In the days immediately preceding and following the first of the year there is always talk about resolutions. I’m surprised at the number of people who speak ill about making resolutions. The discussion is usually focused on how resolutions always fail. It seems wrong, or at least unwise, to set goals when you are just being set up for failure. While I agree that making resolutions carries a risk of perceived failure, I would also make the case that attempting some resolutions can be a grand adventure; and some resolutions may actually be accomplished.
On New Year’s Eve, 2002, I made a resolution to run 500 miles in 2003. This was a significant resolution as I had never been a runner. On January 1, I went out for my first run of the year and struggled to run one mile. But I stuck with it for the entire year and by the end of the year I had run 1508 miles. Yes, it was a grand adventure. I continued running in 2004 but then completely stopped and have only recently begun to run again with my daughter. My resolution for 2013? I would like to run 1509 miles. I’m ten years older (53), but everything seems to work relatively well and I praise God every day I’m able to plod down the road. I’ll post my miles at the bottom of every message. There will probably be an increased motivation in knowing I have announced my resolution to thousands of people around the world. This ought to be fun.
But there is a type of resolution which carries much more significance than running. There are definitive things we can do which have eternal significance. Jesus said it well as He admonished the Pharisees: “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. First clean the inside…and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:25-26). Most of us make resolutions which are focused in some way on the external, things like exercise or diet. Few resolve to make the more important changes.
The Bible speaks about the initial transformation which occurs when we become a “new creation” in Christ. Of course, we call this Salvation and it is ALL by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). But the Bible also speaks about the on-going transformation as we draw closer to God and achieve the peace and contentment found only in His presence. This process is called sanctification.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
At the beginning of 2012 I began to include the daily readings for the One Year Bible at the bottom of each message. I followed through this plan and completed the final reading on the first of January. If you began this plan in 2012 and did not finish, please do not view this as a failure. Rather, consider what you accomplished and simply continue. It really makes no difference if you finish the Bible in one year or in two or three. But a habit of reading and studying God’s Word can make a lasting transformation in our life.
This reading plan is posted on my web site as Reading Plan Number 5 at:
http://gdwm.org/index.php/resources/
There are many other eternal types of resolutions. So on our list of things to do differently this next year – our list of resolutions – I pray we include more time with God in prayer, more time in His Word, more time loving Him with ALL our heart, seeking His presence, and earnestly desiring to know, and do, His will. Let our prayer for one another be that we draw ever closer to our Heavenly Father and experience His love new and fresh every day. In this new year, let’s make eternal resolutions as we resolve to be transformed!
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
Jan 1 Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalms 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6
Jan 2 Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalms 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9
Jan 3 Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalms 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19
13.1 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles
