Wow, we are officially 7 days into a brand-spankin’ new year! ?? How is everyone doing on those New Year’s Resolutions? I read somewhere that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February and only 8% of the New Year’s Resolutions made are completed. That’s pretty HUGE!!
Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something.
As another new fresh Year entered the scene, I asked myself what would really matter for the days God will give me in 2018? These 4 things are what instantly came to mind and what I am resolved, by God’s grace and strength, to do! ☺️? I am resolved:
1.) To love the Lord my God with ALL my heart, mind, and soul!
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
Matthew 22:37
And you want to hear something pretty amazing? As we set our hearts on loving God with our ALL, we learn how to love others best. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. “ 1 John 3:16» 1 John 4:19 » 1 John 4:7-10 » 1 John 4:20
2.) To keep the commandments of the Lord!
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.”
John 14:15
The beautiful truth is that for those who have been bought by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, His commandments are not a burden but a joy! “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” [1 John 5:3] And one of the best way to know God’s commandments? Through diligent and constant study of His Word. :) »Ps 119:8-9 » Ps 119:165
3.) To Seek first the Kingdom of God!
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
hew 6:33
As we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness we are diligently and steadfastly setting our eyes on Christ alone[Col 3:1-3]. As we do this we will be given perfect peace! “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3
4.) To be a servant to all!
” And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:27-28
I am reminded of Philippians 2 where it says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil 2: 5-8
By God’s grace and great strength, I am resolved and I pray each of you resolve in your heart this new year before any other resolution or goal to “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.”[1 Chron 16:11]!! Don’t forget, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Cor 10:31] I would love to hear if you make New Year’s Resolutions and what a couple are you have made this year! Leave a comment below ???? and let me know. ☺️
I haven’t made resolutions for many years. BUT reading yours, it was ‘oh yes’! May I ‘borrow’ a couple? And you are so right, only by the grace of God. Thank you for posting.
Ah, for sure!! ☺️❤️ “Borrow” away. Happy 2018 Sharon!! May the days ahead be filled with seeking and serving the Lord. And Thank YOU for commenting!! ??♀️?
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.-Rom 5:2
Wonderful post, Rachel! Thank-you for these fantastic reminders. May we press on in His strength to seek Him first above all else. Grateful to run the race together!
Two goals…well, my spiritual goal this year is to key in on the character quality of ‘Peace’ with Isaiah 26:3 being the key verse. Looking forward to seeing what the Lord has to teach me there as I continue to spend time in His Word, prayer and putting His Word into practice! And Mentally I’m aiming to improve my cooking skills up to a month of dinner menus I can solo. Excited for the expanded ministry opportunities that will bring. :)
Thank you for the super encouraging comment. :) I’m grateful to run together too! <3
LOOOOOVE those goals. Both are fantastic! Can't wait to see and hear about your victories in the kitchen this next year!!
“in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37