HAPPY NEW YEAR! ”A Resolution for 2025” - Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #151 for January 1, 2025

Philippians 4:8-9 CEB

From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. 9 Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.

 

SUMMARY

 

Dr. Bryan Hudson's talk for January 1, "A Resolution for 2025," encourages people to set resolutions that align with God's will, rather than relying on their own strength. He highlights a study showing that most New Year's resolutions fail by the second week of January, mainly because they are made in human strength. Hudson stresses the importance of resolutions rooted in God's power, which brings grace, motivation, and strength. He focuses on Philippians 4:8-9, urging individuals to focus on things that are excellent, admirable, true, holy, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise.

Hudson suggests that making decisions based on these virtues will lead to better outcomes. He encourages practicing solitude and prayer for personal growth and reflection. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of exemplars—role models who demonstrate the qualities to aim for. Hudson shares practical advice like "habit stacking," which involves building small, consistent habits to create lasting change.

Ultimately, Hudson calls for a resolution to rely on God's wisdom and strength, rather than one's own, and to focus on what is excellent and admirable. He encourages everyone to lean into God's guidance for personal and spiritual growth in the coming year.