Thinking about resolutions...

The new year is about to begin, which means you may be thinking about resolutions. I have to admit I have not made a New Year's Resolution in years. How about you?

The ones I've made in the past, well they haven't been real spiritual.

So I got to thinking, what does the Bible say about resolutions? If there were such a thing in Jesus' time, would have He made one?

As I searched the Scriptures I came across Luke 9:51 and the last phrase caught my attention. Here we read - "Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." 

I dug a little deeper to see what that really meant. The Greek word for resolutely means "determined" or "steadfastly set." 

Jesus knew where He was going. He knew what was to come. He understood pain and persecution were part of His future. And still He resolved, or intentionally decided, to go where God led. He had counted the cost and was willing to sacrifice. He knew the road would be hard, but He resolutely set out to walk it.

Friend, these words make me think about resolutions a bit differently. For the first time in years, I'm challenged to resolve. The thoughts in my mind no longer center on exercising more, eating less or being a better person. No, instead they are focused on resolving to be more like Christ and resolutely setting out to follow Jesus. 

This isn't a resolution to make lightly, but it is one to consider deeply. If we truly dedicate ourselves to following Jesus' example and set a resolution like Him, the generic ones will be taken care of. If we confess our desires to God and ask for His help, He will be faithful to provide.

Friend, this year will you join me in trying something new?

Let's move past the same old resolutions and let go of the struggles that come with making pledges we'll never keep. Jesus was the perfect sinless man and with His Spirit in us we can resolve to follow Him. 

Remember He will equip us as we go and forgive us when we fall!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for new beginnings. Thank you for the example that Christ set as He followed You. I pray for the strength, courage and desire to do the same. Don't let these thoughts be simple words I say, but make them my passion. Give me the resolve to follow You, trust You and obey You. As the new year begins, I ask for direction and wisdom Lord. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me resolutely follow You with all my heart, soul and strength. In Jesus' precious and powerful Name I pray...Amen

Here's a link to something else that will get your year off to a good start - PRAYER. Visit Wendy Blight's site to learn more about a New Year's Prayer by clicking HERE.

A song to start 2017..."I Have Decided To Follow Jesus" - may we resolve to keep moving forward with Him!