It's that time of year again. When people take stock of their lives and list their bad habits, then make resolutions they don't keep.

But the truth is, you can make real changes in your life. You can do it at any time, but New Year's is as good a time as any.

The first step in taking control of your life is to move beyond the past. Yes, we all have made mistakes and hurt ourselves and others. And we've all been hurt by things others have done or said. You can wallow in denial, guilt and frustration if you want, but you can get free of it if you will simply admit your mistakes and forgive those who have hurt you. You must also forgive yourself and accept the forgiveness which is offered by God. Learn from the past but put it behind you.

You'll also be healthier. Most of the modern diseases, like diabetes, heart problems and digestive problems can be traced to spiritual issues of fear, anger, rejection and self-hatred. According to Pastor Henry W. Wright, author of A More Excellent Way, "A Spiritually Rooted Disease is a result of separation from God, separation from yourself and separation from others. Trust God, love others and yourself, and let God handle the past.

With the wreckage of the past cleared away, you can lay the foundation for your future. You need to set your own priorities in life, not those of others like politicians, marketers and credit card companies, who have a different agenda for you. In the financial area, you must be the one to set spending priorities. We believe you should sow seeds of success by being a giver, providing for your family's needs, saving for your family's future and then using the remaining part of your cash flow to pay your lenders. Our system of debt relief is intended to guide you through this process and into financial freedom.

Your future does not have to be controlled by your past.

What better time than the new year to leave the past behind and begin to lay the foundation for your future?

Ron Allen is a Christian businessman, CPA and author who serves in local, national and international ministries, spreading a message of reconciliation to God, to men and between believers. He is founder of the International Star Bible Society, telling how the heavens declare the glory of God; the Emancipation Network, which helps people escape from financial bondage; and co-founder with his wife, Pat, of Corporate Prayer Resources, dedicated to helping intercessors.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.