Six Steps to Help Overcome
Procrastination
Most of us live like we used to watch TV —
the program was not too good, but were are too lazy to get up and
change the channel. Now we may be too lazy to get up and find the
remote. Knowing what you need to do is not enough, we must be doers
(James 1:22).
Here are six steps that can help us get out of our rut and into
action:
Stop talking and decide to do it! “In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter leads only to poverty (Proverbs 14:23 NKJV). We
talk and talk about what we plan to do — read and study the
Bible more, lose weight, exercise more, clean out the garage, spend
more time with the family, etc. It is time to stop talking about
it and just do it.
Set a deadline. In making a definite or earnest decision, we are
more apt to follow through when we set a deadline. There is a sense
of resolve as we contemplate the end. Deadlines have a way of keeping
us on the move toward our goals.
Learn to master your moods. “He that is slow to anger is better
than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh
a city (Proverbs 16:32). We may not want to roll out of bed in the
morning when we haven’t slept well. But there is a difference
between “I can’t” and “I don’t want
to.” Success is determined when we resolve to overcome our
feelings and emotions and push forward. Prayer can help us to gain
control of our thoughts.
Burn your bridges behind you. We cannot leave any other way open
that may hinder or stop our progress. We need to tell ourselves
that there is no other option, but to move forward.
Take the first step. This is the hardest thing to do, but once we
take the initial steps we begin to gain momentum. Think back through
steps one and three, then step on out there!
Be optimistic. We must continually remind ourselves of the benefits
of reaching our goal. Remember the reward. Keep thinking, “I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians
4:13). — Adpated
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Year End Inventory
Brandon Britton (adapted)
The end of the year is generally the time that
most companies and businesses devote to doing the often dreaded,
but greatly needed, task of taking inventory. Inventory allows
you to determine what you have, what you are lacking, what you
have accomplished, what you failed to do and the areas that need
attention for the coming year. It would be a foolish and risky
decision to neglect such a helpful and informative introspection.
The end of the year is also an opportune time to take a spiritual
inventory. A self examination of this nature is even prescribed
by the Word of God. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in
the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). When
was the last time you took inventory of your life, the direction
you are going and what you hope to accomplish? For most it may
have been this time last year, in which case you are in desperate
need of, and are long overdue for a spiritual inventory.
Take an inventory of your prayer life. Much can be learned about
your level of spirituality by examining your prayer life. Did
you do much praying this year? If you did, when was it? Did you
pray fervently when there was a sickness, financial problem, death
or other difficulty? These are certainly times when we NEED prayer.
In times of difficulty and hardship we need the help of our Father.
The best part is, He desires for us to come to Him with our weaknesses,
illnesses, heartaches, and troubles (1 Peter 5:7). But if this
is the ONLY time we utter a prayer there are changes that need
to be made. Perhaps you pray more often than that, but it is only
a few half-hearted words muttered out of guilt or obligation.
If so, there are changes that need to be made. If your inventory
reveals a frequent, fervent and heartfelt prayer life, keep it
up next year (James 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Take an inventory of your study habits. How much time did you
spend this year in Bible study? You cannot count the time spent
studying in Sunday morning or Wednesday night Bible classes because
this is the bare minimum that anyone who wears the name of Christ
should study (Psalm 1:2; 119:97). How much did you study on your
own? Did you spend more time reading the paper this year than
the Bible? If so, changes need to be made.
Take inventory of the spirituality of your family. During the
past twelve months did you make the church the center of your
family life (Matthew 6:33)? Did you put spiritual things first
or were they occasionally neglected due to other things? Did sports,
trips, or family and friends visiting, come before spiritual things
or worship services and Bible classes?
Take inventory of your place in this congregation. This year did
you help or hurt the work of the Lord here at River Road? Did
you get on board and work to accomplish the goals set by our elders,
or did you stand on the sideline and criticize and complain? Each
member is a vital part of the body, but those members must be
working together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
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"I have
remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day"
2 Timothy 1:3
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 Pat
Brown lost her battle with cancer late Thursday night,
December 21st. The funeral and burial were on Christmas Eve
in Ohio. Our deepest sympathy to Dorothy Mitchell, Joy Ryan,
and the entire Brown family. We take comfort in knowing that
Pat was a Christian.
Guest Speaker
The elders have invited Barry Rosie to teach
the adult Bible class and preach both sermons today. We have
been fortunate to have Barry visiting with us for several
weeks now. This gives us another opportunity to hear him speak
before he returns to Madagascar.
Happy
New Year
Lunch Bunch
Our regular luncheon has been changed for this month only.
We will meet at our usual place, the Golden Coral, on Tuesday,
January 8th at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is welcomed to join us!
Cards & Notes
Be sure to stop by the bulletin board and read the many Christmas
cards and other notes that we have received in recent weeks.
 Tuesday
Bible Class
for 2008
Mark your calendar for January 8th for the start of our annual
Tuesday Bible class. Everyone is invited to share in this
study. Our topic this year is 1 Corinthians 13 and Paul’s
inspired definition of love. Come and join us in the fellowship
hall from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday. This class will run
through the end of April.
Pictures Today
All of our newer members (and those who would like an updated
photograph for the board) should meet in the large room behind
the auditorium. Darrel Viveiros will be taking pictures immediately
following our morning services.
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What of Tomorrow?
I do not know what still awaits,
Or what the morrow brings;
But with the glad salute of faith,
I hail its opening wings!
For this I know — that in my Lord
Shall all my needs be met;
And I can trust the heart of Him
Who has not failed me yet.
Author Unknown
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