New Year Resolutions
"Test and evaluate yourselves to see whether you are in the faith and living your lives as [committed] believers. Examine yourselves [not me]! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves [by an ongoing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test and are rejected as counterfeit? " (2 Corinthians 13:5, AMP)- a firm decision to do or not to do something.
- the quality of being determined or resolute.
Usually, resolutions are made after a thorough and critical analysis of one or more situations. At this time every year, most individuals review the past year and events in their lives. They usually identify strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures and consciously make a decision to put right things that went wrong and/or change direction altogether. Whether or not they acknowledge it, they attempt to test, examine and evaluate themselves. That is a sensible and responsible thing to do.
These critical analyses of past performances usually lead to New Year resolutions - all in an effort to be fruitful. Incidentally fruitfulness is God's perfect will for every human being. In fact in the book of Genesis, we read, "And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28, AMP). God blessed Adam and Eve and commanded and empowered them to be fruitful and to multiply.
It is still God's desire today that you and I should be fruitful and multiply. God's plans for mankind are the very best. He has said, "For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ …. , ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ' (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP)
What this means is that the desire to do well is God-given. The Bible says, "Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17, AMP)
You cannot fail when you do everything in the name of the Lord because His plans for you are perfect - the very best for you. There is no plan or resolution you may come up with that can be compared to God's plans for your life. Incidentally, many resolutions result in failure in the first few months of the new year. People find out sooner or later that fruitfulness and multiplication are more that wishful thinking. One may scream at the top of one's voice for something to happen or may even 'name and claim it' as some ignorantly do, or even start well towards a goal. While it is commendable to start well, starting well is no guarantee that one will finish well. Which is why Apostle Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, "And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules." (2 Timothy 2:5)
No athlete who stops midway through a race will ever win a prize. Furthermore, if one runs well and stops short of the finishing line, he or she will not receive a prize either. And if anyone desires to win a race but does not train, then that individual will be deceiving himself or herself. Interestingly and unfortunately, that is what many individuals do. They announce their resolutions, are enthusiastic about them, wish they would succeed with regards to implementing the resolutions but eventually fall short. I suppose we can all identify with this sort of experience in one way or the other.
What is the way forward? Honesty (to admit failure), determination (to change), commitment to the process and total dependence on God. It must be said, that God is only interested in His will, what glorifies Him. You see, your growth in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour (2 Peter 3:18) glorifies Him. What is God saying to you today? Are you even hearing Him and if so, are you listening? Will you allow God to lead you and guide you in 2022? Will you separate yourself for self-centered adventures and focus on the will of God for your life?
It is said that not all that glitters is gold. A close friend and brother-in-the Lord of mine usually says, 'Not every good thing is a God thing'. The devil is out to deceive as many people as possible and lead them astray. Ironically, just because one achieves success in one area or the other does not necessarily mean that the person is walking in God's will. All believers are called to serve the Lord in one capacity or the other according to their God-given abilities. What has God called you to do in His house?
As you ponder on what will happen in 2022, are you drawing near to the Lord in practical terms? Are you totally surrendered to Him? Have you found your place in His vineyard? Remember, "Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain." (Psalms 127:1, AMP). If God is not involved in whatever we are planning, it is a waste of time and energy; it will be fruitless. Without Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:5)
So, my dear brethren, friends and acquaintances, I come to you today via Social Media in the Name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who loves you unconditionally - that you let go and let God take control. God will never lead you astray. When we allow God to have His way in our lives, the joy and peace of God shall be our portion in Jesus' Name. And we shall have good success (Joshua 1:8). The Bible says, "You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]." (Isaiah 26:3, AMP)
As you surrender all to God, may He keep you and bless you. My prayer for you today is found in Numbers 6:24-25:
As you surrender all to God, may He keep you and bless you. My prayer for you today is found in Numbers 6:24-25:
Have a blessed day.
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