As we embark on a new year, it is natural to look ahead with hope and determination. Many people mark this transition by making resolutions. We promise to eat better, work harder, or break old habits. Yet, as Derek Prince noted, most resolutions are made with the quiet expectation that they won't last long into the new year.
Why do so many resolutions fail? Often because we rely on our own limited willpower, attempting to improve our lives while overlooking the need for God’s power and purpose in our plans.
In his classic series Twelve Steps to a Good Year, currently featured on radio stations across the United States, Derek Prince offers a different path. Drawing from the book of Hebrews, he highlights twelve specific 'Let us' statements. These are not casual suggestions. They are scriptural resolutions that shape our attitude and outlook so we can receive the fullness of God’s blessing.
The Power of ‘Let Us’
Derek points out two essential truths about these biblical resolutions. First, a resolution is a steadfast decision of the will. It is an active and deliberate choice to align our lives with God’s Word rather than with passing feelings or momentary inspiration.
Second, every resolution is in the plural: 'Let us.' The Christian life is not lived alone. We depend on one another. To reach maturity and experience the 'good year' God intends, we move forward together.
Below is an overview of the fifteen parts of this timeless series. We invite you to study each one as you prepare your heart for the year ahead.
Twelve Steps to a Good Year: Series Overview
You can browse the summaries for each step below, or click here to access the complete audio series.
Part 1 - Right Resolutions
Derek introduces the series by contrasting worldly resolutions with biblical truths and shows that our approach to the new year shapes our outcome.
Part 2 - The Background of Hebrews
To understand these steps, we must understand the original audience. Derek explains their spiritual knowledge and the dangers of stagnation they faced.
Part 3 - Step 1: Let Us Fear
A surprising initial step. This is not a cowering fear, but a deep holy respect that keeps us from taking God for granted and ensures we enter into the spiritual peace and rest He has promised.
Part 4 - Step 2: Let Us Be Diligent
God’s promises are not for the idle. Diligence is the hand that receives the riches of God’s blessing.
Part 5 - Step 3: Let Us Hold Fast Our Confession
Our words must agree with God’s Word. Derek explains why maintaining our confession of faith in Jesus, our High Priest, is essential.
Part 6 - Step 4: Let Us Draw Near to the Throne of Grace
We are invited to come with confidence as God's children, receiving the mercy and grace we need in every season.
Part 7 - Step 5: Let Us Press On to Maturity
There is no standing still in the Kingdom. Derek calls us to move beyond elementary truths toward spiritual maturity.
Part 8 - Step 6: Let Us Draw Near to the Most Holy Place
A deeper invitation to intimacy. We enter God’s presence through the new and living way opened by the blood of Jesus.
Part 9 - Step 7: Let Us Hold Fast Our Confession Without Wavering
Life brings pressures that test our faith. This second call to hold fast emphasizes endurance and God’s unwavering faithfulness.
Part 10 - Step 8: Let Us Consider One Another
A cure for self-centeredness. Following Jesus' example, we are urged to look outward and encourage one another toward love and good works.
Part 11 - Step 9: Let Us Run With Endurance the Race
The Christian life is a marathon. Derek outlines what is required to finish the course set before us.
Part 12 - Step 10: Let Us Show Gratitude
In a world that is being shaken, gratitude becomes our anchor. A thankful heart releases our spirits and makes our service acceptable to God.
Part 13 - Step 11: Let Us Go Out to Him
This step addresses our relationship with the world. We must be willing to "go outside the camp", identifying with Jesus and remembering that this world is not our permanent home.
Part 14 - Step 12: Let Us Offer Up a Sacrifice of Praise
The final step is a continual practice. We learn to offer the fruit of our lips to God at all times, regardless of circumstances.
Part 15 - Summary
Derek reviews all twelve steps, helping us imprint them on our hearts so they become part of our daily walk with God.
A Blessed New Year
As you enter the new year, our prayer is that these twelve steps become more than points of study. May they become deliberate choices of the will that lead you into the unshakable Kingdom of God’s peace and provision. We pray that your year is filled with the abundant grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
