4 Quick things you can do to finish the year strong!

For some of you reading this you may feel like your 2013 was incredible and some may feel like you missed the mark or messed up along the way and you find yourself at the end of the year with some regrets. But either way, I wanted to pass along a few quick things that we all can do to end the year strong and set us up for a great 2014.

1. Forgive:
   Forgive anyone who hurt or offended you this year. I'm not saying they deserve it or it will be easy. But it will lift a huge load off of you and set you up to have more joy in the new year. Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

2. Thank:
   Thank God for & in everything. If you are reading this post you have a reason to be thankful! Like Pastor Sheila says, "If you're breathing, you have a purpose." Not only are we commanded in the Bible to give thanks in every circumstance. But a spirit of thankfulness will continue to invite the favor of God and man into your life. Ultimately when we postures our lives in thankfulness towards God we reinforce and declare our dependence on him. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

3. Encourage:
   Encourage someone. If this isn't a common part of your vocabulary than just start with a simple text message or Facebook note that says how much you appreciate their friendship this year. We all do better with encouragement.Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

4. Connect:
   Connect or Reconnect with the community of the Church. Obviously if you live in the Seattle area or can live stream, I'd love to see you this weekend at Champions Centre. We weren't designed to do life alone. And like my pastor, Kevin Gerald, says, "Church, isn't just a place to attend, it's a community to belong to." Often times we lack meaning in life because we try to find that meaning a part from the Church. The Bible calls the Church a "body" because each piece finds its value and function because of its connection to the body not as an individual alone. I guarantee your life will go to another level in 2014 if you get involved with a great church.
   Hebrews 10:24-26 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Praying for God's grace and favor as you end 2013 and take on a great new year!