Happy New Year!!! We have all heard this and we have all said it. But what exactly does that mean? Is it like some sort of magic incantation? You know, a string of words that are supposed to usher in "good luck". For some this might actually be the case. For others it is a heartfelt sentiment for people to have a much better year than the year before.

Still, none of us know exactly what  tomorrow will bring. So is there something we can do to make 2008 a "better" year than 2007? I believe there is. Instead of putting the New Year on auto pilot and hoping for the best, lets take a little time to examine 2007. Review the victories. I like that part. And review the failures. Not so much fun. We can learn a great deal from both victories and defeats.

Jesus teaches us all to seek first God's kingdom. Put God first. As I do this it occurs to me that there are areas that certainly need improvement in my life. I would like to share five areas of spiritual growth that I believe will make 2008 a much better year for every believer and for every unbeliever who comes to faith in Christ.

1. Discipleship... Christ original intent. To make disciples. I know I can be a better disciple. A disciple is a learner. In 2008 I am committed to deepening my knowledge of God and His ways. I am committed to every ministry of the church involved in teaching and training. I will be active in Sunday school and bible studies. I will devote myself to daily devotionals. By the grace of God I will know Him better in 2008 than I did in 2007.

2. Worship... God created man to worship Him. I am committed to be faithful in my worship. Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night and every worship service at the church I will be there to once again give to God what He alone is worthy of, my worship. I will worship God in spirit and truth, In tithes and offerings,  in service and acts of obedience.

3. Fellowship... By His grace I will work together and genuinely love every brother and sister in Christ. I will call the sick and pray for them, I will visit the shut-in and pray for them, I will do all that I can to build unity and love in the body of Christ.

4.Evangelism... By His grace I will win more souls to Jesus than ever before. I will faithfully share the gospel and lead those who come to faith into baptism and church membership. 2008 will be a year that the kingdom of God sees great growth through evangelism. Soul winning will be a priority for me in 2008.

5. Ministry...By His grace I will minister to more people than ever before. I will find my ministry and actively operate within it. I believe each one has a ministry. I pray that by the grace of God we will all discover this wonderful gem and pursue it heartily. Always remembering that the word minister simply means servant. Lord let me be a better servant in 2008 than I have ever been before. Amen...

Well, there they are. The five keys to a Happy New Year. Truly if we will all seek to excel in these things with a deepening passion for Christ 2008 will be our best year ever.