Theme:   Getting Unstuck - A New Kind of Resolution

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

READ: Colossians 3:12-17

THINK: In Pastor Nick’s New Year’s Day message he taught us about setting our New Year’s resolution based on what we want to be rather than on our normal resolution basis “what we want to do”. When I concentrate on what I want to be that means working on my character.

In our society we often define our lives and our value by what we have… what we do… how others view us. And oftentimes, we set our goals based on these things. These are all various elements of our ego. But the Bible teaches us that God is interested in developing our character. The best way to measure where we are in that character development is asking a few self-assessment questions. Things like:

Do I:

• Recognize Jesus’ voice? (John 10:3, 4)
• Live a God-honoring, blameless life? (Philippians 2:15)
• Forgive? (Matthew 6:14)
• Love Others? (John 13:34)

 Am I:

• Becoming more like Christ? (Ephesians 4:13, 16)
• Bold? (Proverbs 28:1)
• Humble? (Isaiah 57:15 and 66:2)
• Faithful? (Revelation 17:14)
• Holy? (Deuteronomy 7:6 and 14:2)

I especially like today’s Bible passage, Colossians 3:12-17 which not only tells us how to be but also how to do it in verse 17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Do: Decide which character trait(s) you’d like the Lord to develop within you in 2012. Use the questions above or as you read the Bible each day look for others that are revealed. Make that part of this year’s resolution and pray each day for the Holy Spirit’s help to be that and do that.

Pray: Father, thank you for all you taught me in 2011, help me by the leading of Your Spirit to have the character of Christ and be the person You desire for me to be in 2012. Amen.