Please help us share God's truths and hope in Christ.

It’s the dawn of a new year.  For some of us this past year was a good one, for others a difficult one, and for some perhaps it was a year of little consequence or significance. But consider this. God graciously gives us 365 days in which to praise Him, to thank Him, and to serve Him . . . no matter our circumstances. Blessed be His name! 

Let’s pause as we venture into the new year and consider some wisdom from God’s Word. In the book of Ecclesiastes, the preacher laments all of life “under the sun.”  But in the close of his message, he reflects an understanding of real wisdom and truth.

Eccl 12:10, 13-14  The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright; words of truth. . . Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

A New Year, A New Start

With the new year, many consider it to be a new start. The “slate” of the past year is wiped clean and they anticipate a fresh new beginning. Many people make efforts of growth by setting New Year’s resolutions. The word resolution means, “a formal expression of opinion or intention made . . . a determination . . . the act of resolving or determining a course of action.” That says it! “Determining a course of action.” As the New Year is upon us people set out to determine a course of action and the purpose is to fulfill the desires of their hearts. 

One might say that the preacher in Ecclesiastes, who penned the inspired words, was in a state of constantly  “determining a course of action.” He had looked to fulfill the desires of his heart by worldly standards, but toward the end of his life he “sought to find delightful words” and he sought to “write words of truth correctly.” 

These are undoubtedly two of the best resolutions we could make for 2018.  Seek delightful word and share the truth correctly.

The preacher’s  conclusion is certainly worthy of our consideration and would be another resolution worth setting: 

“fear God and keep His commandments”

God says to us through the preacher that this is “man’s all.”  That means it applies to all of us and is of utmost significance in directing our lives.

If we are going to make New Year’s resolutions, let’s take counsel from God’s Word and set them according to His standards. 

Will that which we resolve reflect a joyful spirit and convey God’s truths? Will it reflect our fear, reverence, and love for God and our obedience to His will? We need to conform our will to God’s will, and determine our course of action to be: fear God and keep His commandments, for this “for this is the whole duty of man”  (Ecc 12:13 KJV).

The preacher offers wise counsel . . . For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. (Ecc 12:14) 

And so, as you consider a course of action for the New Year, a “resolution” for growth, remember every work is either good or evil in God’s eyes.  Keep your eyes on Jesus and know that He has promised the Holy Spirit will guide you.  Set your resolutions according to God’s will revealed in His word. And then determine, by the power of the Spirit, to live a victorious life of loving and glorifying God in all you do.

 

John 14:21  “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. . .”

John 14:23  Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. . .”

John 15:10  “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love. . .”

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At  Reasons for Hope* Jesus, we are committed to equipping, encouraging, and empowering Christians to know Jesus better, love Him more, and share their faith. We also reach the lost through our Salvation Page. 

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***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023 

  1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
  2. Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
  3. How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
  4. How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
  5. How long did JOB SUFFER?
  6. What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
  7. Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
  8. Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
  9. The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
  10. Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

  1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
  2. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
  3. Prayers from Billy Graham
  4. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
  5. “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
  6. Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
  7. Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
  8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
  9. Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
  10. Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.

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  10. Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)

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