It would seem odd for a blog relating to New Year's Eve resolutions to come out three days later, but I figured by now a majority of those resolutions so resolutely made Saturday night no longer are valued or maybe on life-support. Companies like Weight-Watchers, Jenny Craig, and gyms advertise around this time trying to gain business from those who resolve to lose weight or to join and gym. Why is it most people wait to the beginning of a new year to make such resolutions? Could it be the significance of beginning anew each January 1st gives people the motivation to make such resolutions?
"When we heard that, we and everyone there that day begged Paul not to be stubborn and persist in going to Jerusalem. But Paul wouldn't budge: "Why all this hysteria? Why do you insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me? You're looking at this backward. The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can't you see that?" We saw that we weren't making even a dent in his resolve, and gave up. "It's in God's hands now," we said. "Master, you handle it." (Acts 21:12-14 The Messsage)
Sometimes as Christians we face opposition from those we thought wouuld be our greatest
advocates. They may not have the divine inkling you have after prayer, counsel, and more prayer. I have trusted in the idea that plans fail for lack of counsel. (Proverbs 15:22 NIV) I try to find those who have labored hard in their walks and it shows on their faces--not wrinkles or lines but of joy and peace because they have faithfully followed the Lord's leading. These warriors make great counselors. They may be a pastor or a tried and true lay-servant. Having them pray with me and for me, and listening to their advice helps to keep plans from failing.
Paul was not looking to the consequence of his resolve for himself, but of the Lord and how he would be glorified. Many times Christians believe God has called them to a certain task and take the attitude of "charging Hell with a water pistol". Even Jesus tells us to count the cost of discipleship. Perhaps, this year, we will all weigh the costs of being a disciple, seek prayer and counsel, and determine it is not about the me but the HE. Maybe then our resolutions will be like Paul's--wondering what Jesus can do because of our obedience.
"When we heard that, we and everyone there that day begged Paul not to be stubborn and persist in going to Jerusalem. But Paul wouldn't budge: "Why all this hysteria? Why do you insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me? You're looking at this backward. The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can't you see that?" We saw that we weren't making even a dent in his resolve, and gave up. "It's in God's hands now," we said. "Master, you handle it." (Acts 21:12-14 The Messsage)
Sometimes as Christians we face opposition from those we thought wouuld be our greatest
advocates. They may not have the divine inkling you have after prayer, counsel, and more prayer. I have trusted in the idea that plans fail for lack of counsel. (Proverbs 15:22 NIV) I try to find those who have labored hard in their walks and it shows on their faces--not wrinkles or lines but of joy and peace because they have faithfully followed the Lord's leading. These warriors make great counselors. They may be a pastor or a tried and true lay-servant. Having them pray with me and for me, and listening to their advice helps to keep plans from failing.
Paul was not looking to the consequence of his resolve for himself, but of the Lord and how he would be glorified. Many times Christians believe God has called them to a certain task and take the attitude of "charging Hell with a water pistol". Even Jesus tells us to count the cost of discipleship. Perhaps, this year, we will all weigh the costs of being a disciple, seek prayer and counsel, and determine it is not about the me but the HE. Maybe then our resolutions will be like Paul's--wondering what Jesus can do because of our obedience.
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