The past is the past and the future is the future.  One main difference is that you and I have lived our past and not yet the future.  Another main difference is that we cannot go back and relive the past or change the past.  It is what it was and is – the past. So, if need be, confessions with a repentant heart before God and cover those sins of the past with the Blood of Jesus, and thereby setting you free to continue into the New Year with a clean, forgiven heart and soul. Then, as we end this year let’s decide to make the next year better.

Whatever you think has gone wrong this year, let it go.  Ask God to forgive all your sins and to clean your heart from the hurts that may have occurred from situations, words, and decision.  Give it all to the Lord with a repentant and humble heart and allow Him to heal your broken heart, your discouragements and restore broken relationships with His love and forgiveness.  Get your heart, mind, and emotions clear of any residue of hurt and put it behind you and look forward to the New Year with a new attitude and commit to allow God to work His plan and purpose in your life in the New Year.

Let’s make better decisions – better informed decisions. Let’s decide to include family and friends in our lives more often by calling one another, writing letters or cards, or texting if that’s your thing. Send pictures of your life events and bring smiles to the faces of family and friends.  Plan to stay in touch, to build and cherish the relationships that God has given us.

Make a decision that regardless of the circumstances to look for a good that God can bring from those situations.  Determined to have a joyful heart because you know you have a God who cares for you and wants to bring blessings into your life. Having a good attitude is a choice and each day brings its opportunities to make attitude adjustments.

How about making some goals, and the plans to reach them; strive to be successful in at least trying to achieve those goals. Keep in mind that sometimes the end result is more about keeping or focusing on integrity and building endurance, faithfulness, and commitment while working to accomplishing a goal.  When looking at your goals, ask God if your goals are in line with His goals for you. Always remember that reaching a goal is never just a one-time-journey because there will always be another goal to be working toward. As we are listening to God, He will open the door(s) to complete each stepping-task toward the goal; and then He will again enlighten our mind and spirit with new ideas and goals that continue to change us into His Image.

Let’s challenge ourselves to “end this year right” and making a new commitment to begin the New Year right – with God. Begin each day with the choice to serve the One True Living God in all that you do.  (Joshua 9:27)