REBOOT

Whenever my work computer freezes up, the tech tells me to reboot. Somehow that causes the computer to restart without the difficulties I experienced.

You can reboot, too. If 2011 was not a good year for you spiritually, reboot now. Get a fresh start. Make 2012 a great year.

How do you do it? First of all, be honest. Be honest with yourself. Acknowledge you did not regularly attend church and Bible study. Realize you did not read and study the Bible. Remember you had no significant prayer life and no ministry to others.

Then be honest with God. We call that confession. Confess these shortcomings to God. He will forgive them. 1 John 1:9 is the promise of this.

Now that you have a fresh slate, what do you do? Let the past go. Move on. Learn from the past without the paralysis of guilt. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul put it this way: “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Put the past behind you. Press on to live for Christ. Make 2012 a great year of spiritual growth and joy.

Reboot.