Resolutions for a New Year

Monday, January 04, 2010

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A new year always brings with it a sense of new beginnings. In our culture, the concept of "New Year's Resolutions" means determining to go on a diet, spend more time with the family, learn something new, etc.

As Christians, we should be entering new situations having already pre-determined to act in a manner that would be pleasing to God. This is a Biblical concept, and one does not have to look far to find examples of men in the Bible who made "resolutions."

Jacob: Resolved to have the blessings of God on his life.
"And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." (Genesis 32:26)

Joseph: Resolved to not commit adultery.
"There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9)

Daniel: Resolved to not eat the king's meat or drink his wine.
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." (Daniel 1:8)

Job: Resolved to not look lustfully at women.
"I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" (Job 31:1)

David: Resolved to trust God fully.
"In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." (Psalms 56:11)

Peter: Resolved to not deny the Lord, but failed to keep his resolution.
"But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I." (Mark 14:29)

Paul: Resolved to know God and His power.
"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." (Philippians 3:10)

At this time of year, I am often reminded of this wonderful song which addresses the idea of becoming more resolved to live for God:

I Am Resolved

Palmer Hartsough, James H. Gillmore

Verse 1:
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world's delight;
Things that are higher,things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

Verse 2:
I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sing and strife;
He is the true One, He is the Just One,
He hath the words of life.

Verse 3:
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living way.

Verse 4:
I am resolved to enter the Kingdom,
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.

Chorus:
I will hasten to Him
Hasten so glad and free
Jesus, Greatest, Highest,
I will come to Thee.

Let's resolve to love and serve God more, love and serve people more through our music this year!

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Curtis Hollembeak

Curtis holds a bachelor's degree in Bible with a music minor, as well as a master's degree in Sacred Music, having studied under Dr. Frank Garlock, president of Majesty Music, and Ray and Ann Gibbs, well-known Christian singers. He has served as music director and jr. high/high school supervisor at Grace Baptist Church of Mankato, Minnesota; school music director at the Franklin Road Christian School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; media engineer for the Sword of the Lord in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and, full-time music director at Second Baptist Church and Twin City Christian Academy in Festus, Missouri. He is currently self-employed and serves in the music ministry of the Berean Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. Curtis is co-founder and President of the Asaph Music Co. He regularly sings bass with the Bible Truth Chorale on recordings produced by Bible Truth Music at Faith Music Missions.