This is the time of year when we see all sorts of promises for things that will "change our life". Usually the promises are for things that will make us skinnier, or healthier, or wealthier. Nearly always they come with a "modest fee" for this miracle cure. But, like the miracle cures from the bottles of snake oil salesmen of the past, these life-changing promises seldom pan out. And they usually leave you poorer and with a big headache!

Here is one "life-changing" promise that is guaranteed to work. However, I must warn you at the beginning, it comes at a high price! In fact, it is a far greater price than most are willing to pay. It will require an effort that the typical man or woman will simply not give, because they will think that it is too much. Have I made the sale yet?

No? Then consider this: You cannot have anything that is life-changing without first changing your life! Brilliant, you may be thinking. That's like saying you cannot be rich without having riches, or that you cannot be in shape without getting in shape, but...

that is exactly what I am saying! I will say it again, just to be clear: You cannot change your life without changing your life. The life change that I am talking about is going from possibly being lost to for certain being saved. It is going from a path that will take you and your loved ones to a hell that is so awful that it is hard to properly describe, to the path to a Heaven that is so beautiful that you could not begin to imagine even if I had the ability to accurately describe it.

The life-changing plan that I am describing is one that will cause you to first read systematically through the Word of God, and then to do what it says.

It begins with a challenge to read through the New Testament in 30 days time. This will take about 30 minutes a day for an entire month. It is a large initial investment, especially for those who would rather play on their phones or computers, but there it is. And this initial investment is just that, for it will cost you much more than 30 minutes a day. The reason is simple: Once you find out how wonderful God's life is and how wonderful His promise of eternal life is, you will want it! It will change your life! And this will cost you a higher price than most are willing to pay, but the end... is Heaven!

The journey for this new life starts on the first day of the New Year. I urge you to consider whether you can afford the high price for this life change... or maybe a better way to put it is this: Can you afford not to pay the price? It's something to consider, and I hope that you will!

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Luke 14:28, ESV