1-1-24<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I wonder what the \u201cover \/ under\u201d is with New Year resolutions that are kept; that is, let\u2019s say, kept by most people beyond the third week of the year. Or third day? Most of mine are history by the third hour. Resolutions are stronger than intentions, and I shudder when reminded that the road to hell is paved with the latter\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevertheless, many of us make New Years resolutions\u2026 or we intend to. If in the process we make an inventory of our shortcomings and prioritize our goals, we have accomplished something after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This has prompted me to speculate on whether God makes Resolutions. Without being presumptuous or blasphemous or outright ignorant (have I headed everyone off at the pass?) I know that everything in the Bible, indeed His workings as revealed in history, from the Commandments to the Incarnation to judgments and miracles, are reflections of His resolutions\u2026 but let us wonder for a moment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If God would<\/em> compose a list of resolutions, at least to remind us of how He works, and what He desires, what would they be? God, who revealed Himself through Jesus Christ, will continue to act amongst us, and in us, through His Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The eternal \u201cI am\u201d will resolve as always never to be the \u201cI was.\u201d He always will be Without end\u2026 He will never change\u2026 He will keep every promise\u2026 He always will be \u2013 He only can<\/em> be \u2013 Holy\u2026 He will be righteous, compassionate, and just\u2026 He will be faithful in His resolutions and promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How will He act? God resolves to communicate with His people through prayer\u2026 He will be \u201cthe God who healeth thee\u201d… He will punish sin but ever remind us that \u201cHe chastises those whom He loves\u201d… He will affirm His rules for a satisfied and joy-filled life through Resolutions already shared, from the 10 Commandments to the teachings of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God resolves that His character will not change. We may be secure in knowing that He is omniscient, He is omnipresent, He is omnipotent\u2026 He does not only love; He is<\/em> love\u2026 He is trustworthy\u2026 He is good all the time, and all the time He is good\u2026 He extends Grace to those who love Him \u2013 while we were yet revels and sinners He provided a way to be reconciled to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might notice that none of these resolutions are new. I did not have to \u201cstretch\u201d or imagine attributes of our Heavenly Father. He has revealed Himself; He is Unchanging; He is \u2013 let us say part of his job description? \u2013 \u201cfrom Everlasting to Everlasting.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n We make resolutions to correct our mistakes and try to do better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God has made resolutions, affirming that He cannot make mistakes; when all is said and done, this year and every year, He is the best that we can imagine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let us hereby resolve, ourselves, that we praise His Holy Name and dedicate ourselves to serve Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Happy New Year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I think God would resolve not to give up on His people. He is swift to judgment, yet long-suffering.
Salvation is free but will continue to be offered at a precious cost; God will ever grieve for those who reject Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among other resolutions of God, if we might put His will into our words, would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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