Yesterday, we talked about reframing past situations and asking God for a new identity. But all too often we face nagging issues from the past year that won’t simply disappear because of the change in the calendar. This year, endeavor to bring closure to challenges that you feel are lingering over your head. Here are just a few key principles.

The first principle toward bringing closure to old issues is to take a step back and see them differently. Ask God for a heavenly perspective. Notice that at no point have I referred to these issues as problems. The word problem inherently implies something negative. Instead, look at these issues as challenges to be overcome. Once you realize that a hurdle you’re facing can be defeated, you’re much more likely to move forward and succeed.

The second principle is to take everything one step at a time. All too often, we make New Year’s resolutions that fail because we want to solve everything in one fell swoop. We wake up January 1 ready to take on the world, and by January 15 we’re overwhelmed and defeated. Take the time to plan your course of attack and break down challenges into smaller action steps that you can tackle one day at a time.

For example, “losing weight and getting healthy” is a terrific goal worthy of its spot on our list of resolutions. But it’s much too large of a goal in and of itself. Break down the challenge. How will you lose weight? How, specifically, will you get healthy? Plan it out in advance with several mini-goals and you’re much more likely to succeed. The old phrase, “don’t bite off more than you can chew” certainly applies here.

Finally, never be afraid to ask others for help. Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Too often, we try to go it alone out of pride or insecurity. But in your family, your circle of friends, and your church community are people who love you and want to see you succeed. In fact, there are likely many others who’ve overcome the same challenges you’re facing.

Our Wellness Center is a great place to benefit from the shared experiences of others. Not only do we offer professional one-on-one counseling with some of the most highly trained experts in their fields, we offer our Celebrate Recovery groups where you can grow and change with people who are facing the same challenges.

These are just a few principles to bring closure to nagging issues in 2012. Never forget that you can “do all things through Christ who strengthens” you. He longs to help you overcome your challenges and live in freedom and wholeness.

Yesterday, we talked about making a daily habit out of gratitude. When we look at our current situations through new eyes of thankfulness, we can actually change their outcomes. But what about past situations whose outcomes have already come to pass?

Like so many others, perhaps you’ve been through very traumatic events in 2011. Maybe someone you trusted wronged you in a business transaction. Perhaps you lost your home. Maybe you even lost someone close to you. There’s no question that hurtful incidents like these can leave a deep scar on your heart. Thankfully, God longs to heal those scars.

Often, painful events end up leaving such a mark that they come to change our very identities. Without even realizing it, we come to label ourselves as victims with words like: rejection, bitterness, anger. Before we know it, the emotions we felt during traumatic events come to define us. And we walk around constantly feeling rejected, or bitter, or angry.

But when we go to Jesus with these hurts, God gives us new identities. Romans 8:16 (MSG) says, “God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who He is, and we know who we are: Father and children.” Perhaps you grew up with the label fatherless. Now that you know Christ, you have a new label: son.

Go to God today and ask Him for three key things. Ask Him to give you a new perspective on past situations. Ask Him to remove old labels that you or others have given yourself. Ask Him for a new identity as His child whom He loves deeply. Your renewed point of view on old situations will change your outlook on your current circumstances and give you hope for the future.

On Sunday, Pastor Paul posed an important question. He asked, “what are you carrying with you from 2011 into 2012?” Though every single day is a chance for a fresh start, there’s no better time than the beginning of the year to shed old baggage and bring new blessings with you.

A great place to start is with gratitude. Seeing your situation with eyes of thankfulness will help to give you new perspective. In James 1:2-3 (NKJV), James writes, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

Wow! Imagine what life will be like when we can see even our trials as blessings that will produce patience and make us, as James says, “perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Even things that you perceive as negative can be opportunities to express gratitude. Thank God for the fact that that negative person in your life is producing patience within you and that you have a chance to show His love to them. Going through trials at work? Be thankful that in a time when many people are out of a job, you have one!

When you rethink the circumstances of your life, you’ll begin to realize that your attitude actually determines the outcome of your situations. Resolve this year to take a few moments every day and think about what you’re thankful for. Make a habit out of gratitude.

Wow, I can’t believe that we are about to kiss 2011 goodbye! Some might be relieved that it’s over. To others, the thought that we could face another year like the past one seems overwhelming.

How do you feel about the new year that is quickly approaching? Please take a moment and send your responses to my Facebook or Twitter profiles. I’m finishing this year with you on my heart and I’m looking forward to hearing from you. I want to know how to pray for you and plan for the future.

I’m so excited about January 1 falling on a Sunday. Wow! I believe that it is not merely a coincidence but a prophetic sign for our future. Can you imagine coming together to worship, love each other, give, grow, and serve on the first day of the year? It truly is a first fruit Sunday which will set the tone for the whole year.

In the morning I will share my heart at ICLV Summerlin and on iChurch. All other campuses will also be going full blast into the new year. Then, Sunday Night Pursuit at 5:00 pm will be a night of worship, blessing and prophecy for all of us to join together. It will be thrilling!

By the way, the praise reports are coming in from our Christmas TV special. Don’t forget that you can still watch it online. I know it will bless you as we enter this new season!

ICLV is a church with huge vision and a big heart and is made up of people with big vision and huge hearts as well. I love you all and I can’t wait to see what God does in the new year. See you Sunday!

I hope your Christmas was amazing! As we approach the end of this year, I want to remind you of 4 important things.

• Our End of Year Celebration service is tonight at 7:00 pm. All of our locations are coming together at ICLV Summerlin for one amazing service where we’ll celebrate all God has done. We’ll also be baptizing many of the new believers that came to Christ this Christmas season as well as having a massive furniture giveaway for those in need. Don’t miss it!

• End 2011 and welcome 2012 the right way with our New Year’s Eve Praise and Worship Night, Saturday at 11:00 pm at Prayer Mountain. We’ll be releasing a sound of worship, prayer and declaration to move us into this next season of our lives together.

• We’re not wasting any time in 2012! All of our campuses will be at full blast on Sunday, January 1. This includes ICLV Summerlin and iChurch where we’ll be having our normal services at 9 am, 11 am, and 5 pm. And in the evening, we’ll be kicking off Sunday Night Pursuit once again with a huge time of praise and prophecy for the new year.

• Finally, don’t forget that your last chance to give in 2011 is quickly approaching. All of your generosity has made possible all that ICLV has done in Las Vegas and worldwide. Online giving is easy, secure, and tax-deductible. Help us end the year well and continue to build Christ’s church.

I pray many blessings upon you and your loved ones as we prepare to enter 2012 together. May God continue to expand our territory and work through us to make an even greater impact in the year to come!