"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
- Philippians 1:21

Another year has come and gone.

We've officially closed the door on 2001 and have ushered in 2002.

And, no doubt, we've made a few "New Year's Resolutions."  You know the drill, "I resolve to lose 10 pounds in 2002."  "I resolve to exercise more."  "I resolve to clean out that closet that is about to burst at the seams."

Or, my own personal favorite, "I resolve to catch up on past New Year's Resolutions!" :o)

Every year people make their lists.  So, I've made mine.  And I'd like to share it with you as we begin a new year together.  Maybe you'd like to share yours with me.

New Year's Resolutions of Jimmy D. Brown

1. I resolve to be the best Christian husband to my wife that I can be and to love her as "Christ loves the church."

2. I resolve to raise my 13 month old boy Jacob by the teachings of Jesus Christ, not merely by reading them to him from the Bible, but also by being a living example of them before his eyes.

3. I resolve to be a faithful friend and brother to my pastor; encouraging, supporting and challenging him as we minister together.

4. I resolve to be an example to those at my church when it comes to faithfulness in service, obedience and worship of the Lord Jesus.

5. I resolve to be passionate about my relationship with Jesus in such a way that it is obvious that He is the center of my life.

6. I resolve to learn to live in unselfishness and humility and to put the welfare of others above my own.

7. I resolve to share the Good News of salvation through the blood of the Lamb with as many people as I have the opportunity, unashamed and unhesitant about telling them of Jesus.

8. I resolve to spend undivided time each day in prayer and Bible study, desiring to draw closer and closer to the Lord in intimacy.

9. I resolve to glorify the Father in everything I do - whether at church or home, whether on the golf course or waiting for a price check in the grocery line, whether happy over a great week of sales or frustrated over the slow driver in front of me on the highway, whether in the company of friends or enemies.  Wherever this year shall take me, I resolve to glorify my heavenly Father and to do His will above everything.

I guess, in order to summarize my New Year's Resolutions for 2002...

...I resolve to be as much like Jesus as I can.

Shouldn't that be our resolution for every year? 

And every day.