January 1st in our day marks a time of setting goals and making 'resolutions', if you will. Common resolutions we hear about are: "to exercise more", "to eat healthier", "spend more time with family", "to save more money", "to learn a new skill", etc. I encourage you to read the resolutions and draw from them as you set about this upcoming year. Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions give us a glimpse of the seriousness of faith in the 1700's ~ one could read them today and come to this conclusion. My conclusion is how far we, as a Christian people, have drifted away from such understanding of our sinfulness before a Holy God...our utter need for a Savior...and what our purpose is to be in life ~ "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
Edwards read his list (compiled in 1722 & 1723) once each week as he pursued a "reformation of life". I think Edwards' pursuit of reforming his life (through Truth) is one all Chrisitans should heartily pursue...always referring to Scripture for instruction on what to pursue ~
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." (Romans 14:19)
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield fo faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." (Ephesians 6:13-20)
"But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:12-13)
- "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of may witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:11-12)
"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)
My emphasis of bold italic words is meant to show ACTION...ACTION to actively DO something. May this coming year be one in which we look to Scripture and actively pursue what the Lord instructs us to do.
A blessed and prosperous New Year to you!
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Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. {1 Thes. 5:11}
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
{Proverbs 25:11}
May He bless you this day and encourage you through His word ~