Resolve

What is Resolve?
   *Used as a verb- to decide firmly on a course of action.
**Used as a noun - firm determination to do something.

This powerful word can have application in many aspects of our life.  So where are those application points?

*Peer pressure, or the pressure to conform to cultural "norms".

*Dating and Marriage - we MUST follow  biblical principles not he ever changing cultural norms that have given us a 50% divorce rate and an "evolving" definition of marriage.

*Work - We should return to the work ethic of our forefathers and recognize that being a workaholic is dangerous and counterproductive on many levels.

*Pray - scripture tells us to "pray without ceasing."  How much do we practice this?

*Worship - Be there, and open our hearts to it.  There are reasons God instructs us to assemble together.  It holds us accountable, protects us, encourages us and allows us to learn at a deeper level.

*Serve - Service is very important, it builds and shows gratitude for the blessings we have been granted.  It exposes us to the struggles and victories of others, and there is little that will build our faith faster than serving others.

*Study - Always begin with the Bible and be "in the Word" daily.  But don't stop there  fill yourself with other quality information to grow your perspective and build useful interests that bring fullness to your life.

2 Timothy 2:15 "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

Can it be tempting to distort or twist the Word of God?  People do it all the time, it is the basis for many cults and misguided religious groups and beliefs.

Scripture gives example after example of people who showed great resolve in difficult situations.  Daniel, Joshua, and Ruth just to name a few.  These people were mere humans, just as we are, and yet they held firm to their various courses and changed history.  We may not change history in the same way these heroes did, but we can change the course of our family for generations to come.

Many of these principles can apply to how we work, how we take care of our physical health, manage our time and so on.  If we will start with resolve in our faith, and grow it into these other areas we can know a more abundant life.  A life centered on God and ready to experience the fullness of His blessing in tragedy and in triumph, today and for years to come.

Will you implement this resolve in an effort to Do Well at a higher level?