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Luke 2:52 - NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS.

Luke 2:52: NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS.

Luke 2:52 (NIV) And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in 
favor with God and men.  

Set These Four Goals to Grow More Like Jesus
   Do you want to be healthier? More rested and less stressed? 
Do you want to be closer to God? To other people? 
   You dont just drift into good things. You must be 
intentional. You have to set some goals and then commit to working toward 
them every day. 
   We were created to become like Jesus Christ, so lets use 
him as a model for growth. The Bible tells us that Jesus grew in 
four ways: Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God 
and man (Luke 2:52 NIV). 
   If you want to be like Jesus, then you have to grow 
intellectually, physically, relationally, and spiritually. As you read through 
these points, be thinking of one goal you can set for yourself in each 
of these four areas. 
   1. Set A Goal For Intellectual Growth.
   Proverbs 19:8 says, Do yourself a favor and learn all you 
can; then remember what you learn and you will prosper (GNT). You 
must never stop learning. A mind is a terrible thing to waste! What 
is one thing youd like to learn? It doesnt have to be a 
spiritual thing. Maybe theres a book youd like to read for the first 
time. Maybe theres a class youd like to take. Maybe youve 
always wanted to learn another language. Now is the time to do it! 
   2. Set A Goal For Physical Growth.
   The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Dont you 
realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in 
you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for 
God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your 
body (NLT). God wants you to honor him with your body, because its 
where he lives. What could you do to set a goal in this area? How can 
you improve your health? Dont make an unrealistic goal, because 
you will just get discouraged. You might need to get a physical, go 
to bed earlier, change an eating habit, or start walking during 
your lunch break. 
   3. Set A Goal For Relational Growth.
   Philippians 1:9 says, This is my prayer for you: that your 
love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and 
understanding with your love (NCV). The greatest lesson you can learn in 
life is how to love God and other people. Because thats what life 
is all about! What do you need to do to develop stronger 
relationships? Do you need to join a small group? Restore a relationship? Offer 
forgiveness or ask for forgiveness? Invite a new friend over for a meal? 
Remember to make your goal specific. 
   4. Set A Goal For Spiritual Growth.
   The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:18, Grow in spiritual strength 
and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus 
Christ (TLB). Ive found in my life that the smallest goal I set in 
this area reaps the most incredible benefits. As you think through 
this one, ask, What can I do that will make the biggest 
difference? Even a small thing can make a huge difference. Or what have you 
been putting off when it comes to spiritual growth? Do that one first 
when it comes to this goal. 
   Make it a point to write down your goals and put them on your 
refrigerator or your mirror. Look at them every day. Pray about them. Review 
them. Share them with a spiritual partner. Use these goals to help you 
know Jesus better and grow more into his image. 
   Walk carefully, not as the unwise, but as wise, making the 
very most of your time  Do not be foolish and thoughtless, but 
understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 
5:15-17 AMP). [Daily Devotional by Rick Warren: 
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/ re Eph. 5:15-17] 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo [old, but one of the best] 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE

Musical Devotional On Christian Living: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/

ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657  

Last Day Prophecy: His Other Sheep by Pastor Gerald Babanezhad: 
https://vimeo.com/162267518