The First Post of a New Year

So what do you say on the first post of a new year?

SING!

I don't mean you have to join a choir - although that's a great idea! - I mean live your life in such a way that you can't help but sing. That's a life that is trusting God, looking for His leading, His presence. Fanny Crosby said it this way, "I sing for I cannot be silent, His love is the theme of my song."

I suppose we could all sing a hymn to start the year. One I always thought was funny or clever to sing was "I Am Resolved", but no one ever seemed to get the play on words I was going for - or rather they never connected the word "resolved" with New Year's "Resolution." I've never been one who wants to explain the obvious...

You know, this hymn actually is a great song for the new year. Palmer Hartsough (1844-1932) wrote “I Am Resolved” to be published in The Praise Hymn­al of 1896. Perhaps the words of this old hymn will inspire you to reach for grander, nobler, higher, more spiritual things in 2009.

I am resolved no longer to linger,

Charmed by the world’s delight,

Things that are higher, things that are nobler,

These have allured my sight.

Refrain
I will hasten to Him,

hasten so glad and free;

Jesus, greatest, highest,

I will come to Thee.

I am resolved to go to the Savior,

Leaving my sin and strife;

He is the true One, He is the just One,

He hath the words of life.
Refrain

Years ago - for some reason - congregations got tired of singing all the verses of a hymn, so the music guys would sing the first, second and last verses. But so many times that third verse had some great things to say. (for example the third verses of It Is Well, and How Great Thou Art are the most important verses of those hymns - but I guess that's another post...) This third verse is a good one too.

I am resolved to follow the Savior,

Faithful and true each day;

Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,

He is the living Way.

Refrain

There are two more verses and a short story about the hymn here http://www.gospelpiano.com/articles/i-am-resolved-28.htm

I pray you all have a wonderful year in 2009 and that you do something for the Kingdom. Don't just sit there - SING!