On the eve of a new year, and because of the fact I am married to a truly magnificent woman of God that’s experienced not only in ministry, but also a certified health and fitness specialist. It’s no surprise this week’s message is about new year resolutions.
As I read this week’s comics I saw a Sam Seltzer’s Steakhouse ad featuring their new, one pound Kansas City strip steak, yes, an entire pound of meat, served with dinner rolls, baked potato or french fries and caesar salad, basically, a heart attack on a plate.
I wonder what kind of people eat this much food in one seating? What kind of beasts have the indecency to devour such a enormous quantity of food? Obviously not the type that concern themselves with being Christ like…
While the above example focuses on gluttony there are countless other sinful habits that will be on people’s mind as the year end countdown approaches zero. Drug abuse, either legal or not, addictions, sexual immorality, profanity, selfishness, pride and dishonesty are only the tip of the iceberg. What are your new year resolutions? What traits, habits are you looking to eliminate or include to better yourself?
Whatever goals you set for yourselves you need to remember that without help, without some source of inspiration or strength you have little or no chance to succeed. Statistics show that by February, more than 90 percent of all new year resolutions are broken, with that in mind, no matter who you are the odds are against you.
Resorting to extraordinary methodology in order to succeed at keeping their resolutions, only those who can rationally consider alternatives to the position they find themselves in will succeed. In plain English, only people who have a plan and are prepared to execute this plan no matter the cost have a chance to achieve their goals.
What is the formula for success? First, don’t be ashamed! Remember to be humble, not ashamed. The most important step in abiding to God’s commands involves getting rid of pride and forgiving yourself just as God forgives you for getting yourself in this situation.
“21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)
“6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:6-10)
Next comes surrendering weaknesses and temptations to the Lord.
“7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12)
Through prayer and reading the word enriching your soul and strengthening your mind, you invite God’s strength to flow from within you. Through Christ all things are possible.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
The last step involved in preparing to execute your plan is this: Stop making excuses!
“A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come. 24 I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'” (Luke 14:16-20, 24)
In this parable Jesus warns those who make excuses that they will not reap the rewards of God’s invitation, or inherit the Lord’s strength. The parable of the Great Banquet is a perfect example that illustrates the fact procrastinators are often underachievers, both in Christ and in life.
I invite you to call on this ministry for help with your new year’s resolutions and more importantly, with a plan for resolve according to God’s will. Feel free to call on us for motivation or word driven resources certain to help you reach or surpass your goals for the upcoming year and beyond. Let’s pray.
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
And for looking after us, our families and friends,
We thank you for your strength, your wisdom
And for inspiring us to live according to your will.
Lord we ask you to continue to lead our footsteps
To walk a righteous path and try be more like you,
And to humble us so that we may take notice
That no service to you is insignificant.
We pray for your strength and endless grace,
Your unconditional love, your forgiveness,
And ask you to continue shinning your light bright
Upon us and all those who seek you.
May your will be done in our lives
And your word abide and flow in us,
Praise you O’ mighty God for all that I am
And all I will be through Christ who loves me.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
