Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Instead of the traditional New Year’s resolutions, I invite you to join me in striving to obey Christ more earnestly in 2021.
In this week’s episode, I have included 21 specific commands that Jesus has given us. Some are to one person in particular. Others are to his followers in general. But they all apply to you and me today.
For the next several months, we will take one of these commands and focus on obeying it during the week. The following week we’ll take the next one and do the same until all 21 have been covered.
Please join me in this prayer and obedience project for the New Year.
I truly believe that as we do this, the world will feel to some degree the influence of our conscious efforts to obey Christ more fully in our lives.
Spiritual goals for the new year
Week 1: Follow me [Jesus]. Matthew 4:19
Week 2: Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch. Luke 5:4
Week 3: First be reconciled to your brother, then offer your gift. Matthew 5:24
Week 4: Turn the other cheek. Walk the extra mile… Matthew 5:38-42
Week 5: Give to the needy, fast, and pray in secret. Matthew6:3, 6, 16-18
Week 6: Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19, 20
Week 7: Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matthew 6:33
Week 8: Beware of false prophets and leaven of Pharisees. Matthew 7:15; 16:6
Week 9: Pray to the Lord of the harvest for laborers to harvest. Matthew 9:38
Week 10: Preach the gospel; make disciples of all men. Matthew 10:7, 8; 28:19
Week 11: Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16
Week 12: Render to Caesar what is his, to God what is God’s. Matthew 22:21
Week 13: Come away to a desolate place and rest a while. Mark 6:31
Week 14: Deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23
Week 15: Let the children come to me; do not hinder them. Mark 10:14
Week 16: Hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today. Luke 19:5
Week 17: Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone. John 8:7
Week 18: Do not judge by appearances, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24
Week 19: Fear not, it’s the Father’s pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
Week 20: Abide in me, and I in you. John 15:4
Week 21: Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. John 21: 15-17
To download this list, you have two choices:
21 Ways to Obey Christ in 2021-short (one page PDF)
21 Ways to Obey Christ in 2021-long (3 page PDF with more details)
After clicking, check your download folder
Blessings for a happy and prosperous New Year!
James
P.S. Please share this with someone and you can do it together.
