“Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5
This is the time, at the opening of a new year, that many tend to make what are called “New Year’s resolutions.” Gym memberships spike, only to last for a couple of months. Diets are started, but seldom last. The Webster Dictionary definition of the word “resolution” begins: 1) The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination; 2) A firm decision to do something.
The point is, we are not very resolute in making our resolutions. I would like to suggest a few new New Year’s resolutions that ought to be made (and not broken):
- To take advantage of God’s “new” provisions each and every day.
- “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22–23
- To often remember the New Covenant, by joining in the communion supper.
- “Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” Matthew 26:27–28
- To be resolute and committed to live according to Jesus’ new commandment.
- “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34–35
- To be capable and effective as ministers of the New Covenant to others.
- “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:5–6
- To strive each day to live as the new creature that God has created us to be.
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17–18
- To also put on the new man, each and every morning, as we dress the body.
- “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:23–24
- Finally, to live each day so as to be worthy of gaining a new name in Heaven.
- “To him who overcomes … I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17
- “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God … I will write on him the name of My God … and I will write on him My new name.” Revelation 3:12
May you all have a new year filled with the blessings of grace and truth applied to life!
Gene and Nan