Every year I make a list of resolutions that I hope to accomplish in the new year.  This year I am resolving to kill all of my new years resolutions.  No... I don't mean kill like accomplish all of them, but instead I mean I am going to put to death the type of resolutions that I have made in the past.

Every year I make resolutions that rely on my own strength and power and every year I am surprised when I don't accomplish those things.  The gospel has shown me that I am unable to accomplish anything on my own strength and power... that is why the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus was needed.

Apart from Christ, I can do nothing and this is revealed in my own sin.  While I was in sin, God died for me.  I didn't and couldn't do anything... He did everything.  My salvation rests on His sacrifice, I can only receive it as I do a gift.

The same is true of my daily life... I am not able to accomplish anything significant on my own.  Trust me... I've tried and I've failed (thus the 20 pounds I gained when Danielle and I moved to Philadelphia... stupid cheesesteaks).  However, when I submit to the leading, empowering and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I am able to accomplish more than I could have imagined because of God's power at work in and through me.

God has given each believer the power of the Holy Spirit.  The power of the Holy Spirit is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and we have access to that power every day!  I'd much rather rely on the power of the Holy Spirit that never changes, never fails and never leaves instead of my own power that too often fails me!

God is desperate for us to rely on Him so that He can accomplish so much through us!  He has prepared resolutions for us to accomplish if we would just rely on Him.  These resolutions are bigger than going to the gym, eating healthy, meeting certain goals, etc.  God has prepared resolutions that are specific to you... all you have to do is rely on Him!

So in 2014, let's put to death the many new years resolutions that rely on our own strength and power and let's resolve to rely on the power that God has given us through the Holy Spirit each day to accomplish what He has for us!

- Rick

The Birth Of Jesus

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

A question that I hear all the time is, "Is God speaking?"  I love to answer this question because the answer is yes!  God speaks today and He wants to speak to YOU!  When we entered into a relationship with Jesus, we didn't enter into a relationship with a religion but with a person!  We have the ability to interact with a person, and that interaction involves hearing from God!

We are able to see that the question is not "Is God speaking?" but "Am I listening when God speaks?"  Today I'd love to share some practical ways that you can listen to God everyday and grow in a much more intimate way with Him!  Here's some ideas on how to listen to God:

1. Know Jesus Personally - There is a difference between knowing about Jesus and being in a relationship with Him personally.  If you want to hear from God, you need to be in a relationship with Him.  Going to church doesn't mean you're in a relationship, being a good person doesn't mean you're in a relationship, knowing somebody who knows somebody doesn't mean you're in a relationship... surrendering your life, which entails confessing and repenting of your sin, to Jesus opens your life to a relationship with Christ.

2. Begin With Prayer - Begin with your listening time in prayer.  We teach our students to simply C.H.A.T. with God.  Confess your sins to Him, honor His name, ask Him for what you (or others) need, and thank Him for all He's done.  If you want to hear from God, He needs to hear from you!  I typically begin with the simple prayer that Samuel prayed:

3. Be Completely Open To God - If you are anything like me, there is a definite desire to look like you have it all together.  However, there is great danger in seeking that appearance before God.  We run the risk of hiding the areas of our lives that need the presence of Christ most!  When you come before God, be open and honest with Him... let's be honest, He knows everything about you anyways.  The more open you are, the more open He will be!

4. Wait For His Voice - This is where we become too impatient.  We give God a minute and get mad when we don't hear anything from Him.  We need to be patient and simply wait for God to speak.  Too often we just don't give Him enough time and we assume He didn't speak.  As we draw near and wait, we open our ears to hear the words that God is speaking.  We simply need to wait on Him...

I believe that these steps will help you to hear from God in a fresh way and there is nothing better than haring from God speak directly into your life!  God is speaking and we are called to simply... listen!

- Rick

Saw a buddy of mine post this on Facebook.  It's an interesting video that explains the background of the increasing phenomenon of loneliness.  Interesting for any one who works with students because it helps give insight into the science of why they (and we) feel so lonely in such a connected world.  Take some time today and watch this.

- Rick

The saying that less is more is pretty accurate for our relationships with Christ.  I know that I too often get in the habit of trying to do more stuff as I seek to grow in my relationship with Christ.  However, I have found that when I am willing to do less, then I achieve more in my relationship with Him!

What do I mean when I say doing less will achieve more?  The secret to growth is not about our actions, but more about our rest in Christ.  To grow we need to do a few things:

• STOP - We need to disconnect from the world that we are constantly connected to.  We need to stop texting, going on Facebook, tweeting, playing xBox, hanging out with friends, watching TV,  adding more things to our schedule... and just relax in the arms  of Christ.  We need to get alone, in a quiet place, free from distractions and just rest.  This is something that Jesus did... and if Jesus needed to disconnect and stop from the busyness of life and ministry, then so do we!
  

Stop. Listen. Respond.  I think if you are willing to follow these simple steps, then you will see your relationship with Christ transformed!  My challenge to you today is to find some time to simply STOP.  Disconnect.  Turn off your phone.  Log off of Facebook.  Find somewhere quiet and spend some time in God's Word.  Simply listen!

- Rick

I'm a big fan of Jimmy Fallon.  His show is funny, he does great bits, and he's a pretty talented musician.  I saw this video and I think it's a great reason why I'm such a big fan of The Jimmy Fallon Show!  I hope you enjoy!

- Rick