Ephesians 5:15-20 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending church with my dad at his church (The Little Church in the Pines) in Bass Lake, California and hear the preacher of Pastor Herk. He opened his sermon by listing the top 10 New Year’s resolutions which people give. (1) spend more time with family & friends, (2) get physically fit, (3) go on a diet, (4) quit smoking, (5) enjoy life more and relax, (6) quit drinking alcoholic beverages, (7) get out of debt, (8) learn something new, (9) help others, & (10) get organized. Note that there was no resolution for spiritual improvement. Why is God not in the Top 10? Because most do not include God and Christ in their lives, when in reality, the Lord God should be included in every aspect of life. What is the “highlight of our life?”
Colossians 3:1-4 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
Pastor Herk gave us three Christian resolutions for 2019. (1) Be careful as you walk and watch. Life is a walk, therefore walk godly and accurately. Time is a gift from God, so use time wisely, not wastefully. We are all vulnerable to distractions and worrying that lead to hurrying and stress. If we are not focused in life, then we will suffer. We tend to be materially and earthly-minded, rather than spiritually-minded, as we should be. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. We are going to mess up once in a while. The Lord knows the end from the beginning and has told us so, but sometimes we ignore God’s signs. Sometimes, we need a “recall” in our lives to get refocused on the road to righteousness.
Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
(2) Be thoughtful. Our flesh nature has us think about ourselves, talk about ourselves and using the word “I” as much as possible. We like to be appreciated for good things we do, but we can become self-focused. We should not be motivated by: “What’s in it for me?” God’s answer to that question is “Nothing.” We easily forget what God has already done for us and His purposes for us. Live is not about getting. What does the Word of God say:1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Galatians 5:13 “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”Galatians 6:9-10 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Be spirit-centered. Think more about your Heavenly Father God, His Holy Word and His heavenly purposes.
Psalm 103:1-3 “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.”
(3) Be thankful. Make music in your heart in gratitude for what the Lord is has done, is doing and is going to do for you. We are so blessed and should naturally desire to give back with joy, including of our finances. Some think that they cannot be obedient in tithing to the Lord’s church. Is it worse to break God’s laws than it is to break man’s laws? Where are manners, courtesy, graciousness, politeness, and ethics today? Shame on us for being rude to God in failure to give proper honor, respect, glory and obedience deserved. Romans 1:21 says, “Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” The Lord does pay attention to us. Do we complain because we have problems or do we have problems because we complain?
Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
A positive, thankful person is a great witness for the Lord in this dark world. Praise God for His many blessings. In 2019, resolve to walk in the ways of the Lord.
Lord, guide us. Lord, provide for us.
In Christ, Brian
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