Three of the most important things you can do at this time of year are 1) chronicle the providences of God, 2) thank people who have invested in your life, and 3) forgive those who have wronged you.

Every week or so I receive the Vision Forum email newsletter. Doug Phillips is the President of Vision Forum Ministries, dedicated to “rebuilding the Christian family, one household at a time.” On December 28, I received an outstanding email message by Doug titled “How to End the Year.” Here is part of that message:

Life moves fast. If we don’t take the time to chronicle the providences of God, we forget them. If we don’t take the time to say thank you to those who have invested in our lives, we actually cultivate a spirit of ingratitude in our own hearts. If we don’t stop and make sure that we have a spirit of forgiveness toward others, we grow bitter, we lose the capacity to move victoriously into the future, and our prayers are hindered.

Here is a little practice that Doug Phillips, founder of Vision Forum, was taught and would like to share with you. Each year, during the last week of December, do the following three things:

1) Outline and chronicle the many providences of God! First, using simple bullet points, outline the key events for every week of every month of the year. Take the time to do the research which will help jog your memory and allow you to make an accurate record… Also, by making this a family project, you will not only build your list with greater speed and precision, but … Read more … [www.alifeofblessing.org/content.cfm?id=2302]

Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habukkak 2:2)

2) Say ‘Thank you’ to those who have invested in your life! Whatever happened to the man who first opened to you the words of life from the Scripture? Where is the comrade, coach, or instructor who believed in you and helped you to accomplish a great goal? Read more … [www.alifeofblessing.org/content.cfm?id=2302]

“cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16)

3) Forgive those who have wronged you! In the course of a year, it is possible to build up many offenses and personal grievances at others. Left unaddressed, these grievances fester and grow. They turn the heart black and the body weak. They foster a spirit of vengeance and misguided self-righteousness. The short of it is this: Unforgiveness leads to bitterness. Bitterness curdles the mind and the spirit. Fresh starts and new years should begin with forgiveness for others. Read more … [www.alifeofblessing.org/content.cfm?id=2302]

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

Prayer Power
Father, as 2006 comes to a close, may we take the time to remember and to say “thank you.” May we examine ourselves for bitterness and forgive anyone and everyone who has offended us. Thank You for Doug Phillips and his brother Brad (from Culpeper) who have both blessed me. Thank you for their parents, Howard and Peggy, who invested their lives raising godly children who now serve millions of people for Jesus. Bless the entire  Phillips family and their ministries with uncommon favor. May 2007 be the brightest year ever for all of them. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
How to End the Year - complete message by Doug Phillips [www.alifeofblessing.org/content.cfm?id=2302]

Blessings to end the year well!