Date: 1/6/2009
<br>Author: Devin Pickard
<br>Title: People with Passion
<br><br>So, are you still on the wagon?  Or as Dr. Phil might ask, “How are those resolutions working for ya?”  I would like to think that most of the folks who drew some sort of line in the sand on January 1 are still hanging in there.  In fact, I bet there will even be a precious few who will still be toeing the line as the year 2010 is ushered in.  For most, the beginning of a new year symbolizes a fresh start, another chance, a slate wiped clean.  In the lives of many, 12:01 am January 1 signifies the time to dust off the old “One Year Bible” for the umpteenth time, pull out the scales from the back of the closet and go buy yet another pair of workout shoes.  Good intentions are as common to mankind as the desire to inhale and exhale.  I mean, we do all really want to do better.....don't we?  I think it's a universal concept that most of us have the desire to improve ourselves whether it be physically or spiritually, or both..... but we quickly run into a road-block when we realize that we don't have, or better yet....choose to not have.... the discipline and the dedication it takes to achieve the results that we desire.   I certainly don't want to be the proverbial wet-blanket on the “this year it's gonna be different” party, but occasionally the voice of reason overtakes me.<br><br>Now, having said all that, let me remind us of this.....”I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  (Phil. 4:13)  We talked this past Sunday about being passionate people with purpose.  When our purpose revolves around God and spiritual things, and we couple that purpose with all the passion our heart can muster, then we are well on our way to becoming a better “us”.  God's desire for us is to be the best we can be both in the physical and in the spiritual realm.....he wants us to take care of these bodies both inside and out.  A firm belief in Philippians 4:13 and similar verses will help jump start any good and righteous desire (resolution) that we might have.  When we buy into the fact that faith and belief in Christ Jesus is the fuel that moves us, then we will come to a very real understanding that we can truly “do all things”.  <br><br>Now some will say, “C'mon preacher, you really don't believe that “all things” stuff do you?”  Well, I think God gave me the common sense of a goose to understand that “all things” probably will not include me flying around like Superman or hitting a golf ball like Tiger Woods, no matter how desperate my desire is to do so.  But, I do believe that “all things” can include things like me improving my physical health if need be, and CERTAINLY includes the improvement of well-being of my soul....and let's be honest....who among us can't use that?  YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU SET YOUR MIND TO!  Buckle up tight.....nobody said you had to fall off the wagon.   <br><br><br>Go the extra mile - Devin <br><br>    <br>