Only Jesus

For the last few years I’ve had a theme for each year. This year it’s pretty straight forward, but each time I come back to it I am both shocked and relieved by its simple truth.

​This is my theme. 

ONLY JESUS

Of course, this should always be my theme - every year prior and to come. This is foundational stuff! But while it’s not rocket science it is earth-shattering. This is truly one of those simple things that confound and confuse the wise.

“Only Jesus” is my resolution, it is my heart, it is my theme, it the declaration I plan to focus on over the next 365 days. What I accomplish or create or cross off my list in the next twelve months is secondary to the cultivated heart that cries “only Jesus.”

This means that my only aim is to glorify Jesus. This means that my only task is to please him. This means that I will rely on his completed work on the cross and rely on his continuing work of sanctification. This means that nothing else matters – Only Jesus. 

I will seek after a heart that adores him, a mind that meditates on him, days that center on him, and hands that do all they find to do for his glory - not for my own. The next twelve months should not be defined by all I was able to do, but by the glorification of the One I am blessed to serve.
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After all, what good is washing your face if, when you step out into the world, the only one you reflect is you? Will you join me? Will this be your resolution, too? Let’s make it so much less about us and all we can do and so much more about him.

 
SCRIPTURE
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." Col. 1:16

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." 1 John 5:20

"Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ," Titus 2:13

"Remember these things, O Jacob,
    and Israel, for you are my servant;
I formed you; you are my servant;
    O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud
    and your sins like mist;
return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it;
    shout, O depths of the earth;
break forth into singing, O mountains,
    O forest, and every tree in it!
For the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
    and will be glorified in Israel.
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,
    who formed you from the womb:
I am the Lord, who made all things,
    who alone stretched out the heavens,
    who spread out the earth by myself,
who frustrates the signs of liars
    and makes fools of diviners,
who turns wise men back
    and makes their knowledge foolish,"
Isaiah 44:21-25