I love to make resolutions for the New Year; however, I’m not so good at keeping them.  For example, I gained 10 pounds last year rather than the 20 I had intended to lose. This was brought home to me this past week as I sat down to think through what I wanted to resolve for 2019. Sadly, I felt that I needed to just try again on the 2018 resolutions and maybe try harder. However, we all know that doesn’t work. I think that is why so many people I know have given up on making resolutions; realistically, why go to the trouble just to feel bad about it at the end of the year.

All that said, I think God is pleased when we are intentional about wanting to make changes for the better. In Lamentations 3:40, God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah: “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord!” And in the New Testament, Paul says: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you” (Philippians 3:12-15).

So yes, I think that resolving to become more like Jesus is a worthy goal. However, it generally takes more than just resolving. To really make changes in our behaviors, we need to change our hearts and minds. Changing our hearts involves the deepest part of our being, and requires the help of the Holy Spirit. It also means that our goals must be in alignment with God’s will. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform 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.” Romans 12:1-2.

Here are some great verses that I am praying over as my resolutions for 2019:

Live 10:27 – “He (Jesus) answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Taking my cue from the Parable of the Good Samaritan, I resolve to pray for and be more intentional about actually showing love to anyone In my path who needs help, whether friend, family, coworker, stranger, or actual neighbor. One of the tools I have found to help me pray for the people who live nearby by name is a website, BlessEveryHome. So many of you are role models for me because when you hear or see a need, you take action immediately. You really encourage me in this area.

Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us….” We are hearing lots of discussion about decluttering. Having lived in my house for more than 40 years, I am in serious need of getting rid of stuff. I spend way too much time making room, moving stuff around, cleaning stuff, fixing stuff. Realizing that dealing with excess stuff is getting in the way of time for ministry, I believe I will be more motivated to actually follow through. And I’m sure my kids will appreciate it, too (one day). Stuff is not the only thing that I need to get rid of. I also need to shed myself of any activities or habits that are not wholesome or do not lead to building up myself and those around me. And I need to be sure that every day I confess and repent of sins that otherwise will prevent me from running the race that God has marked out for me.

1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” I believe this verse applies to my entire being, and that I must treat my entire being—body and mind (heart)—with reverence. That means taking care of what I put into my body and mind, and properly exercising my body and mind. I want to be the best self I can be so that I can serve God as effectively as possible.

I believe that praying over these verses and using them for guidance will keep me aligned with God’s will; and along with praying for strength and endurance from the Holy Spirit, I believe that I will have the power to accomplish these things.

As we do life together here at the Mission, I challenge us to encourage each other and hold each other accountable as we seek to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

In Christ,

Judy