1. "New Direction for a New Year"

2. Ephes. 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

3. "New Direction for a New Year" 1. Realize my time is Limited. V15 “Be very careful, then, how you live…” Psalm 90:10 The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

4. Who decides how you spend your time? You do!

5. "New Direction for a New Year" The #1 “Time Stealer” today is Television. Getting Control… Strive for a more Spiritual EmphasisStrive for a more Spiritual Emphasis Go whole weekends without.Go whole weekends without. Visit people - friends, family, etc.Visit people - friends, family, etc. Invest in worthwhile books, projects, etc.Invest in worthwhile books, projects, etc.

6. "New Direction for a New Year" 2.Choose to use my time Wisely. V15b-16 “not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

7. "New Direction for a New Year" Where does wisdom come from? God Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 1:29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord,

8. "New Direction for a New Year" Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. More Things More Choices More Overload = Less Time

9. Wise and Unwise Choices of Life Involving… CommitmentsCommitments PossessionsPossessions InformationInformation

10. "New Direction for a New Year" 3.Prioritize my life to God’s will. V17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

11. What is most important in my life? EducationCareerSchoolFamily ChurchGodSportsFitness MoneyCharacterOtherFame PopularityPowerPrestigeReputation HealthPleasuresLeisurePossessions

12. Write down by priority the most important things you need to do tomorrow... 1._________________ 2._________________ 3._________________ 4._________________

13. "New Direction for a New Year" God’s Biblical Priorities are… 1.God 2.Family 3.Churc 3.Church 4.Other

14. "New Direction for a New Year" You can’t control the length of your life, but you can have something to say about its width and depth. If we truly desire a “New Direction for a New Year”, align our priorities with God’s will. Then watch your life begin to change!

15. “I was a revolutionary when I was young and all my prayer to God was: Lord, give me the energy to change the world.’ As I approached middle age and realized that my life was half gone without my changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to: ‘ Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come into contact with me, just my family and friends, and I shall be satisfied.’ Now that I am an old man and my days are numbered, I have begun to see how foolish I have been. My one prayer now is: ‘ Lord, give me the grace to change myself.’ If I had prayed for this right from the start, I would not have wasted my life.” From John Maxwell “Developing the Leader Within You”

16. “New Direction for a New Year” What kind of person will you be this year? 1.Realize My time is Limited. 2.Choose to use My time Wisely. 3.Prioritize My life to God’s Will. IF…

17. ...2002 was one of “those” years which you began with optimism,

18. And ended a little despondent,

19. Feeling all alone in the world,

20. And with a couple of extra little wrinkles,

21. And a few extra pounds.

22. If during the year you forgot more than one important commitment... Like your mother-in-law’s birthday,

23. Not to mention differences of opinion with the boss,

24. And more than one goal remained out of reach.

25. If 2002 wasn’t as great as it could have been

26. 2003 has arrived!

27. So celebrate it the best possible way...

28. With cuddles,

29. And kisses,

30. And lots of humor.

31. Here’s hoping you’ll leap into 2003 in Christ with prosperity, health and happiness!