new year, too! I am praying for you this month. I look forward to seeing what the coming months hold as well.
I like the notebook idea and reading Pilgrim’s Progress (an oldie, but goody).
I keep my personal thoughts and prayers in a notebook (so does Graham). There’s just something about putting things down in writing. It also helps me to retain what I’ve learned–those education teachers were on to something (i.e. see it, hear it, write it)
Here’s to an awesome 2012!
Love your blog and love your thoughts and ideas. I am very blessed and amazed by all four of my children! You encourage me on a moment by moment basis. I am looking forward to an exciting and “New” new year!! Love ya, Mom