Philippians 3:18
Christmas is past. The decorations are coming down. The wrapping paper has been discarded. It’s time to think about the New Year, a fresh start and new challenges.
Resolution No. 1: I Will Forget About Yesterday . Philippians 3:18
“For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.”
“A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the true token of greatness.”
E. Hubbard
Resolution No. 2: I Will Not Worry about Tomorrow . Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear, Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (v.25)
1. We do have legitimate fears.
2. We are a nation of affluence that is dying of worry.
Resolution No. 3: I Will Make Today Count . Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
1. Today is the day of salvation . 2 Corinthians 6:2
“For he says, In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.'”
2. Today is ours to squander or to save . Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Resolution No. 4: I Will Be Sensitive to the Needs of Others . Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,”
1. Offer a helping hand instead of waiting with your hand out.
2 Corinthians 8:9
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
2. Practice giving living. Malachi 3:10-11
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
Resolution No. 5: I Will Keep My Heart Pure . Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.”
Resolution No. 6: I Will Act Upon My Dreams . Psalm 118:24
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
