Every year people talk about their resolutions for the new year-- what they are going to try and change. Here are some resolutions I want to work on this year. I hope that others will want to work on them also.

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As we stand on the threshold of a new year, there is need of an impartial examination of our hearts to dispel the pleasing illusions of self-love. Our condition is helpless and hopeless unless infinite mercy is granted us daily, and pardon is written against our names in the heavenly records. Those only who see and feel their spiritual necessities will go to Jesus for that help which they so much need, and which he only can give. He alone can cleanse us from all sin. He alone can place upon us the robe of righteousness. [ST, January 4, 1883]

Shall we not in this new year seek to correct the errors of the past? It behooves us individually to cultivate the grace of Christ, to be meek and lowly of heart, to be firm, unwavering, steadfast in the truth; for thus only can we advance in holiness, and be made fit for the inheritance of the saints in light. Let us begin the year with an entire renunciation of self; let us pray for clear discernment, that we may understand our Saviour's claims upon us, and that we may always and everywhere be witnesses for Christ. [ST, January 4, 1883]

The Church militant is not the church triumphant, and earth is not Heaven. The church is composed of erring, imperfect men and women, who are but learners in the school of Christ, to be trained, disciplined, educated for this life, and for the future, immortal life. No one of us can in our own strength represent the character of Christ; but if Jesus lives in the heart, the spirit dwelling in him will be revealed in us; all our lack will be supplied. Who will seek at the beginning of this new year to obtain a new and genuine experience in the things of God? Make your wrongs right as far as possible. Confess your errors and sins one to another. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be put away; let patience, long-suffering, kindness, and love become a part of your very being; then whatsoever things are pure and lovely and of good report will mature in your experience. Another year with its spotless record is before us; what shall that record be? [ST, January 4, 1883]

How often your lips utter the kindly greeting, "I wish you a happy new year," and then in a few moments speak impatient, fretful words. How many children are ever ready to dispute about trifles, unwilling to make the smallest sacrifice for others. To such the new year will bring no real happiness. They may indulge in boisterous mirth, but their hearts know no peace nor joy. Will you not come with penitence and humility to Jesus, that he may cleanse you from the impurity of sin, and fit you for his heavenly kingdom? All who do this will have the happiest new year that they ever experienced. It will bring joy in Heaven and joy on earth. [ST, January 5, 1882]

Then the new year will be welcomed by us all as the commencement of a year of higher, better principles. We shall give ourselves to Christ, making an unreserved consecration of all our property, all our capacities, to his service. We shall make good our profession of faith; we shall serve God by serving those who need our help. Then we shall let our light shine forth in good works. [RH, December 14, 1886]

Here is work for every family and every church. Make haste, brethren and sisters, to improve the few remaining days of 1882 [2000] in setting your own hearts in order, and making every wrong right. Remember that we shall be forgiven only as we forgive. Let all enmity, dissension, and bitterness die with the old year. Let kindness and brotherly and sisterly affection revive in our hearts. We may open the new year with a clean record. How happy the thought! Let us draw near to God "with a true heart in full assurance of faith," that the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, may keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. {RH, [December 26, 1882]

Now we have opportunity to prepare for the solemn scenes before us. We may be converted to God, and have a change of character; but when Christ shall come there will be no time for this. The change then will be with our bodies. "This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." A new year is opening before us, and what shall its record be? You look back upon the past year, and you see many things that you would be glad to have different, that you wish had been better. How will it be with the new year that is just opening? Shall we not at its commencement present ourselves to God, an acceptable offering, to work, to suffer, and to endure according to his will? Shall we not, every one of us, live a life of faith in the Son of God? We cannot afford to live a single day in sin; for "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Then let us so live that when he comes he may crown us with glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. [BEcho, January 15, 1889]

I wish you a happy new year. Let us put away everything like distrust and want of faith in Jesus forever. Let us commence a life of simple child-like trust, not relying upon feeling but upon faith. [TDG 9]

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Even so come, Lord Jesus
Linda

Amen Linda...thank you for those quotes for the New Year.....

In The Blessed Hope

Avalee

Amen, Linda!

I am going to copy and paste that into the Happy New Year announcement.

_________________________
It is more blessed to give
than to receive. (Acts 20:35)

Daryl

This morning I discussed new year resolutions in the Sabbath School program. Here are the 10 resolutions I gave to the SS members.

New Year's Resolutions

1. I resolve to be persevering in my efforts, to be right, to be self-denying, and in cheerfulness to perform every known duty. I resolve to be forward in deeds of charity, and, by my good works, I will seek to be a blessing to others. (See YI 1-1-71)

2. I resolve that I will consecrate to God every power, every ability. I will follow Jesus because He bids me to. I will not ask where or what reward I will be given. I will not do this in my own strength, but in the strength and grace given by God. (See 8T 55)

3. I resolve to be fully on the Lord's side. I will no longer give God a divided heart. I will serve him with undivided affections. I will no longer misrepresent his sacred truth. I will arise and shine. I will sanctify myself through the truth. I will obey the truth. (See Home Missionary 1-1-1897)

4. I resolve to possess my soul in patience amid the petty annoyances of every-day life that are often so irritating and so hard to bear. I resolve that I will not let these things interrupt my communion with God and separate me from his love. (See ST 2-12-85)

5. As a homemaker, I resolve to live on a wiser plan. I will make it my first aim to make a pleasant home. (See AH 24)

6. I resolve in the strength of God that no influence shall lead me to commit the least wrong act. (See CH 411)

7. I resolve never, never to repeat error, but always to teach the truth. I want to fill hearts and minds with the solemn, sacred truth for this time. (See Ev 623)

8. I resolve to reach a high and holy standard. I will set my mark high and act with earnest purpose just as Daniel did. I will be steady, and persevere, knowing that the enemy can do nothing to hinder my improvement. Regardless of inconveniences, changes, perplexities, I can constantly advance in mental vigor and moral power. (See HP 197)

9. I resolve that I will guard myself that my wants shall be so bound about that no needless adornment shall steal away the dimes and dollars I might otherwise spend to gratify my pride or draw the admiration of others. I will consecrate myself to God, and my desire for selfish gratification shall be killed before it buds and blossoms and bears fruit. (See Welfare Ministry 166)

10. I resolve to put away everything like distrust and want of faith in Jesus forever. I will commence a life of simple child-like trust, not relying on my feelings but upon faith. (See TDG 9)

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Even so come, Lord Jesus
Linda

[This message has been edited by Linda Sutton (edited December 30, 2000).]

I have a couple of small items, from my "garden" to share that I thought you would enjoy as a kickstart to the New Year!

True courage is like a kite: A contrary wind raises it higher! That's why the Bible says "Be of good courage."

This year; I am going to "be of good courage," and grow my very own Church Garden!

A CHURCH GARDEN

Three Rows Of Squash:

1) Squash indifference
2) Squash Criticism
3) Squash gossip

Four Rows Of Turnips:

1) Turnup for meetings
2) Turnup with a smile
3) Turnup with a visitor
4) Turnup with a Bible

Five Rows Of Lettuce:

1) Let us love one another
2) Let us welcome strangers
3) Let us be faithful to duty
4) Let us truly worship God
5) Let us give liberally

It takes "good courage" to grow this garden in today's climate! I will be looking forward to our next year in the MSDAOL church family.

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Soul winning is soul loving.
see 1 Thes.5:14-15).

Your brother in Christ

David T. Battler

Amen, Brother David!

I liked that!

_________________________
It is more blessed to give
than to receive. (Acts 20:35)

Daryl

These are all good ideas of resolutions to make. I don't make New Years resolutions though. I prefer to make changes in my life or reconsecrate my walk with God whenever I become aware of the need.

However, this is a good time to look over the past year and evaluate whether my actions have been in line with my priorities, and to set new goals and priorities.

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The Lord is the strength of my life and my portion forever.

I resolve to eat healthier, read the Bible more and improve my prayer life.

It's not so poetic, but if I can improve on these things, Christ's soon-coming can fulfil most of the other items on my check-list.

P.S. I copied David's list and am going to post in in both of my churches.

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Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

Don't let yesterday's mistakes trouble you, nor tomorrow's fears spoil your day.

Pastor Andrew

That's a good idea, Pastor Andrew!

I think I will do that also.

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl

Well, here we are a year later and about to enter in to another year, the year 2002.

Quickly reviewing this thread, I am wondering how we have all done this past year which will soon be history. In fact, in some parts of the year, it is already history.

Perhaps, some have new resolutions they wish to make, and others need to focus on their unfulfilled resolutions.

I know I could have done better this past year. How about you?