Biblical Resolution for All Times, not just the New Year Adornment “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom 12:2) Lord, I do resolve to focus on inward adornment for my soul rather than outward conformity to the world. Help me not to succumb to the pressure of the world to indulge in the latest fashions. Bible “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (Jn 5:39). Lord, I do resolve to read at least one chapter of the Bible everyday and to meditate on at least one verse in the chapter during the day. Help me, Lord, to persevere on and to pick it up again if for some reason, I neglect my appointment with thee on certain days. Confession “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Jms 5:16). Lord, I do resolve to confess my sin to thee day by day; and where necessary to confess it to those I hurt or those who will help me to be accountable to the Lord. Help me, Lord, to put aside my pride that I may do what is right. Decisions “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt 6:33). Lord, I resolve to give priority to seeking thee first in all my decisions and use of time. Help me not to forget Thee in whatever I have to do whether it has to do with work, recreation, education or relationships. Eternal Life “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1Tm 6:12). Lord, I do resolve to lay hold on eternal life or to be fully assured of my relationship with Thee by being very serious in my Christian life. Help me, Lord, to live by the power of the resurrection. Friendship “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Prov 18:24). Lord, I will resolve to maintain existing friendship and cultivate new ones. Help me to remember that there is only one Friend who will never leave me nor forsake me, but at the same time, help to feel the importance of having good friends with whom I can fellowship with. Glory “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1Cor 10:31). Lord, I do resolve to seek thy glory in all that I do even in the mundane things of daily existence. Help me to receive all things thou dost bestow on me with gratitude and thanksgiving. Heaven “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mt 6:20-21). Lord, I do resolve to be heavenly minded. Help me to lay up treasures in heaven by seeking to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in me; by good works; and by leading others to Christ or strengthening their faith. Industry “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise” (Prov 6:1) Lord, I will resolve to be diligent and industrious in all that I am appointed to do. Help me to overcome my natural laziness and sluggishness. Joy “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil 4:4). Lord, I do resolve to rejoice in Christ and to maintain a merry heart (Prov 17:22). Help me, Lord, to overcome any depressive tendency or negative attitudes that I may have that I have rejoice as I look to Christ. Knowledge 3 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Prov 9:10) Lord, I do resolve to deepen in my knowledge of Thee and what duty Thou dost require of me. Help me to be diligent and attentive therefore when I read Thy Word or hear Thy Word preached; and give me the desire to read good Christian books. Lord’s Day “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex 20:8). Lord, I do resolve to remember that the Lord’s Day belongs to thee. Help me to use it in the way that Thou hast appointed in Thy word that I may rest from my own recreation and labours, and delight in the means that Thou has appointed for my spiritual rest. Meekness “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt 5:5). Lord, I do resolve to cultivate meekness in my soul by seeking to respond to all trials and quarrels with the meekness of Christ. Help me to be swift to hear and receive all criticism humbly rather than to be quick to defend myself or to retort with uncharitable words. No Delay “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Eccl 9:10). Lord, I do resolve to do what I believe I ought to do today; and to do it well. Help me not to procrastinate, but to do it now when what I ought to do will bless some one or glorify thy name. Order “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor 14:40). Lord, I do resolve to try to be orderly rather than haphazard in the use of my time. Help me to maintain at least a rough plan, if not a timetable for each day of the week. Prayer “Pray without ceasing” (1Th 5:17). Lord, I do resolve to cultivate a consistent practice of prayer. Remind me to pray before I begin the day. Remind me to keep my daily appointment with thee. Remind me to close the day with prayer. Quietness “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1Th 4:11). Lord, I will resolve to study to be quiet rather than being opinionated and full of complaints. Help me see the value of living peaceably with all men as far as possible. Respect “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee” (Dt 5:16) Lord, I do resolve to honour and respect my parents and all who have been appointed over me. Help me, Lord, to be obedient to thy commandment especially when pride tempts me to think that someone I ought to respect is not worthy of my respect for any reason. Sincerity “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name” (Ps 103:1). Lord, I do resolve to serve and worship thee with all sincerity. Help me, rather to fight against all hypocrisy in service and to arrest all wondering thoughts in worship that I may not take thy name in vain. Time “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16) Lord, I do resolve to redeem the time. Help me to use my time wisely. Help me not to squander my time in meaningless pursuits. Unity “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps 133:1) Lord, I do resolve to seek the unity of love in the church that thou hast placed me in. Help me to begin by actively laying down my life for the brethren and passively bearing no grudge against those who have offended me. Victory “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1Jn 5:4). Lord, I do resolve to live a victorious Christian life which reflects the victory that Christ has secured over sin, the devil and the world. Help me to cultivate such a life and to manifest it in my attitude, prayer and relationships. Wisdom “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (Jms 1:5). Lord, I do resolve to remember to ask thee for wisdom when I am faced with difficult decisions. Help me not to make any such decisions without consciously praying. X’tra Mile “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain” (Mt 5:41). Lord, I will resolve to go the extra mile. Help me not to be reluctant and calculative when comes to doing good or helping others. Yearning “And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds” (Acts 26:29). Lord, I will resolve to cultivate a yearning for the souls of sinners such as Paul had. Help me, Lord, not to become complacent and callous in regard to the destiny of the lost who remain in unbelief. Zeal “It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing” (Gal 4:18a). Lord, I do resolve to serve Thee zealously rather than in a half-hearted manner. Help me to serve thee joyfully and zealously in all the duties that have been appointed me whether at home, in church or at home. —JJ Lim |
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