Life Resolutions

I write this as I sit in a jury pool waiting to see if I will be selected and honestly hoping that I won’t be… which is probably true of most of the people here. I have too many things I need to do this week, but as they say, duty calls. But it has provided me a bit of time to reflect further on the coming year and beyond. January is the month of resolutions that many people make but never keep. But what if we changed the way we thought about resolutions from something we attempt each new year to something that shapes our entire view of life. In other words, Life Resolutions. The thought is not original with me, it actually originated with the great awakening revivalist Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), who is best known for his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”

As a young man of 18-19 Edwards made a list of 70 resolutions, not for the New Year, but for his life. They were all designed to help him focus on the Glory of God being manifest in his life. They were to be lifelong guides to keep his walk with God a priority. Edwards begins his list with a command to himself that reads… “Remember to read these resolutions once a week.” Of particular interest is the very first which says, “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.”

Well history records that his life was indeed well-lived for God. Maybe Edwards was on to something that we can benefit from as well. And maybe this year instead of short-term resolutions consider rethinking the guides that shape your life for God and make some resolutions that are eternal in their impact on your life and ultimately the Kingdom of God.

Prove the Tithe Sunday… in a few days you’ll receive a letter from me about our annual prove the tithe Sunday scheduled for February 2nd. Read it carefully and prayerfully. It’s not a special or extra offering. It is instead a reminder for all of us to obey God’s Word and practice tithing. God promises a blessing to those who do, and it is the way that God enables us to carry out the work He has entrusted to us. So, on the first Sunday of February let’s all bring a tithe into the church. If you have never tithed, I urge you to begin and experience the promise of God “to open up the heavens and pour out a blessing” on your life… it really works!

Welcome…  to our latest staff members who will fill two positions that we have been praying about and seeking to fill for over 6 months. Today Jennifer Warren begins her ministry as our Director of Preschool Ministries and Amy Chestnut begins her ministry as our Director of Senior Adult Ministries and Women’s Ministry Associate. Once again God has favored us with these additions to our church staff. Pray for them and the work before them, ask God to bless the works of their hands, and ask the Lord to enlarge our ministry in these two areas. And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!
For God’s Glory Alone,


Pastor Ray