SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1329
“Today”
Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts… – Hebrews 3:15
The year is ending, and New Year’s Resolutions are being made. We have all made them and we have all broken them.
The second Friday in January is known as the National Quitters day. It is the day where most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions.
I believe that such resolutions do not last because they are rooted in self. It is like building a house on sand rather than on the rock of Jesus Christ.
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock… And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand…and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” – Matthew 7:24-27
Our resolutions in life should be guided by the Word of God and empowered to remain steadfast by His Holy Spirit.
Resolve to Live by The Word of God: Rooted and Grounded in Christ.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence – 2 Peter 1:3
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left; But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – Isaiah 30:21; James 1:22
Resolve to Honor God in Physical Health: Lose weight, exercise, eat healthier, quit smoking, drink less.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. – Romans 12:1
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. – Daniel 1:8
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Resolve to be Less Anxious and Fearful: Trust God.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul; Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Psalm 143:8; Matthew 6:34
Resolve to be a Faithful Steward of God’s Provision: Manage Finances better, save more, spend less, Be faithful in tithes and offerings.
And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? – Luke 12:42
Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me… In your tithes and contributions… Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. – Malachi 3:8-18
Resolve to Follow Jesus: Today is the day for the Ultimate Resolution – Salvation through Jesus Christ; Do not wait for tomorrow since tomorrow may not come. Hear His voice calling you and do not harden your heart.
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin; Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. – Hebrews 3:13; Matthew 3:2; Acts 2:38-39
May you grow in your relationship and walk with Jesus in the coming new year.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:18
Happy New Year!
Sword of the Spirit 