The new year is just underway and most of us have spent some time pondering the numerous opportunities before us in 2024. Usually, we ‘resolve’ to change our habits and behaviors in pursuit of an improved or better way of living. We refer to these as our ‘New Year’s Resolutions’.
As a young man, New England pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards, drafted 70 resolutions he believed would fuel his spiritual growth. He then re-read this list at least one time per week to stay focused and renewed. In the preface to his resolutions, Edwards wrote,
Aware that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do pray that, by His grace, He will enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are in line with His will, and that they will honor Christ.
In humble reliance upon the Holy Spirit, Jonathan Edwards became useful to God in bringing a great revival in our land during the early and mid-1700’s.
So...in this season of making resolutions, let all of us disciples of Jesus Christ ‘resolve’ to ‘honor Christ’ as we live in this new year. Will you ‘resolve’...
• To grow deeper in your knowledge and love of Christ through Bible reading and study?
• To serve the Lord with your time, talents, and treasure?
• To connect in rich fellowship this year with a community of believers as found in a Sunday School class who will encourage you spiritually?
• To support the expansion of God’s kingdom with your financial resources?
• To support the expansion of God’s kingdom with your financial resources?
• To serve your church family in ministry through employing your Spirit-given gifts?
• To deepen your discipleship by attending the Sunday evening study or committing to a D-Group?
• To reach our community through the outreach and missions opportunities presented in this issue of The Clarion?
In prayer ask God to inspire your resolve to follow and serve Christ this year.
May you and I be found intentional in our discipleship and ministry during 2024.
Cecil Sanders
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” -- C.T. Studd