Why do we do it? Every year setting ourselves up for failure. I am sure if someone showed me stats for unachieved New Year's Resolutions the figure would be depressingly high. But what if 2012 could tell a different story...?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3

New beginnings are God’s idea. The bible is full of invitations to leave the old behind and step into something greater. There is a promise over every Christian that God is calling us to go from “glory to glory” – a constant bidding to come closer to Him and become more like Jesus.

So here we stand at the beginning of 2012. I am sure that notebooks, post-it notes, pc's and phones around the world are covered with hopes and resolutions for this coming year. New Year provides a time to reassess and take a look at how we are doing life.  Resolutions are an opportunity to refine our vision and invest ourselves in what really matters. All across the board, from health to hobbies, community to calling and above all our spiritual lives, we can ask ourselves, should we make some plans for this year? After all, the bible says, “without vision the people perish” (prov 29:18)

Personally I decided to really go for it with resolutions in 2012, everything from drinking more water to reading some insightful books about the recession, and most importantly, to spend more time with God in 2012 then I ever have before.
But only a week into this year, already the rubber is hitting the road and the busyness of daily life can make our best laid plans feel all but impossible……

But I just want to encourage you to keep going. New Years really is a great time to look at our lives and make great choices. Benjamin Franklin said “Never leave till tomorrow that which you can do today”, Jesus is always wanting to lead us into deeper intimacy and knowledge of him, today the door stands open to get to know Him more …….. And luckily we don’t have to do this alone,  Paul tells us “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil 2:13). The grace of God is always working alongside us, thank you Jesus!

Maybe you could shake up your prayer rhythm this year; do a bible study, plan some time to fast, do a prayer walk with some mates, take some time to invest in community, do something everyday that scares you. Or even something as simple as praying the Lord's Prayer everyday at 12 like us at 24-7.

I pray 2012 really would be a ‘glory to glory’ year for us all!

We would love to hear some of your resolutions in the comments section below.