Since it's the beginning of a new year, things like goals and resolutions are on my mind.
I've been reading about the resolutions made by Jonathan Edwards. He had a list of 70. He wrote these during the period of time from 1722 to 1723; which means they were completed when he was around 20 years old. He set it up so that he read through all of these resolutions once each week. My assumption is that he did this to stay focused. The resolutions themselves are inspiring, even if a bit daunting or overwhelming for someone like myself. I've decided to undertake the list a few at a time each day so that they will be more meaningful as I read through them.
But what really caught my attention is his sort of prologue to the resolutions:
"Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God’s help, I do humbly 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 adore the way he says that since he is sensible he recognizes that he can do nothing without God. I think it all boils down to this truth, apart of God I am nothing. But through Christ I can do all things that He wants for me.
What are some things God's been teaching you about your need for Him? What are some things God's been showing you that you can do through Him that have surprised you?
5 comments:
What a great quote! I love, love LOVE old books by Christian authors. LOVE THEM. That's a beauty you've got a picture of, too. Where was that taken?
The quote is...well, sensible! I'm curious to see what they were!
Embracing the Spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit as a way to serve the Lord.
Through my earlier association with Christianity, these issues were not taught or accepted.
After finishing my research I might post an article on them.
Always seeking Him first...That's what He's etching in my heart.
J.E. got it obviously! Even with his resolutions, it was only possible to achieve them by knowing God and knowing His will.
God bless you sister Tracy. Thank you for always encouraging me, too.
I want to read his full 70 resolutions. I love this resolution he made. It's beautiful. In fact, I saved it to my desktop for future reference. And I'm thinking that if I were to read thru my resolutions (if I made them) every week, I might actually succeed! Thanks for the post!
Chel & Marty, if you click on the blue "resolutions made by Jonathan Edwards" in the 3rd & 4th lines of this post it will take you to a site that has the entire resolution list posted.
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