Making the New Year BETTER Than the Old “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

I NTRODUCTION Moses reflected on his faith in God, the meaning of life, and the passing of time We profit by marking time – Genesis 1:14 – Ephesians 5:15,16

Psalm 90:1,2 “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

Psalm 90:3,4 “ You turn man to destruction, and say, "Return, O children of men. For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.”

Psalm 90:5,6 “ You carry them away like a flood; They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up:In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers.”

Psalm 90:7,8 “ For we have been consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are terrified. You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.”

Psalm 90:9,10 “ For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

Psalm 90:11-13 “Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants.”

Psalm 90:14,15 “ Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, the years in which we have seen evil.”

Psalm 90:16,17 “Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.”

I NTRODUCTION Let us reflect with Moses in Psalm 90 – 1:1-6—God is eternal, man is temporal – 1:7-11—God’s anger against sin – 1:12-17—Prayer for God’s favor

I NTRODUCTION Make the New Year BETTER : – Seek cleansing of sin – Determine to learn and grow – Study God’s Word more diligently – Draw nearer to God in prayer – More involved in the local church – Strive for a godly home

Seek Cleansing From Sin Urgently seek God’s forgiveness without excuse or delay – Accept responsibility for sin, plead for pardon— Psalm 51:1-4 – Start with the New Birth — John 3:3-5 A new beginning : change heart and relationship to God – From kingdom of Satan to kingdom of God – Guilt to innocence, from despair to real hope

Land of Beginning Again – I wish that there were some wonderful place Called the Land of Beginning Again. – Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches – And all of our poor selfish grief – Could be dropped, like a shabby old coat, at the door – And never put on again. [Excerpt from Louisa Fletcher, The Land of Beginning Again]

Seek Cleansing From Sin Keep a tender conscience to correct and resist sin – Seek cleansing, do not persist— Psalm 19:12,13 – Simon sought cleansing from sin— Acts 8:21-24 – Jesus invites the weary sinner— Matthew 11:28-30

Determine to Learn and Grow Disciples of Christ are learners – Much to Learn— Matthew 28:19,20 – Bear the beautiful Fruit of the Spirit— Galatians 5:22,23 (Holy Spirit instructs) – Press to Grow in the Christian Graces— 2 Peter 1:5-11 (Growth: gateway to heaven)

Study God’s Word More Diligently Bible Study essential to learn and grow – Develop desire for God’s word— 1 Peter 2:1-3 – Eagerly search for the truth— Acts 17:11(noble sincere spirit) – Inexhaustible treasure mine— Psalm 19:7-11 (warnings and rewards)

Draw Nearer to God in Prayer Prayer will develop a stronger faith – Jesus teaches us how to pray— Matthew 6:9-13 – Psalms teaches us to pray in all situations— Psalm 42:1-3, 7,8, 11 – Needs to be a daily part of our lives— 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (Habit)

More Active Role in the Local Church Church needs active participation by each member – We all have a role to play— 1 Corinthians 12:14-22 – Every member is important — Ephesians 4:15,16 – Each of us have talents and abilities — Matthew 25:14-30

Strive For a Godly Family Strong homes help make a difference in our community – Husbands and wives unite in love— Ephesians 5:23-25(unselfish mutual love) – Fathers are spiritual leaders— Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 10:25 (private and public worship) – Emulate men of faith and character— Genesis 18:19

C ONCLUSION 2014 has passed and 2015 has begun… – What are your spiritual goals in 2015? – Can you say you are spiritually stronger today than when 2014 began? – Do you plan to be more involved, less involved or remain the same in 2015? – Can God depend on your help and service in 2015?