Hoping this finds my sister bloggers doing well on this windy Sunday afternoon. Yep, we've got a little wind howling around here and a tad cool but I am enjoying a lazy afternoon. My Sunday lunch crowd (my family) have left for the day so I am kicked back. Sunday menu today consisted of: Chicken and dressing Giblet gravy Italian green beans with ham Mac & Cheese Homemade chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and chocolate ganache. Yep, they are little spoiled at Nana's house. I am not a huge fan of cakes with icing but it must have been good as one of the grands had two slices. These gals and I have been friends for more years than I remember and since we've all retired within a few months apart in retirement and age (dating back to 4th grade in school) we try to get together once every 4-6 weeks. We always do something extra for our birthdays but was a tad late celebrating mine this year together due to other appointments that was a must. We always have a gr...
With the Words "Happy New Year" comes the words of NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS. What is a New Year Resolution? For most people it is something that you want to do better or be better at. For others it's things you want to quit doing. For a lot of people it is goals that you set for yourself for the year and hope that you complete them.
The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions.
Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are great goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-Christian resolutions. WHY? Because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because do you just have the mindset of "let me check that off of my to do list? Why do you want to be more faithful in church attendance? Is it so everyone will know and see that you are there or because God's Word says, "Do not forsake the assembling with other believers?
So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions: (1) pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) and ask Him what changes or goals you need to make (2) pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) don’t become discouraged if fail at times; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) don’t become proud, puffed up or vain, but give God the glory.
To be honest no matter what we do our Christ Like attitude should be to do it all for the glory of God. (1st Corinthians 10:31)
May your brand new year be filled with blessings.
The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions.
Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are great goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-Christian resolutions. WHY? Because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because do you just have the mindset of "let me check that off of my to do list? Why do you want to be more faithful in church attendance? Is it so everyone will know and see that you are there or because God's Word says, "Do not forsake the assembling with other believers?
So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions: (1) pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) and ask Him what changes or goals you need to make (2) pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) don’t become discouraged if fail at times; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) don’t become proud, puffed up or vain, but give God the glory.
To be honest no matter what we do our Christ Like attitude should be to do it all for the glory of God. (1st Corinthians 10:31)
May your brand new year be filled with blessings.
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Hugs and blessings, Cindy
LOVE your header and the wedding picture on the side!!! You've gotta share more about the wedding. And, your word is in your little sign....PRAISE!!! HOPE you have an awesome day. It's gonna be bitterly cold here tonight....brrrrr! Pray we all keep our electricity!
ReplyDeleteI quit making New Year Resolutions a long time ago. I could never keep them. Now I've simply changed mt mindset. I call them goals and I try real hard to accomplish them but If I don't then I no longer beat myself up. Connie Royals
ReplyDeleteI stopped making resolutions years ago because I never seemed to keep any of them....ever. and really why wait till Dec 31 to make a change in your life...love your word for the year of praise. I think the act of praise or sometimes the sacrifice of praise can change a heart or an attitude. When we praise him it becomes about him instead of ourselves and that's always a good place to focus. Blessings to you in the new year
ReplyDeleteGreat word Cindy!
ReplyDeleteI love your word for this year. My dear, little mother quoted a friend to me once. I was a bit concerned until I heard the ending of what she said. 'There are only TWO times to praise the Lord! When you feel like it and when you don't!' Works for me. I don't make resolutions anymore but I do set goals that I feel the Lord has directed.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
Amen and Amen, Cindy! I LOVED this post! I just read this morning about when we pray we need to make certain the things we are praying about will bring glory to God or are we praying them for selfish reasons. Some of your examples you used here today go right along with that. Good to have that reinforcement here about what I read earlier. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteWow, what an interesting and inspiring post - Thank you so much and wishing you a very blessed 2015 x
ReplyDeleteHello Cindy! Thank you for stopping by the cottage :) I don't do resolutions. I don't believe in them. Instead, Our Lord gives me a verse...and that is what motivates me every single day. Love your space! :D mari
ReplyDeleteWonderful guidance you've shared, Cindy. I wish you many blessings in 2015. ~Zuni
ReplyDeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave such a nice comment!!
Yes, I need to take time to "live" this year!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Love your new header!! Great inspiring post as usual!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this insightful and helpful post. I believe as you do that the Word of God is the answer and to seek His Will first and foremost.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, this post is perfect for the new year and an encouraging reminder.
ReplyDeleteI don't make resolutions but I do try to set goals to do better with God's direction. Thank you for this special lesson.
Wishing you a great new year.
Hugs
I'm good at keeping my resolutions and I sarted well. I will not be buying dishes anymore, will not be buying much cloths anymore, lol! God help me too. I will also pray a lot.
ReplyDeleteLove your word for this year too.
Hugs,
FABBY