Who Will be Lord of Your New Year

Now that 2013 is here, many people have either decided on or are formulating a New Years resolution(s). This type of resolution is defined as, a firm decision to do or not to do something. According to researchers, between 75 and 88 percent of all New Years resolutions fail by February. Why is this so? Researchers say that the main cause of resolution failure is that most people are not really ready to change habits, especially bad habits. Even in the Christian community many will make resolutions along the lines of, "I will read my Bible more, I will pray more, I will give more," and so on, and yet many resolutions will still fail. So how can a believer make a New Years resolution, so to speak, and keep it? Well, there is not one answer that will solve this problem except this. Do not make a New Years resolution. However, if you are going to make a New Years resolution here are some things that may aid in your success...

• Do not make more than one resolution...
• Make your resolution a goal that is obtainable...
• Set smaller goals to obtain your ultimate goal...
• Have someone in your life that you can be accountable to...
• Adjust your attitudes and thoughts...
• Make positive confessions. (Confess victory not defeat)...
• Do not rely on your ability but on the Lord's abilities... 

The Holy Spirit gives the apostle Paul very sound advice. Although they have nothing to do with making New Years resolutions the following are still applicable to the believers life...

• Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 
• Galatians 5:16 Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh 
• Ephesians 4:23 Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
• Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
• Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things
• Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
• 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith...
• 2 Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen 

Although this list is far from being all inclusive concerning all of the things that the Bible reveals to the believer concerning how to live a victorious life and succeed in all of our Christian endeavors, God's wisdom working through Solomon gives us the bottom line...
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

So if you are going to make a New Years resolution, seek the Lord as to what He would want and then, do not waver at the promise of God (what He has spoken) through unbelief, but be strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised (what He has spoken) He is also able to perform. Have a healthy, prosperous and fruitful New Year and in all that you do or say, let it be for the glory of the Lord.