The New Year brings with it hope for the future; hope that stems from the sense of a new beginning; hope that comes from reflections of the years past; hope that new possibilities exist for us and for our families and friends. 

In our hopefulness, we often make resolutions. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions reflect very current, today, here-and-now, sorts of hope.  I've found that too often, a few months into the New Year, I realize I haven't been disciplined to accomplish what I originally set out to do. 

Thankfully, several years ago, my mother-in-law made a great suggestion that has revolutionized our New Year's resolutions.  No more random resolutions about fitness or organization.  Instead, she encouraged us to make spiritual resolutions.  We pronounce them together, pray, and then hold each other accountable.  This has brought about growth and lasting change.

Paul writes in Romans, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  This New Year, hope for something with eternal merit and reach your world as you do.

This is Andrew Palau.