THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE WISE
It’s that time of the year when we are all planning.
“This year, things are going to be different!”
“I’m going to change!”
“I’m going to be a better spouse.”
“I’m going to spend more time with my family.”
“I’m going to spend more time reading my Bible. More time praying to God. More time serving others.”
“This is the year I get my ducks in a row!”
Did you perhaps say the same thing this time last year?
How quickly our plans seem to be forgotten.
TOP 5
A recent article listed the five most popular resolutions made every year.
The 5th was to take up a new hobby.
The 4th was to make more money.
The 3rd most popular resolution was to improve relationships.
The 2nd was to stop smoking.
The most popular New Year’s resolution, you guessed it, is losing weight.
CATEGORIES OF RESOLUTIONS
- Things to make us look better and live longer. (Longevity)
- Things to make us have more. (Prosperity)
- Things that will help us to get along with everyone. (Peace)
HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET
We make resolutions to change our habits and our way of life.
A new year allows us to start fresh and better ourselves.
In the middle of January, we somehow forget our the resolve and fervor of our resolutions and go back to our old ways.
WORD OF GOD REMAINS FOREVER
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”
—ISAIAH 40:8
We want to base our resolutions on something that stands – even when it gets tough!
RESOLUTIONS FROM THE WISEST MAN WHO EVER LIVED
Take some advice from Solomon when he was at the top of his game.
Even the wisest man who ever lived struggled to keep resolutions.
PROVERBS 3
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying
—Proverbs 3:1-2
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1. LET LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS NEVER LEAVE YOU
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
—Proverbs 3:3-4
What I am about to do, does it reflect the faithfulness and the love of the Father?
2. TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
—Proverbs 3:5-6
We have a firm belief in or confidence in, the honesty, integrity, reliability, justice, of God the Father and whatever He has ever spoken, or asked of us.
WE MUST KNOW THE WORD IF WE ARE TO TRUST IT.
3. DO NOT BE WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
—Proverb 3:7-8
Pride filled drive and determination, decisions and resolutions made devoid of the wisdom of God, will fail and cause damage.
REVEAL ANSWER
4. HONOR THE LORD WITH YOUR WEALTH
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
—Proverbs 3:9-10
Please make wise, God oriented decisions with your finances this year.
5. DO NOT DESPISE THE LORD’S DISCIPLINE
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
—Proverbs 3:11-12
Will you make the changes that you are prompted to make? Will you be willing to take time to meditate, and be still in the storm to be shaped by Him?
I would rather be disciplined by the Father than be tossed around by the world.
6. SEARCH DILIGENTLY FOR WISDOM AND FIND IT
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
—Proverbs 3:13,21-24
This is not just knowing how to do things (information) this is allowing the father to help you become street smart. Its living life with the Father (know how)
The WISDOM OF GOD dispels fear.
Do you live in fear – depression anxiety? – Think there is a catch to everything in your life?
7. DO NOT WITHHOLD GOOD FROM THOSE WHO DESERVE IT
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
—Proverbs 3:27-28
If you need anything do not hesitate to call…??? You ever got a call from someone saying – you know that you said I should call if I needed anything?
8. DO NOT PLOT HARM AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR
Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.
—Proverbs 3:29-30
9. DO NOT ENVY A VIOLENT MAN OR CHOOSE ANY OF HIS WAYS
Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.
—Proverbs 3:31 – 32
Violence is defined here as wicked. Ever had that thought that people who don’t do things God’s way seem to be better off than you?
CONCLUSION
We have a lot to do…How do your resolutions marry up to what Solomon wanted??
They are steep. But there is loads of practical application from every one of those resolutions.
Blessing to you this year. May your mind and your heart be closely aligned to the will of God on your life and may you know his blessings for your obedience.
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