31 Dec
Guidance For The Year Ahead
Though in past years I’ve made quite a few new year resolutions, I am not in the habit of making them nowadays.
The chief reason is that I have never been able to keep one well for an entire year. I believe the longest period of time I’ve kept one is about three months or so, and I am quite certain the actual duration might be a lot shorter.
So why make resolutions that I know I can never keep, eh?
Instead, I shall claim the passage below as guidance for the year ahead, to strive to do according to what God instructs that I might lead a life that truly reflects what I have set out to do, i.e. my quest to follow in Jesus Christ’s footsteps.
Because a wretched man I still am, for with regards to progress in my quest to follow in the Lord Jesus Christ’s footsteps in this year past, I have not much of the good to report.
I shall therefore apply the wisdom of some who say that to ensure that you keep your resolutions or promises, you should write them down and share them with loved ones and friends so that they can constantly help remind you of your promises.
Therefore, I pray that you read these verses that I have promised to be guided by for the year ahead, and in so doing help to remind me constantly of my quest.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
My best wishes to you and your loved ones for a blessed year ahead.
Shalom Aleichem.
Picture by Miracle Moods.
Tags: 2008, Christian Living, Guidance, New Year, Resolutions, Romans
Posted by Mike on 31.12.07 at 13:41
Great verses. A very happy and blessed 2008 to you!
Posted by Sicarii on 31.12.07 at 13:41
Thank you, Mike.
Blessings for the new year, and my love to you and everyone at home, brother.
Shalom Aleichem!
Posted by Free on 31.12.07 at 13:41
Ahh, Romans 12 aka Life 101.
A couple of months ago, I placed this one on my phone so that I can refer to it often and, hopefully, join you in making this my lifetime goal. I have no doubt that you will try your hardest to live this as I know that you are sincere in your walk and intent on constantly growing in Him.
May He continue to use you to bless all of us who visit your blog. You are certainly one of a kind and we appreciate you, brother.
Happy New Year to you and to all of gentle visitors.
Blessings and favor,
Free
Posted by Free on 31.12.07 at 13:41
Cool trick on linking Romans…how’d you do it?
Posted by Rachel Hanna on 31.12.07 at 13:41
Hi Sicarii. I’m with you on this one and will put my hand up to make it my prayer for my 2008 also.
Hey, we’re in the new year already while our blogging friends on the other side of the world are still in last year! Silly I know, but I find that kinda cool!
Happy new year and may God give you a blessed and fulfilled 2008.
Rachel.
Posted by Mike on 31.12.07 at 13:41
Sicarii ~ Well said my brother. I am saying that prayer for all of us even now as I still await the coming new year. May your year be full of the blessings and love of the Lord Jesus Christ and may you continue to proclaim him boldly.
Posted by Sicarii on 31.12.07 at 13:41
Thank you, Free, for the kind words. I do pray that we will be able to live our lives according to what Paul taught, which is based on the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I don’t think it’ll be easy though as some of it really involves us putting aside our human pride and how we’d usually deal with adversity. That’s why I thought it might be important to put it down as a constant reminder to myself and everyone who seeks the same thing.
Let’s strive to remind one another of this, for we are also held accountable for one another.
For the link, I use this plug-in called Holy Scripturizer for WordPress. I’m not sure how you can integrate it with Blogspot, but there’s a page at Crossway that gives an explanation on how you can do the same with a simple link.
Here’s the link to it, the instructions are under the header “Creating a Link”.
Hope this helps.
Have a blessed new year, and Shalom!
Posted by Sicarii on 31.12.07 at 13:41
That makes 4 of us at least now, Rachel! It’s great to know that so many of us are choosing this also as part of our new year goals.
I think by now everyone should already be well into the new year, but you’re right, it’s kinda cool, ha ha!
You have a great year ahead too, Rachel! Blessings and love to you and everyone at home.
Shalom Aleichem.
Posted by Sicarii on 31.12.07 at 13:41
Thank you for your prayer, my good brother Mike! I shall keep all of you in my prayers that we shall all do well to live the life that Christ Jesus has called us to.
May you have a great year ahead too.
Blessings and my love to you and everyone at home.
Shalom Aleichem.
Posted by channelofhealing on 31.12.07 at 13:41
I pray we are guided by this passage from today and forevermore.
Godbless