The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

AMONG plans to eat better, exercise more, get out of debt, spend more time with loved ones, some Christians are seeking to reach a higher level in their relationship with God this year.

Not limiting their relationship to just a Sunday experience, they hope to come closer to the creator everyday by praying often, walking in the spirit of his love, studying the word and developing a spirit of praise and worship.

These resolutions they said will not be like past one’s, which were only kept for a certain period and forgotten before the month of January came to an end. To keep their plans in remembrance, notes of their promises were plastered in personal spaces at work, home and in vehicles.

“The year 2012 was when I made my commitment and accepted Jesus as my lord and saviour. This year I intend to walk this life out fully because I know all of the promises God has made to me, and I will pursue them like I have never pursued anything before. I have already pulled the scriptures that I am believing to come to pass in my life, and wrote them down in a notebook.

I refer to the notebook regularly and say the scriptures out aloud to myself to plant them in my spirit,” Opal Stuart a Catholic faithful told Tribune Religion.

One of the reasons some people never make New Year’s resolutions is because they end up forgetting and not sticking to them. Though, Stephen, a believer, has not declared his plans to pray more as a resolution, this is something both he and his wife have committed to do much more of this year.

“It may sound cliché but prayer changes things. It draws us more closer to God and each other because we are coming together as a family and putting our issues before the father. We have also committed to do more bible study this year as well.

Anna, an ardent church goer, also said getting fuel from the from the word of God, and communicating much more with him through prayer is something she will do also.

“I want to read my bible much more and pray much more. I pray throughout the day but I would like to set aside a time throughout the day that is just dedicated to prayer. I think when you set aside time to focus on God it sets the tone for your day and makes you feel more at peace. I intent to carry this out for the rest of the year,” she told Tribune Religion.

The uncertainty of what this year can bring for Travis Edgecombe means that he must cling onto God’s hand much tighter. He said the chaos going on all around call for him to walk and talk with God on a daily basis, so he may be protected and inspired by God’s wisdom.

“I would say my resolution for all times is to be focused at whatever  I am doing and do it with excellence. I will also be diligent consistent, and proactive. As for my relationship with God, my goals this year is to be faithful in obeying his word and letting my light shine as he has commanded. I am striving to have a better prayer life so I may develop a better connection with God,” said Bahamian gospel musician Mr J.

Throughout the year, Allison Miller a born-again believer said she will “share the message of salvation with every and anyone” she comes into contact with.