This is not a service, but it likely to be my New Years Sermon...
Harbour Lights

For Immediate Release: December 20, 2000
Contact: Michael Harbour, 1420 Loop Eleven, Wichita Falls, Texas 76306
940-855-3183
mharbour@wf.net

Resolutions for Life in 2001
By Michael Harbour

Have you made your list of resolutions for the New Year? I am updating my
list from 2000. Maybe the list can give you an idea or two.

1. Listen. Quiet your mind and take in what other people are saying as they
tell their story. Listen to their words and to their heart. Listen to
their body language. Seek to understand before you seek to answer or
contribute.

2. Keep the storms in perspective. Struggles are going to come because
Jesus promised, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). He also
said, "Take heart for I have over come the world." Practice a non-anxious
presence. When you walk with God you cannot ultimately fail.

3. Be gentle and passionate. Paul said, "Let your gentleness be evident to
all. The Lord is near" (Phil 4:5). Everywhere you go, in whatever
circumstance you find yourself, the Lord is near. Awareness of this will
keep you gentle, truthful, and hopeful.

4. When you wake in the mornings, say to yourself, "I am baptized." Paul
speaks to the church saying, "We died to sin. How can we live in it any
longer?" (Romans 6:2). Your intention for the day is to do what is right in
the sight of God.

5. Give yourself away. The pattern of the life of Christ is one of
self-sacrifice. The blessings that you receive are not to dead-end with
you. The goodness that you receive is not something to exploit for your own
benefit. Rejoice and create opportunities for joy in others.

6. Extend the grace of God. As you have received freely and fully from God,
so extend to those who need grace. Forgive others just as God in Christ has
forgiven you (Colossians 3:13).

7. Remember that it is not your job to set everybody straight. Choose your
challenges with prayer and wisdom.

8. Look for opportunities to encourage a child, to love a stranger, and to
do something good for someone you don't like. Do something good for someone
who doesn't like you.

9. Love your family by making happy memories this year. Run in the rain,
play in the snow, be spontaneous, and get them gifts at unexpected times.

10. Love your friends with gifts of time and attention.
11. Be a good student. Read the newspaper. Read as many books as possible.
Watch less television.

12. Do unto others what God would have you do.

13. Take a Sabbath. One day out of the week the world can turn without your
work.

14. Be affectionate.

15. Be daring. Take risks for goodness sake. Use your talents with gusto!

16. Watch for answers to prayer and give God the glory. Give thanks for his
love for you exhibited by his rich providence.

17. Don't eat until you are hungry. Stop eating at the first sign of
fullness.

18. Lean into life and be excellent.

19. Tell the story of God's great grace. "Christ died for sins, once for
all the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18).
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Michael Harbour
Loop Eleven Church of Christ
Wichita Falls, Texas
mharbour@wf.net
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near" (Phil. 4:5).