Swiped with credit to David Head, a Baptist pastor in Lexington KY who blogs at http://ponderanew.wordpress.com/2009/01/01/some-questions-for-the-new-year/

Look Back

+ Write your 2008 story in six sentences –one for every other month or so.

+ Summarize all of that in six words. Turn the six words into a prayer.

+ What was your greatest mess, failure or disappointment this year? What lesson did you learn from that that you will take with you?

+ What was your greatest joy, success or accomplishment this year? What lesson did you learn from that you will take with you?

+ With whom did you develop a significant relationship this year? Why do you think the Lord has brought you together with this person?

+ When do you recall laughing the hardest this year? Crying? Enjoying some artistic or musical moment? Having your mind stimulated by a conversation, something you saw or read in a book?

+ How is your faith different than at the turn of last year?

+ What did your life this year show you about Jesus that makes him more beautiful, wise, strong, loving and faithful than you ever dreamed?



Taking Stock Now

Describe – as honestly as possible—where you stand today in the following life areas:

- worship (to what degree are all things for the glory of God?)

- intellectual depth, breadth & growth

- emotional maturity in dealing with anger, grief, frustration, etc.

- deep affections for God

- family relationships (spouse, children, parents, siblings)

- vocation ( work or school)

- integrity of life, words, actions

- Kingdom influence through my life (being salt and light)

- holiness (like God)

- Christ-like character

- Biblical knowledge and application

- forgiveness and reconciliation for broken relationships

- bearing witness to spiritually lost people

- involvement with the hurting & broken people you encounter

- stewardship of your life, talents, money & other resources

- concern for the nations, especially unreached people groups

+ all of this could be summed up in the consideration of one large question: To what degree does my life center on Jesus, enjoy the fullness of His gospel, and invite others to join me in that life?





Looking Forward

+ Ps. 90:12 says “teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Write a six-word prayer summarizing your God-ward impulses for 2009.

+ How will you pursue intimacy with God more passionately? Be specific.

+ What aspect of your inner world do you want to cultivate this year?

+ With what Christian brother or sister do you want to deepen or repair a relationship this year?

+ With what pre-Christians will you commit to develop a genuine friendship and have gospel-centered conversations?

+ How do you want to see your marriage grow this year? Your children develop?

+ How will you pursue beauty? Laughter? Curiosity? Knowledge? Wisdom? Generosity? Compassion?

+ How will there be a stronger gospel influence through you at work or school this year?

+ Is there a sense of calling or a prompting of the Spirit in a certain direction to which you need to give attention?

+ How can the gospel of Jesus – with its love, grace, power and hope–become larger and more real to you with every day that passes this year?

Happy New Year!!