A New Year filled with Faith and Determination
By Dr. William F. “Bill” Holland Jr.
A brand-new year is here, and I’m excited to see what the Lord has for us! Keeping Christ at the center of our thoughts takes a great deal of discipline and determination, but so does everything else we really care about. We often hear people discussing their resolutions, which are serious intentions, desires, and promises they believe they can achieve. What are your goals and visions for the coming year? Would you like to draw closer to God and experience His peace and joy? I can tell you, according to His word, He loves you and waits for you to be more involved with Him. James 4:8, and Jeremiah 29:12-14 talk about this, but it will take more than just a whim. It will take a drastic lifestyle change.
To become more holy and governed by God, instead of our emotions, let us understand that lifestyle transformation involves personal sacrifice. It is said that the only limit to our goals for tomorrow will be our doubts of today. So, here’s the big question: Just how willing are we to give Him total control of our lives? Isn’t this why we are here? If we abide under the shadow of His wings, we will walk in the peace and joy of His Spirit, but if we allow ourselves to be tempted and drawn away by sin, we will remain distant and miserable. Matthew chapter 22 gives us the true meaning of life, “Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”
Most of the time, we are so busy making our own decisions that we hardly consider the distractions that cause us to ignore Him. In the book of Revelation, chapter two, God is disappointed with how the Ephesians had left their “first love,” but what does this mean? It’s time to examine our hearts and choose once and for all who we are going to serve. Actually, the Bible contains many passages where God says He loves us and how much He wants to fellowship with us. The incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection are all about Jesus inviting everyone to have a personal relationship with Him, but it’s our decision since He will never force us to love Him.
This has been a challenging year for my health, along with other various disappointments, as I’m sure many of you also have your own issues. I actually spent Christmas Day in the hospital. We need our strength as there is much to do for God’s kingdom. My family lost some dear members this year, and this holiday has not been very jolly, but we are comforted in knowing they loved God and are with Him now. I ask that you pray for the inmates that we serve at our local detention center. We bring the good news of the gospel, along with baptizing those who give their lives to Christ, and serving communion. I also have some exciting news, as I became a certified substitute teacher this year for Jessamine County. I’ve really enjoyed the challenge, love the kids, and look forward to this coming school year. With a doctorate in Christian education, I have a passion to teach and coach, especially knowing how the enemy is attacking the young ones in today’s world. I want to pray and help children in any way I can.
Philippians 3:14 declares, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus,” which reveals a vital condition to personal transformation: no one else can do it for us. We must see our need to change and be willing to do whatever it takes to be victorious. It’s commendable to have long-term goals, and we should release our faith into accomplishing our destiny, but it’s critical to realize just how desperate we must become. It’s not automatic, but a day-by-day process. It would be much better to go slow with permanent results than to go through the motions and become overwhelmed with frustration and eventually give up. Let us pray. “Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask that you truly become our Lord. No more games, no more lukewarmness, depression, or excuses. Please give us the courage to discipline our flesh and the faith and strength to say no to all that is wrong, and yes to your perfect will for us. We give you all praise and glory, amen.”
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com