Greetings 2014!

New beginnings and fresh starts are like . . . . mint on the tongue—refreshing!

A recent study suggested the following 10 New Year resolutions as most common:

Eat healthy and exercise regularly
Better work/life balance
Learn something new & read more
Quit smoking
Drink less &/or quit
Get organized
Get out of debt & save money
Spend more time with family and friends
Help others
Finish those around the house “to-do” lists

These are noble goals. I’m committing to several. But where is the mention of God?

When I’ve resolved to seek, honor, and follow Him, He has always helped me in the big and small challenges.

Proverbs 28:14 says: Blessed is the [one] who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

To fear the Lord means to honor and revere Him.

Jesus, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6). He spent His life for us so we might live fully now and for eternity. “[Jesus] humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Vs. 8) Why? Through His sacrifice, He is bringing many people to glory—into His family—through His atoning sacrifice and forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 2:10-18).

We’ve celebrated Jesus’ birth as a baby during Christmas, but Revelation 19:11-16 portrays Jesus returning as the mighty King of Kings and Lord of Lords, “dressed in a robe dipped in blood,” bearing the name: Word of God.

One day, every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, (Philippians 2:10-11). Why not do it now, under His favor?

Prayer: Jesus, you are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Help us resolve—and desire—to keep you first and center. May we continually seek you, “work[ing] out [our] salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) through daily Bible reading, prayer, and following your lead. You are more than worthy! In you alone, Lord, is an unending reservoir of life, strength, peace, and hope. Give us “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so [we] may know you better” (Ephesians1:17). Amen.