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Resolutions

Good morning and Happy New Year!!

(And welcome to all of you who are newly following my blog – there is a whole new group as a result of a TV interview I did this week. Welcome!)

2014 has arrived. Did you make a resolution?

I’m not one to celebrate New Year’s Eve because 40 years ago my eldest daughter was born on New Year’s Day! And what can top that? Ever since I have spent New Year’s Eve preparing for her day – to make it extra special. My birthday is just before Christmas. I know what it is like to have it overlooked – getting the “two-for-one” presents. So I determined that would not happen to her. And even though we were celebration weary I tried to make it very special. However, this year her husband gave her a “get away” trip which she desperately needed. The other grandmother is taking care of the 4 kids. As a retired, teacher, can handle them!

Anyway, back to New Years’ resolutions. Everyone seems to make them: lose weight, get in shape, quit smoking, clean out the closets… But come January 31st, they seem to be forgotten! We shrug our shoulders, go on and don’t beat ourselves up over it. We don’t really take them seriously. We need accountability – someone to do it with us or check up on us.

Last year I joined a group from my church to read through the Bible. We didn’t check up on each other but we talked about what we were reading during the week or referred to our readings in conversation. With all my traveling, it was a challenge to keep up – believe me. But I did it!! And let me tell you, to read through Revelation at the close of the year is such a thrilling experience. Once again I was reminded that God is in charge. He will do what He says He will do. History is moving ultimately towards Him and His rule over all.

With all the mess in the world – wars, bitter cold, floods, typhoons, disease, financial uncertainty, declining morality, lowering standards, attacks on faith, loss, rejection…God is very much aware. The victory is assured. He sits on His throne in power and authority. He has not abandoned us. He is a mighty God. He is a loving God. That, my friends, is security.

As the title of one of my books says, fear not tomorrow God is already there! Now, that is good news for 2014!

0 replies
  1. John Lindner
    John Lindner says:

    Wow. Daughter’s birthday on Jan. 1—same as my wife’s sister. Let’s see, first of all there’s the Rose Bowl Parade, followed by a choice selection of (football) bowl games, not to mention the “Winter Classic” hockey game—this year between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings at the U. of Mich. “big house”—the largest football stadium in the world (capacity 109,901—however only 104,000+ showed up today to watch the game in the snowy teens [temp]). Can’t get much more special than that, can you? (Jo Ann is a U. of M. graduate.) But of course you can; mothers know how to do that; I am only jesting.

    For years we have read through the Bible in a year. One year we went out and bought the through-the-Bible in one year NIV and TLB paperback versions. We’re trying that again this year. Each day’s reading contains a Psalm, a Proverb, and a passage from the N.T., as well as a major O.T. passage. Another year we bought the paperback chronological Bible—saves a lot of page turning if you’re attempting to read it “chronologically.” And you are right: Reading through Revelation is an exhilarating way to end the year.

    John John.Lindner@comcast.net Happy New Year

    Reply
  2. LB
    LB says:

    2014 – I want to be even MORE fruity in 2014! I want more love, joy, peace, patience…
    Some of the fruit of the Spirit, well, I pray He will pour on the fruit juice and I’ll take it in in big gulps and give it right back again for Him!

    Reply

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