2010! Another year behind us, but more importantly another year ahead of us!

I’m so thankful for new beginnings and fresh starts. I’m so glad that God in his incredible mercy, offers us a fresh start everyday.

I want to challenge you Elk Creek Church to start 2010 in the right direction. I want you to experience a fruitful year. But, the only way your life can be fruitful is if you are connected to the vine. I want to challenge you to start this new year out connected to the vine.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

How can you be fruitful this year? By being connected to the life source – the Bible. Without it, our lives become shriveled up and lifeless. And we find ourselves just going through the motions of life without experiencing real life.

I want our church to be people that place a high value on God’s Word. Here are a few things that you can do right now to start the new year off in the right direction.

• Make a decision to read through the Bible this year. Seriously, this will change your life. There are many One Year Bibles that you can find on Amazon. You can also find Bible reading plans online. YouVersion offers several different types of reading plans. Pick one that works for you and stick to it.
• Don’t just read the words, reflect on them. Here are some questions that will help you reflect on what you just read.

What did I learn about God from this passage?

What did I learn about human nature?

What did I learn about my own relationship to God?  In other words, how does this passage apply to me?

Is there anything I need to change in my life based on my reading of this passage?  How can I be stronger in my faith? What can I do to show God’s love to people in my life?

If there is one verse or part of a verse you would like to remember, you might want to write it on an index card and carry it with you throughout the day.

• Bring your Bible to church with you. During the message, interact with your Bible. Underline verses that speak to you. Mark passages that you want to study further.

I pray that 2010 is a breakthrough year for you personally and us corporately as we lean hard into God and listen to him. He wants to speak to you. Will you listen?