It is 2019!
It has been said that today we turn a new leaf, write a new chapter, start over and ring in a new era. Oddly, most will turn a new leaf and write a chapter much like the last chapter. Some will make resolutions only to break them within the first month, while others may succeed in keeping one or two for at least three months.
Resolutions will be made in reference to health, wealth, family or friends. Others may resolve to do better with children, jobs, sports or the likes. Yet, in the end these well-meaning individuals will most likely revert back to the old, comfortable ways, feeling the failure of promises not kept.
My thought is that most resolutions are shallow, surface promises.
- “I resolve to lose 75 pounds this year.”
- “I resolve to watch less television this year.”
- “I resolve to eat healthy this year.”
- “I resolve to spend more time in recreation this year.”
- “I resolve to not take work home this year.”
There is nothing wrong with any of the above, but changes have to be made in all areas of life to be able to succeed. There has to be a deeper more committed attitude in all areas of life to be able to see those resolutions to come to fruition. Failure in all areas is failure of the resolve.
It takes commitment to succeed.
This is why I believe that the year must begin with a resolve to walk with God in all areas of our life to succeed in a new year. A commitment to God and His ways is the only way to find peace in this life and in the life to come.
Peace with God and peace with man begins in a relationship with Jesus Christ. This is a RELATIONSHIP no RELIGION. Everyone is religious in some form or fashion, but only those who have received grace and forgiveness in Christ Jesus can find a relationship of peace.
Paul said:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV)
Jesus said that all are welcomed to receive this grace (John 3:16) that brings life and hope for all who will receive Him as Savior. For He is the only way!
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV)
It was Jesus who was born in a manger in Bethlehem, wrapped in a white flag of peace to give life to all through His death on the cross of Calvary at the age of 33 years old. It was through this death, His burial, resurrection and ascension in heaven that gives us peace in this life and in the life to come. Those who receive Him are called the “sons of God” and their names are written in the Lambs Book of Life.
I begin this year knowing this peace, this promise. So I resolve to live for Him who died for me. I invite you to accept Him as Savior and resolve to walk with Him in all ways in this new year.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. [Honor] the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:5-10 KJV)
A resolve to follow Him will result in these resolutions for a new year:
- “Because I belong to Jesus I will live in such a way that Jesus is seen in my life this year.”
- “Because Jesus is Lord of my life, everything I have is His and at His disposal this year.”
- “Because He has saved me I will share with others how they too may come to know Christ as their Savior and Lord this year.”
- “Because I am a child of God I will worship, serve and support His work in this world through the local church this year.”
- “Because I am His I will strive to be more like Him this year.”
Paul was writing to his young spiritual son in the ministry when he penned these words in a second letter:
“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our [Savior] Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel…” (2 Timothy 1:8-10 KJV)
May God use us to His glory this year!
Happy New Year from the Fuller’s.
Until next time…
