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A new year is about to begin, and I wonder: How many of us have made New Year's resolutions?
A couple of resolutions of mine are to attend church regularly and to try and donate more of my time to worthwhile projects or actions that will involve making this world a better place to live in. Last year, I found that I neglected and forgot what I had promised to do, and my resolutions were swept under the carpet, yet once again, by making excuses and putting my priorities in the wrong place.
We do our own thing during the week. We are busy cleaning our houses until they are spotless, and then, we yell at our children and husband when they walk in with dirty shoes. We reward ourselves with that piece of cake when we are frustrated, and we think to ourselves, You deserve it! Then we drive to places where we can exercise in order to lose a few pounds!
On Sunday, we go to church, sing a few songs, listen to a sermon, throw some of our money into the offering plate, and look at our watch, hoping that the service won't be too much longer, because we have things to do at home or people to visit. And we wonder why God is not blessing us! We think that the one hour a week at the church is sufficient for God, and yet, we expect God to be there for us 24/7, don't we?!
We look into the newspapers to find out what our day has in store for us; we can actually have our daily horoscope downloaded into our incoming e-mail or cellphone. Why is it that we look to the stars when we can look to the One Who created them in the first place?
Psalm 86:5 – For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. (NKJV)
Lamentations 3:40 – Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord. (NRSV)
Today, let us return to our God and obey His voice, because He is merciful.
Prayer: Merciful God, You must become very tired of hearing our broken promises and the vows that we can't seem to stick to. Help us to stay on the straight and narrow road and to remove anything that is not glorifying to Your holy name. We surrender ourselves to do what You want us to do. Amen.
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Amen.
Well said Rosemary, thank you.
Thanks for the challenge Rosemary.
Thank you for your devotion! A great reminder about what is really important.
Rosemary,
So right on.
AMEN,
(CA)
Dear Rosy,
This is a great message to ponder for the New Year.
May God bless you with a healthy and prosperous 2015.
Keep up the good writing!
Good Rosie,
You hit the nail on the head. How true! Some churches are even less than an hour – sad to say. We need to be reminded of those little things you mentioned. They seem to be routine with many folks.
I pray for those who need to open their hearts and rely on Christ.
Hi Rosemary,
Once again I want to tell you how much I appreciate your down-to-earth devotionals. They are so relevant! Even as a retired Presbyterian minister I still look at my watch and hope the service won’t be too long!
Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!
Lam. 3:40 “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord.”
A wise word regarding New Years Resolutions or any of our well-meaning intentions. Our own efforts wear us down emotionally, spiritually, physically, and possibly relationally. Our own strivings cannot produce life – but quite the opposite.
When we return to the Lord, rest in Him, and allow Christ to work through us, we are energized and renewed. We discover that God Himself can fulfill His promises and blessings through us and produce abundant life.
I have come to realize that the hardest task is to let go of my own ways and defer to God. It’s a matter of trust.
Thanks for the timely motivation to be a more engaging follower of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Hl Rosemary,
I am glad to get your e-mail but sorry to hear that you have been sick with flu. May God’s blessings and strength be with you and Ron.
You are held up in prayer. Fortunately, I also have memory of happier time to treasure.