A course of action determined or decided on.
Thousands of people each year ring in the New Year
with promises to be better. Vows to diet,
learn something new, increase savings, and exercise more are among the most
common. On the eve of 2014, promises
seem to have moved away from the ideology of self-improve to self-indulge with
pledges ranging from wearing snap black hats to no flaming Cheetos for
breakfast. Research studies report that
four out of five people will make New Year’s resolutions and nearly one-third
will break them by January. Why are
resolutions so quickly abandoned? Is will
power weak or dedication insincere?
Perhaps few resolutions are kept because they are promises flawed in nature.
New
Year’s resolutions tend to be created on the foundation of self-centeredness
driven by what people desire and can be void of substance. Resolutions that are lasting would require an
element that would ensure longevity through an eminent impact on life, an
element based on a spiritual aspect with a plan to solidify the resolution into
daily living. It is only through Christ
all things can be done. Psalm 37:4
states:
“Delight yourself in
the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Delighting one’s self in the Lord means that we
find great pleasure in our relationship with Christ. The desires of our heart should be His will
in every aspect of our lives. The Lord’s
giving to us according to His will becomes a magnificent blessing to those who
find joy in Him. Lining up our goals and
aspirations based on His way and His plan result in achieved New Year
resolutions.
Here are some examples of New Year’s resolutions
that could not only be achieved, but be a focus for us to be closer to the Jesus.
Develop a prayer lifestyle- Prayer, our lifeline,
allows us to commune with God, drawing us close to Him for comfort, healing and
guidance as we talk and listen to Him.
There are many guides posted to nurture a prayer life; however, the most
valuable teaching is from Christ Himself.
The Lord’s Prayer directs us to give glory, honor and praise to God,
acknowledging His Sovereignty over Heaven and earth. It seeks petition for His provision, protection
and forgiveness. It affirms we are to
forgive and reaffirms God’s power.
Read the entire bible- Grow in your
understanding by knowing God’s truth. There
are many resources to help plan out the readings. Purchase a hard copy of the One Year Bible or
bookmark it online. Sign up for daily
readings sent via email.
Join a bible study- Deepen your personal readings by growing in knowledge of God’s word. Contact churches for small group, monthly
breakfasts for both men or women and weekly studies.
Participate in a local mission’s ministry- Stretch your faith by serving others in need. Jesus instructs us on how we are to care for
others; feeding the poor, clothing the naked, and providing shelter for the
homeless. Food pantries are in need of non-perishable
goods, homeless shelters are in need of funding, soup kitchens are in need of
workers. The elderly and disabled in residential
care would be blessed by care packages and visitors and those choosing life for
their unborn babies require assistance, equipment and guidance.
As we count down to 2014 let us consider resolutions
that draw us closer to Christ, serve others and bring guidance to our own
hearts, executing a plan to keep the resolutions alive.
To learn about
resources to execute and maintain resolutions in 2014:
Daily Scripture
Reading-
Prayer-
Please PRAY
that the hearts of people turn towards Christ and be guided by the Holy
Spirit. The world has become more uncertain
than ever. Matthew 24:6 repeats the words
of Christ that tells us in the end times we will hear talk of war and rumors of
war. He goes on to say that we are not
to be troubled because these things must come to pass. People go about their daily lives without assurance,
searching for comfort in a world that cannot possibly provide it. For those in Christ, our confidence comes
from knowing God’s redemption plan restores us back to Him. It is there we find ultimate peace in knowing Jesus
brings salvation to all who will receive. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and
Life. Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God. Seek the
Way. Learn of Truth. Choose Life. Please PRAY that
people develop a hunger and thirst to know more of Jesus. Pray hearts open to hear the Good News
of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus
Christ. Pray for spiritual growth with the people of America, that they
embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him. May we all not just believe in Jesus, but
believe Him.
Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service
locally within your own community, fulfilling the Great Commission
through service to the poor and neglected people of our country and other
regions worldwide.
RECEIVE
the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner
He guides you in.
Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in
supporting and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally.
