Totally Pumped to Start The New Year...!

I heard two really good messages yesterday. One sermon came from pastor David Barclay of West Columbia First Baptist Church. He encouraged everyone to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The second sermon tied in with Pastor David's and was delivered by my hero, Dr Charles Stanley of First Baptist Atlanta Georgia. Dr Stanley spoke about living an extraordinary life.

I'm going to highlight some of Dr Stanley's thoughts here this morning and Pastor David's tomorrow:

What is an Extraordinary Life...?

An Extraordinary Life is a life that includes the presence of Jesus Christ in everything you do...

• It is a Divine Life.
• It is a Life of Purpose
• It is a Life of Faith
• It is a Life of Total Surrender
• It is a Life of Joyful Obedience

An Extraordinary Life is not lived out under our own strength.

• It is a Life of Total Dependence on God

An Extraordinary Life is an Unshakable Life because we are anchored to the Savior.

God desires to lift us to a new level. He desires that we walk away from habits that enslave us and put us into bondage. How would you describe your christian life...? Are you going to live a 'settled for' life or God's Best...?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I humbly ask the same request the Psalmist David asked over 200 years ago: ...Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me... (Psalm 51:10)

Father, I want to live an Extraordinary Life. I want to Grow in You. I want to be salt and light to those around me. But Lord, there's no way I can accomplish these things on my own under my own power. I need You, Lord.

I throw myself upon Your mercy and grace. I want Your Best for my life and the lives of my family. Help me in my discipline of diet, rest, and spiritual training. I want to take care of this body of mine and lose the weight that I've added over the years. I want to be disciplined in financial matters and get out of debt I've accumulated over the years. I want to finally read the bible cover to cover this year... No more floundering around lost in the old testament.

Lord, I want to find a church home I can be excited about and become active in and serve the Body of Christ. Father I lift up First Baptist West Columbia today. Thank You for Pastor David and his wonderful words of wisdom yesterday.

Father God I just Love You and Thank You and Praise You for all You've done for me. I love You Lord. And I pledge this new year to knowing You better and serving the Kingdom.

I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.