New year, now what?

​It is now 2024 and we are starting to get over the Christmas highs and lows as we prepare for another 365 days around the Sun. 

Well, 366 actually as it is a leap year which means one thing and one thing only. Paris. 2024. Olympics!
 
Olympics aside, it is now 2024 and we all have an opportunity to assess where we are and if we are happy with the current trajectory. This is why you may be considering a fitness regime, cutting out certain foods, upgrading a particular piece of technology, or planning for home renovations.
 
Or perhaps you have decided this year is the year of making no changes in January as you reflect on years of broken promises and months of unused gym memberships.
 
Whatever it is you are doing to start 2024 allow me to encourage you with one piece of advice that when applied has changed things in my world and when ignored has caused issues. It comes from the brother of Jesus, a bloke named James.
 
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” – James
 
This year I know with confidence that if I follow Jesus and put my faith into action I will be blessed. Blessed is just a word that means happy or fortunate.
 
So, it is now 2024. New year but now what?
 
What are you going to do with your 366 days this year?
 
My hope for you is that over this year, if you follow Jesus, is that you will lean into where he is guiding you. And that as you put your faith into action there will be a growing trust in Jesus.
 
Here are some suggestions for how to put your faith into action:
 

1. Spend time with family and friends that allow you to be encouraged and refuels you.
2. Pick up a new hobby or dust off an old one. We all need something outside of work and family that we enjoy.
3. Read Matthew, Mark Luke, and John and pay attention to not only what Jesus says but what he does and how he lives.
4. Watch ‘The Chosen’ (first season is on Netflix) or go to YouTube and watch the Bible Project, they have a series coming out on the Sermon on the Mount that looks great.
5. When we have opportunities to follow Jesus – feed people, offer encouragement, give finances, forgive, forgo so others can have an opportunity to participate – do not hesitate to follow through and be blessed in 2024.

 
I am excited for 2024 and all we can do as a church to inspire people to follow Jesus in our community. But it will only be effective if listen to James and put our faith into action.
 
Have a great week.

Author

Josh has been on staff at Lesmurdie Baptist Church since 2018. He is married to Marnel and they have 4 children together - Azaliah, Ezra, Zoelle, and Zion. What drives Josh is seeing people put their faith into action so Jesus can change lives in the here and now.