I Am Resolved

Alan Riley

There's an old gospel song that I've always liked to sing around the New Year called "I Am Resolved." Since polls tell us that a large number of us will carry on the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions today, the words of this old song make a couple of great suggestions for worthy resolutions for you and me:

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

It is so easy for us to get distracted by the "world's delight" and fail to make progress in our walk with and relationship with the Lord.

In this new year of 2009, I am resolved to set my sights on things that are higher and nobler.

I am resolved to go to the SaviorLeaving my sin and strife
He is the true one
He is the just one
He hath the words of life

As the time drew nearer for Jesus to give up His life, the going got tough for Jesus and those who followed Him.

The Pharisees sought to trick Him into "blasphemy" and put Him to death. People were all in for the free food for 5,000 or getting healed from all manner of sicknesses and diseases, but now He began to talk about taking up your cross and following Him.

The Bible tells us that many who had followed Him followed Him no more. Jesus turned to the disciples and said, "Will you leave also?" Simon Peter quickly replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of life!" In 2009, I am resolved to follow Jesus no matter what my circumstances.

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

Today, just as it was 2,000 years ago, Jesus has many fair weather friends. If you don't believe it, just see how church attendance drops the next time it comes a big rainstorm on Sunday.

Around the world there are believers who risk their lives by coming to worship, and in the West, we are deterred by a few drops of water.

This coming year, I am resolved to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, no matter who or what may oppose me.

I am resolved and who will go with me?
Come friends without delay
Taught by the Bible
Led by the Spirit
We'll walk the heavenly way

I am resolved in 2009 to share the Good News of Jesus with people that He places me in contact with. I want to be passionate about bringing people with me to heaven.
Striving to keep these resolutions will reap eternal benefits!

Rev. Alan Riley is the Director of Web Operations for Streaming Faith and serves as the Managing Editor of StreamingFaith.com. He is an ordained Baptist Minister and a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. His personal blog can be found at www.alansblog.com.