Making New Year's resolutions and not keeping them is a universal experience.

We may be sincere when we make them, but when we find them too hard to keep, or perhaps we forget all about them.

Let me give you two reasons why it can be good to make resolutions at the beginning of a new year.

First, it forces us to look at ourselves - to be honest about our failures and our need to change. Many New Year's resolutions are unrealistic or only wishful thinking, but the exercise of examining ourselves - with God's help - and seeing where we fall short is important.

Second, making a list of resolutions can turn us to God. If we are honest, we know we fall far short of being what we ought to be - and because of that, we need God's forgiveness.

We'll also realize that we can't live the way we should in our own strength. We need God's help.

Begin this year by making resolutions - especially the resolution to open your heart and life to Jesus Christ more than you ever have before.