Many of us have a habit of making resolutions when we approach New Years. We resolve to lose weight, exercise, eat healthier, cut down on spending, etc. There’s nothing wrong with that. But maybe the most important thing we can resolve to do in the coming year is to stay focused on God.

Part of the message from God that Moses passed on to Israel was “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV) Jesus echoed that thought in Matthew 22:37.

Our world is full of distractions. It’s so easy to strive to accumulate treasures on this earth. But Jesus urged us to accumulate heavenly treasures instead. He said “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21 NIV) This is a good time to take “inventory” of our heavenly desires versus our earthly desires.

In Revelation, Jesus sent a message to the church in Ephesus to wake them up to the fact that the intense love they once had for Him had diminished. He asked them to repent and return to the love they had at first. (Revelation 2:4-5) We need to ask ourselves if there is anyone or anything that has become more important than our relationship with God.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version(R), NIV(R). Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. TM

Why not take some time, as we look toward a new year, to sit at Jesus’ feet and commit your whole heart to Him. Here is a song that can help us focus on keeping Him in first place in our hearts.