This is an amazing little prayer. As you pray it think through the words with openness and honesty before God. Expect life change from God this year and put your self in the positions that allow for God's grace to reach you and remove the dross from your life and increase you love and devotion to God. It comes from the great book of Puritan prayers called "The Valley Of Vision."
O God, may Thy Spirit speak in me that I may speak to thee. I have no merit, let the merit of Jesus stand for me. I am undeserving, but I look to Thy tender mercy. I am full of infirmities, wants, sin; Thou art full of grace.
I confess my sin, my frequent sin, my wilful sin; all my powers of body and soul are defiled: a fountain of pollution is deep within my nature. There are chambers of foul images within my being; I have gone from one odious room to another, walked in a no-man's-land of dangerous imaginations, pried into the secrets of my fallen nature.
I am utterly ashamed that I am what I am in myself; I have no green shoot in me nor fruit, but thorns and thistles; I am a fading leaf that the wind drives away; I live bare and barren as a winter tree, unprofitable, fit to be hewn down and burnt. Lord, dost Thou have mercy on me?
Thou hast struck a heavy blow at my pride, at the false god of self, and I lie in pieces before Thee. But Thou hast given me another master and lord, Thy Son, Jesus, and now my heart is turned towards holiness, my life speeds as an arrow from a bow towards complete obedience to Thee. Help me in all my doings to put down sin and to humble pride. Save me from the love of the world and the pride of life, from everything that is natural to fallen man, and let Christ's nature be seen in me day by day. Grant me grace to bear Thy will without repining, and delight to be not only chiselled, squared, or fashioned, but separated from the old rock where I have been embedded so long, and lifted from the quarry to the upper air, where I may be built in Christ for ever.
One the biggest topics on people's minds in the new year is money. Will we have enough? Where will it come from? Can I make the payment on my credit card? So, take a look at your fiances and see what kind of shape you are. Maybe you are in the shape you are in because you have not submitted your money to God? How would submitting your money to God change your spending, giving, coveting, wasting? These are the questions and now is the time to be asking them.
As base a thing as money often is, it yet can be transmuted into everlasting treasure. It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor; it can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values. Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.— A.W. Tozer,
Also on a unrelated note, head over to Edgefield First Baptist Church's new website. It is very nice, clean, and great looking, unlike their preacher Stacy Williams!!! He also has a nice blog that is worth reading as well. I will be praying for the best for EFBC and all our churches in Edgefield County in 2009 (sorry Aiken!).
I am a fairly disciplined person in daily walk with God. In have a fairly set schedule of Bible reading, prayer, and silence where I just think about my life and God (I know had to believe,). But, I am nothing compared to resolve of Jonathan Edwards, probably America’s greatest theologian and pastors. So, with it being new years give these a read. Also, let me know which one of these 70 resolutions you like the most or just share your new years resolution. For me it is become disciplined in eating. I want to lose weight, but more importantly learn to rightly enjoy a moderate amount of food and not be a glutton. I also am going to incorporate more fasting into my devotional life as well in 2009.
Have a great 2009, Pastor Phillip
THE RESOLUTIONS
of
Jonathan Edwards
BEING SENSIBLE THAT I AM UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING 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.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, 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 to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God' s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Proverbs 20:6,‹A faithful man who can find?Š may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.
34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,- what sin I have committed,-and wherein I have denied myself;-also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord' s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, never to do any thing of which I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.
43. Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God' s; agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12, 1723.
44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. January 12, 1723.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, to endeavor, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving and sincere temper; and to do at all times, what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5, 1723.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age, say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if, I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as providence orders it. I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty, and then according to Ephesians 6:6-8, to do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man:‹knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.Š June 25 and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. January 14 and July 13, 1723.
64. Resolved, when I find those ‹groanings which cannot be utteredŠ (Romans 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those‹breakings of soul for the longing it hath,Š of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness, of which I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton' s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what am I the better for them, and what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. August 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. August 17, 1723.
I know a president is not a theologian. But, when anyone is an outspoken “born again” Christian I do hope that they can as 1 Peter 3:15 says “always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Well Bush got asked about his faith. This is an interesting read and I want to know did he give a good defense of Christianity?
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) What do you think faith gave you that you needed?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) It gave me strength and - strength and understanding there is love, universal love. My faith at this point in my life has enabled me to accept people's prayers and has made a huge difference in my life. Obviously there's a lot of dramatic moments and a lot of, you know, pressure. But there's calm in the oval office. And people say, well how do you know it's because of prayer? People go oh, it's just a crutch. Well for me it's not a crutch. For me it is a - it is the realization of a power of a universal God, and recognition that the God came manifested in human and then died for sins.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So do you believe that God actually intervenes in human affairs?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) You know what, it's - I'm not so presumptuous as to act on - as to kind of be God I guess is the way to say that. In other words, it's one I get asked all the time, well if you're religious, therefore you must think that you were picked out of all the people on the face of the earth to become president. I just don't - I can't go there. I'm not that confident in knowing, you know, the Almighty to be able to say, yeah, God wanted me of all the other people. But, you know, did God want me to be president? I don't know. My relationship is on a personal basis, trying to become as closer to the Almighty as I possibly can get. And I've got a lot of problems I mean, I've got, you know, ego. I've got all the - you know, the things that - you know, anxieties and all the things that prevent me from being closer to the Almighty. So I don't analyze my relationship with the good lord in terms of, well, you know, God has plucked you out or God wants you to do this. I know this. I know that the call is to - is to better understand and live out your life according to the will of God.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN So how do you know - I mean, does God talk to you at all? I don't mean like - well, I don't know what I mean.
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Well I told you I quit drinking. I mean I don't hear voices. It's like somebody said, do you see Lincoln's ghost here in the White House? I said, no, I quit drinking. But yeah, a thoughtful prayer life and one that genuinely is open and thoughtful, yes, you could commune with God. Now, I don't hear voices. But I do feel the spirit.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS)) People of faith throughout the ages have wondered about this. How do they know when it's their own ego, when it's their own desires and when it's actually God's will?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) I guess that's one of the universal questions. I think on way you make sure it's not your ego is you stay in the bible, at least that's what I have found. And I'm still learning. The bible is an amazing book.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS)Is it literally true, the bible?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) You know, probably not. You know, the idea that - no, I'm not a literalist, but I think you can learn a lot from it.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So you can read the bible and not take it literally? I mean you can - it's not inconsistent to love the bible and to also believe in evolution say?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Well, I think you can have both. I think evolution - look, you're getting me way out of my lane here. I'm just a simple president, but I think that God created the earth. Created the world. I think that the world - the creation of the world is so mysterious it requires something as large as an Almighty. And I don't think it's incompatible with, you know, the scientific proof that there's evolution.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) But we resume now with his view of God and the Muslim world. Do you believe that when you pray to God that that's the same God that a Muslim prays to?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) I do. I do.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) That's gotten you into some trouble with your base.
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Oh, I don't know. Maybe it does. I do believe there is an Almighty that is broad and big enough, loving enough that can encompass a lot of people. I don't think God is a narrow concept. I think it's a broad concept. I just happen to believe the way to God is through Christ, and others have different avenues toward God and I believe we pray to the same Almighty. I do.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So the leader of the Taliban is praying to the same God...
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES)No, I'm not sure he's praying to a God. I think anybody who murders innocent people to achieve their objective is not a religious person. They may think they're religious and they may play like they're religious. But I don't think they are religious. They're not praying to the God I pray to, the God of peace and love. And that's one of the great ironies about this. You know, we're in a so-called religious war. I don't view this as a war of religion. I view this as a war of good, decent people of all faiths against people who murder innocent people to achieve a political objective
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) I'm just wondering what do you ask for forgiveness for?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES)Oh, gosh, a lot of things. I ask for forgiveness for anger at times, you know? You know, in this world this is a world of slights. And there's a lot of stuff said about you. And, you know, sometimes I don't react well to that. Not publicly of course, because I don't want to denigrate the office, but in my soul, you know, I get kind of wrought up and so I ask for forgiveness. I ask that my ego be - that I understand that just because you're president of the United States, you know, doesn't make you somebody necessarily.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So many of the decisions you make are monumental. Do you feel that God has been here with you?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Sure, yeah. Particularly, you know, with prayer and, yeah, I do. I do. But see, the danger with your question is like, okay, God is making decisions. No, George W Bush had to make these decisions with a lot of other people. And, you know, it's like saying when you - did God tell you to run for president and if so, did he guarantee you victory? And the answer is absolutely not. Did it help to know that prayer would strengthen me during tough moments? Absolutely.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) There are so many people who are comforted to have a strong - strongly believing Christian in the White House. Some people feel excluded by it though.
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Probably do. Yeah, I'm sure they do. I'm sure people say, you know, well, Bush says that - or Bush must feel that I'm inferior because, you know, he believes in Christ and I don't. Or, you know, - look, one time early in my governorship - not early, but in my governorship, you know, a guy asked me do you have to believe in Christ to go to heaven? And I told the story about, you know, Billy Graham saying to mother and me when we having a discussion about this, look, either of you don't play God, but he left out of the part of the story where I said the bible says that, but Billy Graham said don't play God. Well, he left out the Billy Graham don't play God stuff and a lot of Jewish people in Texas read in their newspaper Bush to Jews, go to hell. And it was unbelievably unfair, but it was an interesting lesson that, you know, you cannot underestimate how people can misread religion and religious intent. I'm sure people say George Bush is a Christian therefore he can't possibly relate to me or he doesn't like me or he thinks I'm condemned and I'm sorry that's the case because that's not the way I feel.
CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS)As we concluded the interview we talked about what was next for him and whether his faith would inform his next step. Does that tell you what you should do next with your life?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) What, be a preacher? Are you kidding me? I'm the last guy to be a preacher. I'm going to be - I'm going to be trying to stay on the walk to the last day on the face of the earth. It is - the interesting thing that I have come to this conclusion, maybe I'm wrong, I don't know, but that the full understanding of Christianity is going to take a full lifetime of study.
What statements troubled you or bothered you most about what the President said and why?
Do you feel that most Christians today would have a problem with what he said?
Are you praying for our next President as you should?
Have a great new year! Phillip
And here is your laugh. I hope God forgives me, but this is funny!
"Lord, shine your Light on the dark-shadowed corners of my heart. Show me what I am hiding from you."
Let us invite God to come in and occupy the rooms in our hearts that we have previously labeled, "Keep Out!"This is a good step for us o take as we can unload sinful baggage and go into 2009. Pastor Phillip
O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.
Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. Abide in me, gracious God.
