“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. (Psalm 119:30)

It just does not seem possible, but here we are again facing the beginning of another new year. It seems like only weeks ago that we were contemplating what the year 2009 would bring and making resolutions about what we were going to change in our lives in the coming year. The other day I happened across some resolutions, which the great pastor and theological Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) made many years ago. Edwards is often remembered for his sermon “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God” which he preached in Enfield Connecticut in 1741. The sermon was instrumental in flaming the revival that came to be known as the Second Great Awakening. Edwards wrote a list of resolutions, which he read once every week. They can be found in Volume One of The Works of Jonathan Edwards.

Edwards resolved: Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humble entreat Him, by His grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake. [I will] remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence.

Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

Resolved, Never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life. Resolved, Never to do anything out of revenge.

Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope God will accept.

Resolved, To ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better.

Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

Resolved, Always to do that which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak.

What wonderful resolutions from this great man of God to strive to live each day for God. I hope that as we make our resolutions this year, each of us will be resolute, as Edwards was, to live in a way that brings honor and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Blessings, Pastor Phil