From Greg Laurie's Blog

"With the beginning of a new year, it’s inevitable that resolutions are always made.

How many of you have made them?

Among the top resolutions this year are to get in shape, lose weight, get more organized, read more good books, and spend more time with family and friends. The problem is sometimes we are not realistic in our resolutions.

Here are some resolutions made by some people over the years that had to be realistically changed with the passing of time.

Commit myself to reading more
2003: I will read at least 20 good books a year.
2004: I will read at least 10 books a year.
2005: I will read five books a year.
2006: I will finish Greg’s new book this tear.
2007: I will read some articles in the newspaper this year.
2008: I will try and finish the comics this year.

Commit myself to losing weight and getting in shape
2001: I will get my weight down below 170.
2002: I will watch my calories until my weight is below 200.
2003: I will follow my new diet until I get below 220.
2004: I will try to develop a more realistic attitude about my weight.
2005: I will work out five days a week.
2006: I will work out three days a week.
2007: I will work out one day a week.
2008: I will drive past a gym at least once a week.

Commit myself to getting my finances in order.
2004: I will pay off my bank loan promptly.
2005: I will pay off my bank loans promptly.
2006: I will be totally out of debt by next year.
2007: I will try to pay off the debt Interest by next year.
2008: I will try to be out of the country by next year.

Make a stronger spiritual commitment
2004: I will go to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, and get involved in the men’s or women’s Bible study.
2005: I will go to church on Sundays and some Wednesdays.
2006: I will go to church on Sundays.
2007: I will listen to Christian teaching programs on my way to work.
2008: I will read Greg’s blog when I think about it.

Resolutions!

Most of us have made them and we quickly adjust as reality sets in. Does that mean that it is a bad thing to make resolutions or commitments? No, because if we continue to “lower the bar,” we will sink into stagnation at best and full-blown sin at worst.
We need to have goals, objectives, and things we shoot for in life. No, we must constantly be seeking to grow, learn, deepen, and obey.

Here are the words of the apostle Paul after years of walking with God:

No, dear friends, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. I hope all of you who are mature Christians will agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. (Philippians 3:13-15 NLT).

So let’s resolve to get closer to God in 2009!"

Greg's blog certainly made me smile!

Three definitions of 'resolution' . . .
- decision: a firm decision to do something
- determination: firmness of mind or purpose
- solution: an answer to a problem

I am making a resolution to get closer to God this year,
to experience a deeper father/daughter, king/servant, relationship with Him.

Its interesting that 'solution' is part of 'resolution' - resolving to be closer to Him brings the answer to all our problems, all our needs, all our longings, all are met in Him.

Wishing you a deeper relationship with our Lord in 2009.