I’ve decided to make a single resolution for 2013.
I resolve to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, that I may demonstrate more consistently the Fruit of the Spirit.
No, this is not some hyper-spiritual, Christianese, “Jesus Juke” remark.
This is genuine.
I’ve come to this conclusion:
- All the things I have ever resolved to do in the past I have utterly failed to accomplish fairly quickly,
- I can’t do anything in my own strength that will have an eternal impact, and
- Any worthy resolutions can only truly be accomplished if God changes me.
Why don’t I exercise? I’m lazy.
Why do I eat too much? I lack self control.
Why do I not read as much as I should/could? Again, laziness.
Why don’t I spend more time getting to really know the people around me? I’m not as kind, good, and loving as I should be.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
(Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT)
Most of us don’t have the impact we could on this world because we are too self-focused.
I want this to see this changed in my life, and only God can do that.
As a result, my wife and I prayed for God to plan our New Years Day.
We kicked off the New Year with a great day helping some good friends get some much needed work done. They decided to thank us with lunch at McGuire’s Irish Pub (unnecessary, but I didn’t argue).
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
(John 15:13 NLT)
Life is found in giving your life away!
I’m glad that Brooke and I were able to start the year off right—serving.
With true surrender to the Holy Spirit, we will experience a change in our lives we never thought possible… and that’s usually because we often think too highly of ourselves.
Believing for change!
Steve
- How about you? Have you ever failed to fulfill any resolutions?
- How about any successes?
P.S. Please ignore any commercials that may appear below. 🙂
First of all I resolve to “be a doer of the word.” From some what I consider very good research and study in the Hebraic Roots I resolve to obey the Biblical patterns and commandments, such as is instructed in Leviticus 23. These “Feasts” foreshadow every major event of Christ. I learned that, for example the “New Year” is around Passover, and not as we celebrate today. What we celebrate is a pagan type deity from ancient times. Some God called “Janus.” Also, I believe that many of the “holiday traditions” that are popular are just counterfeits. See Double Portion Inheritance (Maria Merola) and her teachings on this; plus a good DVD on this is Truth or Tration… by Jim Staley; Passion For Truth Ministries.