My posts here are becoming more and more sporadic. I am hoping to blog more in 2013 but I can't
make any promises.
I have been thinking about several areas of (unsolicited, of course) advice I would give to people for the New Year. I have included the list below (in no particular order).
1. Finances
Are you struggling financially? Is there always more month at the end of the money? It could be that you are like the federal government and don't have an income problem but an outgo problem. You need a written budget. It is the only way you will ever make your money behave. You must decide on paper before the month begins what you are going to do with your money.
If you are single, it will help prepare you for marriage. If you are married, it will change the way you and your spouse look at money. Thus, it will change your marriage.
http://www.daveramsey.com/tools/budget-forms/
http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/
http://www.daveramsey.com/store/prod326.html?ictid=sf
These links will help you get started. Ashley and I have benefited from Dave Ramsey's materials and I believe you will too if you make use of them.
2. Marriage
Yesterday I posted this on Facebook: Want a better marriage? You don't need a better spouse. You need to be a better spouse. (stolen but not quoted from Mark Driscoll)
Are you struggling in your marriage? Are you single and struggling in your relationships with other people? Maybe the problem is not only the other person (though they are most likely part of the problem).
When I have problems with other people, my first thoughts are always oriented towards what they have done to cause the problem. It is in that moment that I must stop and consider my own sinful actions and how I have contributed to the problem.
I read an excellent book earlier this year by Dave Harvey entitled, When Sinners Say I do.
http://www.amazon.com/When-Sinners-Say-Do-Discovering/dp/0976758261/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356966307&sr=8-1&keywords=when+sinners+say+i+do
The reality is that we are all sinners. We all contribute to the problems in our relationships. We must learn to first remove the log from our own eye so we can see clearly to remove the speck from our brother's eye.
One more unsolicited piece of marital advice, pray together every day. It is hard to stay mad at someone you are praying with every day. I first learned this as an SLD and RA at Liberty. Ashley and I have implemented it in our marriage and it has bore much fruit.
3. Bible Reading
Do you have trouble staying the course in your Bible reading? Is it easy for you to skip a day(s), week(s), or even month(s)? Maybe you need a Bible reading plan for the New Year to keep you on track. My most consistent time spent in the Word is when I have a plan for my time in the Word. I hate to have to plan my time in the Word as I feel it sometimes makes things too rigid. But isn't it better to have a rigid time in the Word than no time at all?
Ashley and I have been reading through the Bible together this past year. It has been great and I highly recommend it. Here is the plan we have been using.
http://www.navpress.com/uploadedFiles/15074%20BRP.dj.pdf
We read the two NT readings and the second OT reading on our own. Then we read the first OT reading together, usually at night before we go to bed.
You may want to find another plan. That is fine but I encourage you to find a plan. God has revealed Himself to you in His Word. Take advantage of that reality and apply yourself to the study of Scripture.
4. Spiritual Life
Do you feel stuck in neutral? A book that greatly challenged and encouraged me at such a time in my life is When I Don't Desire God by John Piper.
http://www.amazon.com/When-Dont-Desire-God-Fight/dp/1581346522/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356967230&sr=8-1&keywords=when+i+don%27t+desire+god
We face rough patches. Sometimes we need to be prodded along as we fight the good fight. This is that sort of book.
I hope one of these suggestions will prove fruitful in your life as we enter the New Year. 2012 has been a good year for me. I am excited to see what 2013 has in store.
May the Lord bless and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
