Jude 17-25
New Year’s resolutions are made by many. New commitments, decisions, and promises can abound – and often only lasting a few weeks. May we be intent and fully vigilant to keep one commitment without wavering, and that is to build ourselves up in the most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life (Jude 20-21). As we live in a world of often chaos and rampant wickedness, in times of uncertainty and geopolitical tension, in times of moral degradation and opposition to truth, may we keep focus on what is true, on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Holy Word.
May we closely hold these four exhortations. First, we are called to build ourselves up in the most holy faith. May we stop and consider the very basis of our faith: the God who is Sovereign over all, majestic in His character, Holy in His being, compassionate in His actions, faithful in His every design, and truthful in all His Word. Our faith is not based on whimsical thoughts or man-made fallible deities, but rather on the Eternal God who has loved us with an everlasting love; on the Lord Jesus Christ who sacrificed Himself that we might know forgiveness; on the truth of being brought forth from deadness in sin to true life in Jesus Christ and given true purpose and hope. This is our holy faith – given to us by our Holy God. This is faith that believes God to be God, Jesus to be God, the Holy Spirit to be God – Three in One. This is faith that is based on the truth of Scripture, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the hope of His fulfilled promises. We are called to build ourselves up in this faith, which will only happen through diligent effort, unwavering commitment, and disciplined work in spending meaningful and undisturbed time in the Word of God and prayer.
Second, we are called to pray in the Holy Spirit, for even in prayer we should never approach God’s Throne Room only in ourselves. Rather, may we pray in submission to and dependence upon the Holy Spirit which is given to us, indwells us, and has sealed us until the day of Jesus Christ. As we pray, may we humbly remember that the Spirit himself intercedes for the saints according to the will of God; that as we pray the Spirit of God, who knows us perfectly is pleading for us, praying specifically as we have need. May we then pray in confidence, knowing we are not alone in prayer, and that every prayer should be in the name of Jesus, as He sits at the right hand of the Father as our Great High Priest, also interceding on our behalf.
Third, we are called to keep ourselves in the love of God. May we stop and consider the depth of God’s love for us, that He who is holy and eternal was willing to become a man to live among those whom He created; that He was willing to be persecuted by those whom He loved, to suffer at the hands of sinners, and to die for those who were His enemies. May we meditate on the immensity of His love to forgive us, call us His own, make us His children, provide for every one of our needs, and give us the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. May we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, knowing His love will never fail, stop, or diminish, but will always be the same, as He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. May we keep ourselves in the love of God in the midst of trials, difficulties, sorrows, struggles, disappointments, oppositions, temptations, as well as in times of great joy – in all situations of life, knowing we are secure in His love.
Fourth, we are called to wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. May we wait patiently for Christ’s coming to receive His own to Himself; may we wait in expectation of His return; may we watch for His return and anticipate His coming again. And as we wait, may we live in such a manner as to have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming. This will only happen as we are diligent and vigilant to build ourselves up in faith and are devoted to praying that we would be holy as He is holy, that we would worship Him well, love Him well, serve Him well, and live before Him well.
In the beginning of this New Year, may this be our resolve, our vigilant, diligent, and clear commitment, to never fade but will only grow in our heart’s desire for our Lord and His Word.
Loved by God, redeemed by Christ, sealed by the Spirit – we have much to be thankful for as we begin 2026 –
Terry
My Morning Desk 