{"id":32365,"date":"2022-09-10T16:06:44","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T21:06:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/2-things-to-remember-when-setting-resolutions\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T16:06:44","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T21:06:44","slug":"2-things-to-remember-when-setting-resolutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/2-things-to-remember-when-setting-resolutions\/","title":{"rendered":"2 Things to Remember When Setting Resolutions"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
<\/div>\n

By A.B. Vines<\/em><\/p>\n

The act of making New Year’s resolutions isn\u2019t really that new.<\/p>\n

Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year, saying they\u2019d return borrowed objects and pay their debts.<\/p>\n

The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus (which is where the word January comes from).<\/p>\n

In medieval times, knights took a \u201cpeacock vow\u201d at the end of the Christmas season to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.<\/p>\n

And at watchnight services, many Christians prepare for the year ahead by praying and making resolutions.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Despite the historical prevalence of setting beginning-of-the-year goals, it seems few people are actually able to make good on their promises. Studies show that 92 percent of New Year\u2019s resolutions or goals fail. It begs the question, \u201cHow do we get the job done this coming year?\u201d<\/p>\n

One thing I suggest is to make fewer goals. Choose two or three at the most. And here\u2019s the kicker: have a trusted friend hold you accountable.<\/p>\n

With some accountability and guidance from Scripture, I think you can find success when it comes to fulfilling your resolutions this coming year.<\/p>\n

Remember the Purposes of God for our Lives<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I\u2019d like to share with you what the Word of God says in the book of Joshua about fulfilling your purpose.<\/p>\n

After the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to his assistant Joshua saying, \u201cMoses my servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites\u201d (Joshua 1:1-2).<\/p>\n

Joshua was probably depressed that his mentor and leader had passed away. But God gave Joshua a small glimpse into his purpose to lead Israel into the Promised Land.<\/p>\n

In reminding Joshua of the obvious\u2014that Moses was dead\u2014God showed Joshua it was time for him to step up and fulfill his purpose. Likewise, in order for us to move on and move up we must listen for the purpose<\/em> God has for our lives.<\/p>\n

Whatever happened to you in 2018, I want you to know it\u2019s over. Now is the time for you to move on and move up. Remind yourself of the purpose of God for your life. This will help you make right decisions as you move forward into 2019.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
See also  Is It \u2018Ministry Failure\u2019 To See a Counselor?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Remember the Promises of God for our Lives<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The second thing we see in this passage is God saying, \u201cI have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great river, the Euphrates River\u2014all the land of the Hittites\u2014and west to the Mediterranean Sea\u201d (Joshua 1:3-4).<\/p>\n

We need to listen for the promises<\/em> of God for our lives. When you have the promises of God on your side, you can\u2019t lose. The Lord told Joshua that everywhere the soles of his feet landed would become the property of the Israelites.<\/p>\n

What a great inspiration! And it\u2019s a great way for us to live. Go into every situation seeing it half-full instead of half-empty.<\/p>\n

We should live our lives with this type of attitude, knowing that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28). His promises by His Word should help us live our lives in such a way that we walk with our heads a little higher, our minds a little clearer, and our focus a little sharper.<\/p>\n

And so, as you think through 2018 and begin to set your mind towards 2019, keep these reminders in view as you begin to set goals and resolutions for another year.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Dr. A.B. Vines<\/h2>\n

\n

\n

Dr. Vines has been the pastor of New Seasons Church in San Diego for the past 13 years and was elected\u00a0first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Vines currently serves as president of the California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC) and is a trustee at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. He is husband to Karen, the father of four, and \u201cPaPa\u201d to nine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n