BIAY 2018. Day 1.

Day 1.

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one... whose delight is in the LAW of the LORD and who MEDITATES on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water which YIELDS its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do PROSPERS.

New years resolutions:

1. DELIGHT in the Bible.

Happiness comes from what happens to you, BLESSING comes from what happens to you through knowing God and meditating on His words.

God promises FRUITFULNESS, VITALITY, and PROSPERITY (though not necessarily materially)

The key to LASTING - and ultimately eternal - FRUITFULNESS and VITALITY lies in your relationship with God.

2. FOCUS on Jesus

Resolve to focus your life on Jesus. The bible is all about Jesus. God uses sinful human beings and therefore can use us. Whatever your past, however broken your life may seem right now God can use you to do something great with your life.

Jesus means "he will save his people from their sins" - our greatest need is not for happiness or contentment, it is for FORGIVENESS. Therefore we need a Saviour.

All of history, prophesy and promise, is COMPLETED in Jesus. Your whole life is completed in Jesus. Every part of your life - work, family, friends, relationships, memories and dreams - are all completed in Jesus.

3. ENJOY God's creation

Every human being is created in God's image and should be treated with dignity, respect and love. Your ability to communicate with God is a reflection of the fact that you are made in His image.

God APPROVES of all that he created. God did not create rubbish. Therefore God APPROVES OF YOU. He loves you. He may not approve of everything you do, but He loves you unconditionally, wholeheartedly and continually.

WORK is a BLESSING. Work is part of God's creation, not part of the fall.
REST is NOT an optional extra. Don't work too hard - God took the time to rest and enjoy what he made - so should we.