PODCAST
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Before Resolutions
What makes a worthy goal? When you think about a new year (thank You, Lord!), what sort of things fight for space in your head?
There goes 2020, and as it goes it takes with it many loved ones to eternity. Proverbs is the 20th book of the Bible, so while we bid adieu to 2020, we’ll peek into the 21st chapter of Proverbs, verse 21, of course. In just a minute.
First, Resolutions
Every year tens of thousands of resolutions are made across the globe. And why not? Improving on ourselves is a great goal. Almost every resolution fits into one of these categories: health, wealth, intellect, social and work (even of the sahm type). It’s really no wonder, is it? Jesus Himself grew in human ways, too.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Luke 2:52
Human Wisdom
Well, that’s a misnomer if ever there was one. We grossly lack wisdom, as in we have none without the Lord first and foremost.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
I hope you, and I, do not fall victim to desiring things that are not God-pleasing. This is not to say you shouldn’t make a resolution for this or that if it isn’t mentioned in Luke 2:52, no-it’s rather a precautionary pause to be careful where your heart leads you. This world is crazy, I don’t need to tell you twice, I’m sure. And its continual attack on our minds and hearts tweaks our cravings in ways we are way too often unaware. Be careful. Be vigilant to know what you’re allowing your heart to seek out. Strange as that may sound.
Be careful. Be vigilant of what you allow your heart to seek.
Tamara| A Girl in the Middle
Time and… Time
I was going to say that the lists we tend to make this time of year (or every day, if you’re more like me) tend to cost us time and money in the follow-through (or redo, as it may be). And they really do. But friends, there’s something most precious about time: time and time.
I don’t know when I will run out of it, and neither do you. But I do know I probably won’t be ready when my time is done on earth. I do want to be ready to meet Jesus, but honestly, I don’t see how I will be ready for lights out regarding life with my people I love. In this light, it’s time that is even more precious than money, to me. I will keep this in mind, and if time is precious to you the same way, I encourage you, too, to keep this in mind when deciding what deserves a place on year 2021 resolution’s inventory.
What’s on your list?
What’s on your list? If you don’t make one (this is me, typically-mostly rooted in my rebellious nature to kick against the grain), humor me. What’s on your subconscience bucket list?
For me, all of the top categories get a quick jot: eat well, exercise more, streamline the budget, read more, tidy up, love better and get ‘er done with personal/work goals.
What do you hope to gain from each or any of these goals met?
Find Life
My friends are tired. I’m tired. Life is tired this year of 2020. Tired. We need a refresh, and God already has it for us. Remember what I mentioned first off today: Proverbs 21:21. Find life!
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Proverbs 21:21 (KJV)
One of my favorite translations, the Holman Christian Standard Bible:
The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
Proverbs 21:21 (HCSB)
A little English lesson, quickly. There is a clear subject in this verse: He. In our case, She. And, to find the verb/the action of the subject we ask, “What did ‘she’ do?” She follows or pursues.
She Follows: Pursues
Before anything else in this scripture matters, we have to start here: She (you & me) follows or pursues. She doesn’t sit and do nothing, though she can be tired and worn. She doesn’t wallow in self-pity, though she can be sad. She doesn’t depend on someone else to do for her what God has ascribed to her own life, though she may be blessed by the encouragement of a friend. She doesn’t doubt, though she may struggle to believe. She doesn’t become frozen in fear, though it may look scary to move forward. She follows.
In this verse, Proverbs 21:21, follows means: figurative follow after, aim to secure. Then, we are to aim to secure righteousness and mercy. Righteousness and Mercy, how does that duo fit into your life desires?
Righteousness & Mercy
Righteousness and Mercy: What is right and what is kind. Oh, even the lost world has an unquenchable thirst for what is right and kind, though they miss the mark trying to name, find or label it in the absence of the Lord. Do you see a quest for each in the list you made or are making? I hope so. Scripture has a lot to say about both righteousness and mercy, or, kindness.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6
The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.
Proverbs 15:9
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:7
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Luke 1:50
Chasing after righteousness and mercy is important in our lives: God puts great emphasis on this, and so should we.
Follow & Find
Back to that little English lesson and Proverbs 21:21, and here we have a compound verb. She follows after righteousness and mercy, and she finds, righteousness and honor. What? She follows AND she finds! This is not an or but an and. BIG difference. Do you get what God is telling us here? IS there anything that anyone scribbles (or beautifully scripts-either way) for something they want out for their life this year that does not include finding life, righteousness and honor? I don’t think anyone is pining for a year full of death, wrong and dishonor, do you?
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Proverbs 21:21
We’d all like to back on a well-accomplished resolve at year’s end, even in this year. Yet, the Lord’s direction is to strive-follow-pursue after righteousness, to pursue mercy and kindness. Line up your 2021 goals with this verse, Proverbs 21:21. Be sure you’re really seeking after the things of God. In the end, and in the beginning, an honest and good life is what we really are hoping for when we make goals for ourselves. The One who created you and me knows what we need. He gives us everything we need to live the abundant life He came to give us.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 (ESV)
Abundant life! How’s it going for you? If you’re not living an abundant life, something is missing. Me too! Whose voice am I listening to? Who am I following? Jesus died for me to have an abundant life! I could take 365 days to elaborate on this thought. Maybe I will, actually. But listen carefully to this next statement:
God does not qualify His Word with a disclaimer of sorts. We don’t hear Him tell us His Word, instruction, wisdom is good for us unless we’re going through a really hard time, or except when we are surprised with life’s circumstances and at a loss of hope.
Nope, He’s good for His Word. There are no disclaimers.
No Disclaimers
Yes, no disclaimers from God for an exception to His words. We know ALL scripture is good for us:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)
Not Complete
We used to sing the song, He’s Still Working on Me. Do you know it?
He’s still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
‘Cause He’s still workin’ on meThere really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Song, He’s Still Working on Me
Don’t judge me yet, there’s an unfinished part
But I’ll be perfect just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master’s loving hands
My favorite line of this song, “Don’t judge me yet, there’s an unfinished part!”
God is not finished with us (Philippians 1:6), but we can be sure He will continue His good work until He is done and we are complete.
You’re still here; you’re not complete. Keep on keeping on! He’s not finished with you.
Make Your List
Go ahead and make your 2021 new year’s resolution. Make your list by way of Proverbs 21:21 and intentionally chase after righteousness and mercy-no matter your circumstances, mountain top or pit of the valley. It’s a good year to take God at His Word and in so doing find life, righteousness and honor.
You’re worth it. He died for you. He loves you. Trust Him.
21 Names of God
I hope to see you back here soon as we being 2021 with 21 Names of God!
See you on the path pursuant to life, Sisters!
