Instead of making New Year’s resolutions this year (that we typically do not keep), let me challenge you to make a renewed commitment to simply obey the counsel found in the Bible.
We can plan, prepare, and reminisce, but the greatest challenge is for each of us to live one day at a time. We all can read, study, and meditate on the Word (Psalm 1), but we must move to the next obvious step of obeying and applying God’s truth to our lives.
Instead of our natural tendency to be anxious or worried, Jesus gave us the greatest alternative to worry in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” First Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
In the last several years, I have read a different daily devotional book each year. This past year I read “My Utmost For His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. Even though I did not agree with his apparent emphasis on a second work of grace and complete sanctification resulting from the second work of grace, I did find many statements that were encouraging and helpful. If you are wondering what I am talking about, let me explain. Baptists have consistently believed that sanctification begins at the time of our new birth, continues throughout our lives, and is completed when we enter the presence of God at the conclusion of this life. We do not believe a person attains sinless perfection in this life.
There are many good devotional books that are worth reading — even if you find some statements that may be in contradiction to your beliefs. The point is to find a devotional work and commit yourself to read a daily devotional — daily. Even if you find something you do not agree with, use it as an impetus to study what you do believe by reading the Word more diligently. Read or listen to the expositions of Scripture by solid and faithful scholars, pastors, and teachers. The result will be the strengthening of your own faith.
May you enjoy a blessed 2022 and find in this new year, new opportunities to grow in Christ Jesus and serve in His name.
Here are a few important verses that I believe can help us all live for God’s glory and our highest good:
• Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
• 2 Corinthians 13:11: “… rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
• Colossians 3:2: “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: “Pray without ceasing; in everything
give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
• Ephesians 6:10: “… be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
• Galatians 5:16: “… walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:58: “… be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
• Romans 12:2: “… do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• 1 John 4:7: “… love one another, for love is from God.”
• Jude 3: “… contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
• 1 Peter 5:6-7: “… humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.”
• Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”