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I AM Resolved
I Am Resolved
At this time many folks are reflecting On the year gone by. They evaluate what's occurred and resolve to make changes. Most of these resolutions are physical things.
Things like:
1. I resolve to exercise more
2. I resolve to loose weight
3. I resolve to eat less
4. I resolve to eat healthy food
5. I resolve to quit smoking
6. I resolve to quit drinking
However as the days and weeks of the New Year wane so does a person's resolve. Typically by the end of February most resolutions are broken and forgotten. The above-mentioned resolutions can be good and beneficial but being fully focused on just on this temporary life is not good. James 4:13&14. Rarely do people make resolutions dealing with spiritual things. Why not make some resolutions which benefit you spiritually.
Things like:
1. I resolve to pray morepray without ceasing, (1 Thessalonians 5: 17 ESV), praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:18 ESV)
2. I resolve to study the Bible moreDo your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 ESV)
3. I resolve to better control my tongue For we all stumble in many ways. and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fife by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made. in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. (James 3:2-12 ESV)
4. I resolve to rely on Godcasting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 ESV) also consider Psalm 55:22, Proverbs 3:5-8
5. I resolve to meditate on praiseworthy thingsFinally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8-10 ESV)
6. I resolve to add to my faithFor this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue With knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. (2 Peter 1 :5-10 ESV)
7. I resolve to be Jesus' friendYou are my friends if you' do what I command you. (John 15:14 ESV)
Physical things will benefit you in the short term but spiritual things will benefit you in the long term. As the Hymn says "This world is not my home I'm just a passing through". Resolving to be stronger spiritually will prepare us to return home to live with the Father.
By Aaron Fleenor
