God told Cain, “…sin lies at the door.  And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (cf. Genesis 4: 7)   I know what your thinking, “not your typical scripture for the New Year” - and you would be right.  But as we say “goodbye” to 2016 and “hello” to 2017, I believe this text has much to say to us.  Our creator, out of His love, has given us each free will - the power to choose.  The enemy of our souls (the devil) will approach the door of our hearts with desires, that if acted upon, will separate us from our Creator, and His purposes for us.  God’s purpose for us even before the fall was to “Be fruitful.” 

(cf. Genesis 1: 28)   In my flesh I desire (“a strong feeling of wanting something”) to be a “couch potato!”, but I am making a resolution (“a statement of intent; a vow) to get in shape!  In my flesh, I desire to (_______fill in the blank), but I am making a resolution to (_______fill in the blank).  Sometimes desires and resolutions can go together (e.g. reading through the Bible in a year), but not always.    Make sure your desires and resolutions for 2017 are God honoring, in all areas of your life.   God, through the new birth, has given us His Holy Spirit and His word - all we need to live a holistic and fruitful life!   The flesh and the spirit will always “butt heads”, but God has given us the power to be victorious - for His Glory!   Looking forward to witnessing what God is going to do in and through your life in 2017!

Happy New Year!!!

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney