Holding Fast to the Resolution...

Well it's that time of year again, "The New Year's Resolution?"

 We all go through this every year. We try and "hold fast" to the changes that we think can or will effect us for the rest of our lives. Whether it's losing weight, trying to be a better person or whatever it is, we so much want to stick to the "CHANGE."

 But I often ask myself, "why don't I hold fast to the change that I want so much to make?" Is it laziness, timing, job or families. What is it that makes us just give up?

The definition of resolution is "the act or process of resolving." Resolution is an "act." How many times do we act on the things of this world that will satify our flesh, our checking accounts and or our families. Some great "heroic acts" have been made throughout history that has changed the course of our world. But we have also had some "terrorist acts" that have changed the course of the people of this world. The one thing that is common in both of these events is this, the people "held fast" to the idea or the cause. Throughout the course of history, "holding fast" has been cemented into our minds that if we want something so bad, that we stick with it.

 The same should go when practicing our faith. Even if you don't lose all the weight that you want, you shouldn't waver from the idea or your CONFESSION!!!

 I like the verse in Hebrews 10:23 where it says "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."  Why would he say something like this? Because he knew that people have always been tossed by the ways of this world when it comes to there faith. I am no stranger to being a "backslider" or allowing myself to be "shifted in my faith" over the years. Like many of us, I have always confessed that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. But I have allowed circumstances or even my job defer me from sharing the Gospel. I have not "held fast" to my "act of faith." My "act of faith" is not sharing the Word of God like I am supposed too. I am not fulfilling my "New Year's Resolution."

 Now this year, I make the same resolution. That I obviously want to grow and prosper in the things of God. But there are also some personal changes that I want to make in my life and walk with God. One of them is to "be still and be quiet." I have for far too long allowed people to tell me what I need to hear. It is time for God to tell me what I need to hear. Another one is to "be slow to anger." Obviously with my job, I have customers that will always complain and try to rub you wrong when it comes to their drink. I learned a long time ago from a friend this verse, Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Many times I have to say this in my head while they are complaining. I hate being angry and allowing people to get the best of my anger. That is not who I am created to be. That is not the "new creation" that Jesus called me to be. We are to walk in love to each and every person that comes across our path. That is part of "holding fast to our faith." Treating people the way God treats us. That is one of the weapons that the enemy uses against people all of the time. By planting thoughts in our heads about something or someone. Working in the retail and food industry, there is someone that will always be unhappy or make a complaint. ALWAYS!!! They will try and plant bad thoughts into our heads about something, whether its their coffee or something that is going on in their life. The enemy will use them as a weapon. Believe it or not!!!

 In Matthew 16:20-25, Jesus starts talking about the prediction of His death and ressurection. Peter starts yelling "never Lord, this shall not happen to you." I like what Jesus says in response, "Satan, get behind me. You are a stumbling block to me, you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but that of men."

 Satan will use the people that you are closest to or even those we see everyday to become "stumbling blocks." That is when we "hold fast" to our confession and our faith. Our faith teaches us that we have defeated the enemy already. We have to walk in that victory over him.

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 But take comfort in this, 1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

 You have already overcome your resolutions and everything that has come against you through faith in Christ Jesus. "Hold fast" to your confession and the "faith" that powers you to do those great things for the Kingdom of God.

 So when you set your sights on your "New Year's Resolution" this year, proclaim, speak and hold fast to the victory that Jesus Christ was born to provide, walked in the victory, and died in the victory so that we would be victorious!!! I pray that each person that reads this has a great, blessed and prosperous New Year and to encourage you to chase after God like you have never done before.

 God Bless you All,

Buckwheat...