A Daily Devotional Bible Reading
Based on Sunday's Sermon: Should Christians Make New Year's Resolutions? / Psalm 101:2-4
Day 1: The Foundation of Godly Resolve
Reading: Psalm 119:106-112
Devotional: "I have sworn and I will perform it that I will keep thy righteous judgments." This verse captures the essence of holy determination. The psalmist doesn't casually suggest obedience—he binds himself to it with an oath. True spiritual growth never happens by accident. We don't drift into godliness; we must purpose in our hearts to pursue it. Like David standing at the threshold of his kingship, we stand at the beginning of each day with choices to make. Will we behave ourselves wisely? Will we walk with a perfect heart? These aren't questions of perfection but of direction. Your spiritual life requires the same intentionality an athlete brings to training. Make your commitment today, not someday. Bind yourself to God's Word, knowing that your resolve, empowered by His grace, will guard you against compromise when temptation comes calling.
Day 2: Choosing Your Master
Reading: Joshua 24:14-24
Devotional: "Choose you this day whom you will serve." Joshua's challenge echoes across the centuries into our lives today. Neutrality is not an option in the Christian life. Every day, through countless small decisions, we declare our allegiance. The Israelites stood at a crossroads between the God who delivered them and the gods of the surrounding culture. We face similar crossroads constantly—will we conform to the world's patterns or be transformed by God's Word? Joshua didn't say "try your best" or "see how it goes." He made a public, definitive resolution: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This wasn't legalism; it was lordship. When Christ governs your life rather than merely being a part of it, your choices become clear. The question isn't whether you'll serve someone or something, but whom. Make your choice today, not tomorrow. Declare your allegiance clearly, publicly, and without reservation.
Day 3: The Power of Predetermined Conviction
Reading: Daniel 1:1-21
Devotional: Daniel "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." Notice the timing—he made this decision before the test came, not during it. When the king's meat was set before him, the decision was already made. This is the power of godly resolution: it removes the struggle from the moment of temptation. Unresolved hearts are easily conquered. If you wait until you're facing compromise to decide your convictions, you've already given temptation an advantage. Daniel's resolve wasn't stubbornness; it was devotion. He knew who he served, and that knowledge governed his choices before circumstances could cloud his judgment. What temptations do you regularly face? What compromises does your culture, workplace, or social circle pressure you toward? Purpose in your heart today how you will respond. Write it down. Speak it aloud. Bind yourself to obedience before the test comes, and you'll find strength you didn't know you had when it arrives.
Day 4: Training for Godliness
Reading: 1 Timothy 4:7-16
Devotional: "Exercise thyself rather unto godliness." Paul uses athletic imagery deliberately—spiritual growth requires the same discipline, intentionality, and training that physical fitness demands. You can't show up to the Christian life whenever you feel like it and expect to stand strong when trials come. Bodily exercise profits a little, Paul says, but godliness is profitable for all things, both now and in eternity. This isn't about earning God's love through performance; it's about training yourself to receive and reflect the grace already given. Spiritual disciplines—Bible study, prayer, church attendance, fellowship, service—aren't legalistic requirements. They're the training regimen that develops spiritual strength. An athlete who doesn't train won't win. A Christian who doesn't cultivate godly habits won't grow. What spiritual disciplines are currently part of your life? Where have you been spiritually lazy? Choose one discipline to strengthen this week. Remember: godliness doesn't happen accidentally. Train yourself intentionally.
Day 5: Grace-Empowered Obedience
Reading: Psalm 101:1-8
Devotional: "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me?" David's resolution is balanced perfectly between determination and dependence. He commits to obedience while simultaneously crying out for God's presence. This is the difference between legalism and godly resolution. Legalism says, "I will obey to earn acceptance." Grace-empowered resolution says, "I am accepted, therefore I will obey—but only by Your strength." David knew his resolutions were impossible without God's help. This guards us from both pride when we succeed and despair when we fail. You will stumble. The righteous fall seven times, but they rise again. When you fall, don't abandon your resolutions—repent, receive grace, and return to your commitment. Your obedience isn't what makes God love you; His love is what empowers your obedience. Make your resolutions today, but make them on your knees, acknowledging your absolute dependence on the One who empowers what He commands.
Day 1: The Foundation of Godly Resolve
Reading: Psalm 119:106-112
Devotional: "I have sworn and I will perform it that I will keep thy righteous judgments." This verse captures the essence of holy determination. The psalmist doesn't casually suggest obedience—he binds himself to it with an oath. True spiritual growth never happens by accident. We don't drift into godliness; we must purpose in our hearts to pursue it. Like David standing at the threshold of his kingship, we stand at the beginning of each day with choices to make. Will we behave ourselves wisely? Will we walk with a perfect heart? These aren't questions of perfection but of direction. Your spiritual life requires the same intentionality an athlete brings to training. Make your commitment today, not someday. Bind yourself to God's Word, knowing that your resolve, empowered by His grace, will guard you against compromise when temptation comes calling.
Day 2: Choosing Your Master
Reading: Joshua 24:14-24
Devotional: "Choose you this day whom you will serve." Joshua's challenge echoes across the centuries into our lives today. Neutrality is not an option in the Christian life. Every day, through countless small decisions, we declare our allegiance. The Israelites stood at a crossroads between the God who delivered them and the gods of the surrounding culture. We face similar crossroads constantly—will we conform to the world's patterns or be transformed by God's Word? Joshua didn't say "try your best" or "see how it goes." He made a public, definitive resolution: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This wasn't legalism; it was lordship. When Christ governs your life rather than merely being a part of it, your choices become clear. The question isn't whether you'll serve someone or something, but whom. Make your choice today, not tomorrow. Declare your allegiance clearly, publicly, and without reservation.
Day 3: The Power of Predetermined Conviction
Reading: Daniel 1:1-21
Devotional: Daniel "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." Notice the timing—he made this decision before the test came, not during it. When the king's meat was set before him, the decision was already made. This is the power of godly resolution: it removes the struggle from the moment of temptation. Unresolved hearts are easily conquered. If you wait until you're facing compromise to decide your convictions, you've already given temptation an advantage. Daniel's resolve wasn't stubbornness; it was devotion. He knew who he served, and that knowledge governed his choices before circumstances could cloud his judgment. What temptations do you regularly face? What compromises does your culture, workplace, or social circle pressure you toward? Purpose in your heart today how you will respond. Write it down. Speak it aloud. Bind yourself to obedience before the test comes, and you'll find strength you didn't know you had when it arrives.
Day 4: Training for Godliness
Reading: 1 Timothy 4:7-16
Devotional: "Exercise thyself rather unto godliness." Paul uses athletic imagery deliberately—spiritual growth requires the same discipline, intentionality, and training that physical fitness demands. You can't show up to the Christian life whenever you feel like it and expect to stand strong when trials come. Bodily exercise profits a little, Paul says, but godliness is profitable for all things, both now and in eternity. This isn't about earning God's love through performance; it's about training yourself to receive and reflect the grace already given. Spiritual disciplines—Bible study, prayer, church attendance, fellowship, service—aren't legalistic requirements. They're the training regimen that develops spiritual strength. An athlete who doesn't train won't win. A Christian who doesn't cultivate godly habits won't grow. What spiritual disciplines are currently part of your life? Where have you been spiritually lazy? Choose one discipline to strengthen this week. Remember: godliness doesn't happen accidentally. Train yourself intentionally.
Day 5: Grace-Empowered Obedience
Reading: Psalm 101:1-8
Devotional: "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me?" David's resolution is balanced perfectly between determination and dependence. He commits to obedience while simultaneously crying out for God's presence. This is the difference between legalism and godly resolution. Legalism says, "I will obey to earn acceptance." Grace-empowered resolution says, "I am accepted, therefore I will obey—but only by Your strength." David knew his resolutions were impossible without God's help. This guards us from both pride when we succeed and despair when we fail. You will stumble. The righteous fall seven times, but they rise again. When you fall, don't abandon your resolutions—repent, receive grace, and return to your commitment. Your obedience isn't what makes God love you; His love is what empowers your obedience. Make your resolutions today, but make them on your knees, acknowledging your absolute dependence on the One who empowers what He commands.