We're delighted to hear that you're ready to change and make New Year's resolutions, and we thank Jesus Christ for your intention. We'll be sure to remember you in prayer. It's commendable that you acknowledge your need for God's help through Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that apart from him we can do nothing; we can only be victorious with his help. We are told In the words of the Apostle Paul, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. We are always here to help.
Making resolutions is a great way to grow, but ensure when you do this remember to rely on God's strength based on who Jesus is. We need to align our resolutions with God's will for our lives, trusting in his promises, and are in line with scripture. Firstly, make sure that your resolutions align with biblical principles. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure. Notice resolutions are commitments that you make and are capable of keeping
Remember Daniel who purposed in his heart that he wouldn't defile himself with the portion of the king's food, nor with the wine which he drank. Or fixed his mind to request from the king based on what God had revealed was going to happen. We also think of when Jesus set his mind resolutely to go to Jerusalem where he knew the cross awaited him. This is the type of resolutions that are made when God is involved. The result of these resolutions impact not only the one making the resolution but the people around them and for future generations to follow.
As Christians, we must spend time with God, praying and studying his word to know what he desires for us. This is so important to assure our resolutions looks similar to God's. One must conceive these things, then birth each of them by writing them so that they are clear. We describe this using an acronym of resolutions being SMART, meaning they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-sensitive event. Each person should do it to increase the success rate. After finalizing the resolutions, prayerfully prioritize the goals in relation to scripture which is the guidance for all Believers. Remember in order to grow one must increase, by which one must do something, do more or do without. Let love be your motivation so that you can follow in the way of God. In proritizizng, notice the goals that are placed first are to be accomplished before some of the lesser ones. All goals should not be equal but weighted and aligned with Biblical scripture.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Next, remember to place it where you are able to see it daily such as on your mirror, refrigerator, or desk to remind yourself constantly. Also, consider telling someone who will hold you accountable, which helps remind yourself and give encouragement. We will commit to pray for you had hold you accountable as well.
However, don't let this be a set of rules or standards you feel you must attain. God is a loving Father, and he wants us to draw near to him without us trying to attain a righteousness on our own. For I do not do what I desire if I do it on my own, but what I hate is what I do. So we see this law in our lives who wants to do what is good. So now it is no more I who does it, but the sin dwelling within me. For I am aware of no wrong dwelling in me, for it my desire to do good is within me, but only to do it. For I do not want to do wrong but I practice the evil that I do want to do. But if what I do not want is what I do, it is no longer I who does it but sin dwelling within myself.
One way to do this is by focusing more on positive and less on negative. Instead of saying: don't eat junk food and lose weight. Say, eat healthy food and exercise regularly so that you are capable of doing more things that are enjoyable. Instead of saying stop cursing and being rude, say speak life and loving kindness to each person by means of encouragement. Research studies shows us the impact that speaking and thinking on things can do to change your mindset to accomplish your goals.
We should not be conformed to the ways of this world by what it tells us is acceptable, but transformed by the renewing of our minds, thereby being able to discern what the perfect will of God is for ourselves and the world around us. Transformation is putting off and putting on. Put off:lying, deceit, cursing, complaining, impurity, unwholesome talk, bitterness, wrath, discord, malice, slander, gossip, filthy language, sexual immorality, filthy language from your mouth.
Few things you don't need to make: God says He wants us to change without making a resolution. Don't say I will trust God, He says to Trust and have faith in the Lord your God. Also don't set goals pr relationships, or marriage. Seek God instead. Don't set goals to be a better parent but learn to love and listen, heal and hope with them; showing patience, kindness, and gentleness. Remember, children are a blessing from the Lord. But also remember to reach out to others who needs a parent or mother but may not actually be a parent In need. What may not be a prayer for another may just as well be a prayer answered for someone else in a way that will be a better fit for you.
Finally, as you work on your resolutions, setbacks will happen. When they do, pick yourself up, repent and ask for forgiveness if necessary, and keep moving forward. Pray and ask the Lord to resolve things for you; remember to be thankful for each milestone of success during the year and not only wait till the end to resolve to get it accomplished if you have failed over the past year. In case of failures remember to examine yourselves of why then submit them to God in prayer. Therefore, remember your success doesn't come from your strength alone, but by the grace of God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit given through faith in Jesus. It will give you strength as you depend on him daily and face challenges, knowing he is with us always. We are to work hard as if working for the Lord and not Man.
Therefore, let's pray for you...
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, please guide our dear friend Mandy to make resolutions that align with your will. Strengthen her by the outpouring of your Holy Spirit, so that she may accomplish all you've set for her in this New Year which we know you go before us in. As she submits her prayers, resolutions, and concerns before you Lord, may your answer and blessing be made known to her. Forgive her Lord when she has failed in the past and restores to her the joy of her salvation. Help her by knowing that with Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, she can be healed from all her transgressions of all unrighteousness, and walk in a manner that is worthy of her calling. For we know she is forgiven as far as the east is to the west. In Jesus Christ name, we pray.