Five New Year’s Resolutions to Become More Like Jesus  

Happy New Year! As you look at the fresh year ahead, full of possibilities, are you making any New Year’s resolutions? If so, you’re in good company. And if you’ve ever failed to keep a resolution, join the club! According to a poll by Forbes, the average New Year’s resolution lasts for 3.74 months.  

So this year, if you want deep and lasting change in your life, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you into a practice of spiritual disciplines—think of them as “Forever Resolutions”—that will create true transformation… making you more like Jesus. 

5 Forever Resolutions (and how to start practicing them!) 

1. Get into God’s Word 

Every year Joni and Ken read through the Bible together. That’s because the Bible—God’s Word—creates a firm foundation for every aspect of life, including any goal you might want to pursue this year.  

• Join Joni and Ken in reading through the Bible this year! Check out their daily reading plan! 
• Sign up to receive a daily devotional from Joni. In this devotional, you will find comfort, inspiration, and encouragement by focusing on Jesus, who you can count on every day, no matter what you face. 
• Get your copy of Joni’s book, The Practice of the Presence of Jesus. With classic devotional content from Brother Lawrence, and original art and meditations from Joni, this book will help you draw near to God and experience his peace. Buy a second copy to share with a friend—maybe try reading it together… 

2. Serve others 

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45 

Joni often talks about the importance of serving others, not only because God calls us to love and serve (which he does!) but because serving others keeps anxiety and depression at bay. Jesus showed his followers the best way to live, by serving others. So follow his lead… join Joni and Friends in serving people living with disability. 

Volunteer with Joni and Friends! 

3. Give joyfully (and regularly) 

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 

God loves his people to give with generous, cheerful hearts. Take time right now to thank God for his grace and provision in your life. Every breath in your lungs, every new day of life, and every dollar you have is a gift from God. And when you give back to his kingdom work, supporting disability ministry, you glorify Jesus! 

By joining our Luke 14 Friends monthly giving community, you can make long-term impact possible. Become part of living out the Joni and Friends biblical commission (from Luke 14) to go out quickly to reach people who are isolated, forgotten, and rejected because of their disabilities… together we can welcome them into God’s house… until his house is full. 

Give monthly 

4. Spend time in prayer 

When should you pray? According to First Thessalonians 5:16–18, the answer is always “now”:  

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 

In Scripture we see Jesus demonstrating the importance of prayer. Many passages describe him seeking solitude to pray. And he calls you to follow his lead. Make prayer a priority in your life. Try starting right now: 

• Pray for a friend or family member, bringing their needs before the Lord. 
• Pray for Joni and Friends, that this ministry reach even more people with disabilities in the year ahead with the hope of Jesus. Join our weekly prayer group. 
• Share a prayer request with Joni and Friends. Our team would love to lift you and your loved ones up in prayer. 

5. Love like Jesus (and seek out those the world forgets and marginalizes) 

Jesus made a practice of seeking out people who were marginalized and rejected in his day—lepers, tax collectors, women, children, people with disabilities. In the Luke 14 commission, Jesus emphasizes that people living with disabilities are welcome in his house, and at his table.  

Do people living with disability in your church experience true belonging? Do they know that God loves them and wants them to find a warm welcome in his family? Whether or not you’re familiar with how to start or grow a disability ministry, Joni and Friends can help!  

• Explore our Joni and Friends Church Training Resources 
• Connect with a Ministry Mentor near you for encouragement and help! 

God has good things in store for you this year as you depend on him. Follow his lead for transformation that will last, not only through the coming year but forever! 

Pray this prayer along with Joni, dedicating the year ahead to the Lord:  

“Father God, thank you that as I read your Word, meditate on the cross of Jesus, and speak with you in prayer, that you will transform me with your amazing grace. Help me to grow in grace this year as I behold your glory. I want to be made into the person you want me to be!”