It's that time of year when a lot of folks make promises they can't keep. We call them New Year's "resolutions," because we are supposedly resolved in our hearts to change our ways, and improve ourselves as the fresh start of a new year approaches.

Or, you may be one of the many who have finally given up on making resolutions. I read recently that only 37% of Americans make New Year's resolutions any more, and that means that almost two out of three people are either satisfied with the way they are or don't want to fail again in 2017.

Of those who do make resolutions, they are usually pretty predictable. The number one resolution people make is to get control of their money. Next is to stop smoking, followed by losing weight and exercising more regularly.

It's not hard to figure out the general theme of all those typical resolutions--discipline. And perhaps that's why 63% of us don't resolve to do anything different, because we realize it requires discipline.

May I make a suggestion for a good New Year's resolution for 2017. Choose to take seriously the Scriptural call to "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness."  (1 Tim. 4:7, NAS). Or, as the NIV translates that verse, "train yourself to be godly."  In other words, make up your mind and resolve in your heart that by God's grace you will make the effort to get your spiritual life under control in 2017.  I have a feeling that the other areas of your life will follow if you do.

It all comes down to getting your life in order, beginning with the priority of your relationship with God. That's the kind of resolution that can cause a revolution in every area of your life, and in the life of your family.

I pray that you'll make a renewed commitment to follow Jesus in the year ahead, and then follow through as you walk with Him day by day. May you and your family have a safe and blessed New Year.

--Pastor Ken