"Resolutions"

At a gallop twenty-four came in,

Bama and Texas cried,

And I felt bad for both of them,

Though all the day they tried.

But life ain’t about the football,

Though I’m a fan, you see.

But cowboy up for Jesus,

And let it be what it will be.

New friendships being started,

And old ones get renewed,

Riding brand new horses,

And by the Spirit cued,

To love on everybody,

And speak the truth in love,

Live full for the Kingdom,

On the way to God above.

Help the ones who need it,

Forgive all who give you hurt,

Walk with those who speak the truth,

And stay close to the dirt.

Be a witness with your labor,

Encourage with your talk,

Be a problem-solver,

By the Spirit always walk.

These are my resolutions,

For them I’ll daily pray,

Confess my faith in Jesus,

And do it everyday.

Remember God who gave it,

It’s twenty twenty-four,

And by the Spirit live it,

Make us fruitful evermore.

“And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everybody. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, NIV)

Having a productive, spiritually productive new year won’t just happen unless we are proactive in our relationships. Paul gives this kind of counsel over and over, and we do well to pay attention. God will bless intentional kindness, no matter what form it takes. There is a wide variety of people with unique challenges and needs. God knows how He wants to use us, and divine appointments are on the way. Choose now to be used by the Lord and look for ways to help people and the odds are stacked we won’t miss the opportunities God gives us.

Lord, help us practice intentional kindness, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Don Weller, donweller.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Don, and God bless you.