A new year means a new start. But first we need to look at the ‘out with the old’ before we look at the ‘in with the new.’ Why not start the New Year with a clean slate?

We all have skeletons in our closets; those unpleasant things we are ashamed of and hope nobody discovers about us. But God has sent Jesus to help you clean up Your closets and wipe Your slates clean. Jesus can give you a fresh new start and a clean slate in life so that you no longer care if others find out about your past, because God has cleaned it up and made all things new.

As you begin this new year, here are 7 Tips you can use this Year to improve your life:

1. Take an Account of the Past Year

Make note of the people that have done you wrong and FORGIVE everyone of them. Release them, loose them, let them go, and let it drop.

Don’t let your anger cause you to sin, or let the sun go down on your wrath. Remember, forgiveness does not condone behavior, but a lack of forgiveness hurts you. And if you don’t forgive others you hold yourself in unforgiveness.

2. Forgive Yourself

Confess your sin and God will forgive you. We are not to sin, but if we do, we have an advocate with the Father; because Jesus is righteous we are righteous in Him.

If God will forgive us, but we won’t, that is extreme arrogance and pride.

3. Examine Yourself

Ask yourself, “Where am I at in my faith?”

4. Repent

Repent means to turn from our ways and change for the better. Repentance is a basic principle of the doctrine of Christ. Repent and face the New Year renewed.

5. Commit to Forget the Past

Let God wash away your sins and any heavy burden of guilt that you have been carrying with it. Leave them in the past and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

6. Commit to Not Live on Past Successes

Don’t live on yesterday’s successes. Today is a new day and a new year is upon us; keep pressing forward. God does not want us to live on yesterday’s manna.

Don’t take record of the past. Be busy about your Father’s business today. Commit to hunger after God’s Word daily.

7. Bury Past Events that Need to be Buried

Sometimes we just need to bury past events.

Before we start the race we have to first drop the weights holding us down. Strife, gossip, worry, fear, pride, arrogance, racism are just some of the many weights.

Now what? Pray and ask Jesus to give you new plans for your new year that will work! You could pray, “Dear Jesus, please give me some new plans that will work this year, I am tired of stuff/things/folks not working.

Let Jesus respond however He chooses, then take some time to let God help you exit the year with a clean slate. Let Him fill your New Year with love, joy, hope, peace, power, prosperity, and victory.

May you have a blessed and Happy New Year filled with Christ’s presence, and God’s blessings for your life!