1 Resolutions For Any Time of Any Year! Psalms 119:15-16

2 “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” Psalmist resolved to… Think on the precepts of God! Respect the ways of God! Delight in God’s statutes! Remember God’s word!

3 New Years Resolutions Some resolutions we hear people make… Loose weight! Take better care of your health! Eat a healthier diet! − Stop overeating! Getting more exercise! Getting more organized! To be neater! Stop smoking! Stop overspending! Control your anger! Various Self-improvements! Get an education! Learn something new! To have a positive outlook! Improvements in any area of your life is commendable!

4 Recent Poll Question What is your New Years Resolution? 1.To loose weight? 2.To get out of debt? 3.To spend more time with family? - 45% - 35% - 20%

5 “Resolution” Defined A resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something. The act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc. Dictionary.com

6 Introduction A resolve to improve is good! The problem… Many who make a resolution, fail to do what they resolved to do! They fail and look foolish! Luke 14:28-30 In this lesson we will discuss some suggestions for success and some resolutions to consider!

7 Psalms 119:15-16 “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” Psalmist resolved to… Think on the precepts of God! Respect the ways of God! Delight in God’s statutes! Remember God’s word! To ponder, i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter:-- commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk (with). – Strong

8 Requires Self-Examination “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart” (Psa. 26:2). “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Cor. 13:5).

9 Suggestions… Think through your resolution and count the cost! Luke 14:25-33 Thirst, hunger and have a burning desire to achieve your resolutions lest you become distracted! Matt. 5:6; Isa. 65:13; Jn. 4:14; 6:35; 7:37-38 Target – Have a realistic goal or target that will motivate you to succeed! Col. 3:1-4; Heb. 11:13-16

10 Suggestions… Tasks – Know what you will need to do to reach your goal! James 1:21-27 Timeline – Take action and schedule your plan in your daily life – work your plan! Luke 9:23; Eph. 5:15-17 Teamwork – Get help from others when needed – seek help and wise advice! 1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 12:12-13; Gal. 6:1-2 Lk. 14:31; Prov. 24:3-6

11 Suggestions… Triumph – Celebrate small victories - they become big ones! 1 Thess. 1:2-3; 4:9-10; Phil. 4:4 1 John 5:4 Be a Christian, come what may! 1 Peter 4:12-16 Be committed the Lord! Resolutions require commitment! 2 Tim. 1:12-13 Succeed with the Lord’s Help! Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; Matt. 11: John 5:3-4, 12-13; Psa. 68:35 1 Cor. 15:58

12 Some Resolutions To Consider!

13 Resolve to… Read your Bible daily & have your Bible class lesson prepared! 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Tim. 4:12-13 Attend every service possible & be on time! Heb. 10:19-25 Be patient toward others! 2 Tim. 2:24; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 4:2 Show by action that you love your neighbor! Matt. 19:19; Gal. 5:14; Jas. 2:14-18

14 Resolve to… Pray for the sick & suffering! James 5:15; Isa. 38:1-5 Give God thanks more often! Psa. 105:5; 118:1; 2 Thess. 2:13 Be a better spouse! Eph. 5:22-25 Be a better parent or grandparent! Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; Prov. 19:18; 22:6; 29:17 Heb. 12:6-7

15 Resolve to… Live at peace with everyone! Rom. 12:18; Rom. 14:19; Heb. 12:14 Psa. 34:14 Love your brethren! 1 Jn. 4:7-12; 1 Cor. 13:1-7 Be attentive to the needs of your brethren! Gal. 6:1-2, 10; Jas. 1:27; 5:14-15, Seek the kingdom first! Matt. 6:33; Lk. 14:33

16 Resolve to… Count your blessings-not the mistakes of others! Eph. 1:3 Solve disputes with others! Matt. 5:23-26 Be kind and forgiving to all! Eph. 4:32

17 Resolve to… Be an asset to the local church & be helpful! Rom. 12:4-8 Teach someone the gospel or invite them to our services! Mark 16:15-16 Utter the words “thank you” to those that help you! Col. 3:15; Eph. 4:32 Live in such a way that you will be with Christ forever when you die! Phil. 1:19-28; Col. 3:1-4

18 Conclusion May we all RESOLVE to be better servants of the Lord each day we live! May God shed his richest blessings on all that serve Him faithfully day by day! May you have a Happy and Faithful life in Christ!

19 May We Have the Resolve Of the Psalmist… “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” Psa. 119:15-16