Entering the New Year, resolutions are often made; most are broken within a few weeks. But Jesus is our example. He made a lifetime resolution by the age of twelve:
"I must be about my Father's work." He finished his work, saying in prayer to his Father: "I have given to them the words which You have given me; and they received them." Jesus added (John 17), "Sanctify them through Your truth, Your word is truth."
Let us begin the New Year with the resolve Jesus taught us: Live by every word of God.
Matthew 4:4,7,9 It is written
    It is written = withstand temptation
2 Timothy 3:16
    All Scripture = writing
    inspiration of God = from the mouth of God
2 Tim. 3:15, 16
    holy scriptures = holy writings
    profitable for teaching,
    profitable for speaking truth that convicts to right actions
    profitable for correction
    profitable for instruction in righteousness
    --> complete, thoroughly fitted for every good work
Psalm 118:9 It is better to trust in Jehovah than to put confidence in man
     1-8 Blessed... who walk in the law of Jehovah
     11 Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You
     24 Your testimonies all are my delight and my counselors
     27 make me to understand the way of Your precepts
     33 teach me O Jehovah, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it unto the                              end
     47 I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I have loved
     54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage
     64 The earth is full of Your mercy; teach me your statutes
     66 teach me good judgment and knowledge; for I have believed in Your                          statutes
     79 Let my heart be sound in Your statutes; that I be not ashamed
     86 all Your commandments are faithful
     93 I will never forget Your precepts for with them You make me alive
     97 how I love Your law! it is my meditation all the day
     105 Your word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path
2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say
    2:7 the Lord give you understanding in all things
    2:9 the word of God is not bound
    2:15 be diligent to show yourself approved unto God a workman who needs                          not be ashamed correctly dividing the word of truth
2 Peter 1:2-12 add to your faith --> entrance into the kingdom
     virtue; knowledge; temperance; patience; godliness;
     brotherly kindness; love like God loves -- abound in these things
Russ Magaw
(Used with permission from Thrive Ministries by Kent Ross)