Last November the Lord impressed it upon my heart to put all of these to paper, though it is not "new" for me, it was "new" to write it down; and parts have been added in constantly as are more scriptures added in as well. It was inspired by Jonathan Edwards' resolutions; you can see them here. Instead of aiming for such lofty heights that I could not attain, I wanted to start simple; I wished to write short pertinent statements. It is plainly straightforward and but a short list to remind me each waking day how I wish to live. It is strategically placed where I see it multiple times a day. Again, it is a simple reminder for me personally (though it is incumbent upon me to note: though it was penned within my own words, I do not think the concepts only relate to my life; it really is for any Christian; I just happen to have a very elementary way of saying it compared to Edwards!)
Without further ado:
1. Resolved: To not be lazy or fall into idleness with my hands; but rather to use my time wisely to glorify the Lord in all things.
2. Resolved: To shield my eyes, ears, mind, and heart from the filth of this world.
3. Resolved: To implore the heart of God instead of judging and seeing people through my own (fleshly) eyes; to treat others as Christ would despite their sin, but in love, serve them in the manner of Christ's example.
4. Resolved: To be pure in my dress, speech, mind, heart, and conduct.
5. Resolved: To study, meditate, and learn God’s word daily.
6. Resolved: To be in constant communication with the Holy Spirit; both in intentional and continual prayer throughout the day.
7. Resolved: To live with every fiber of my being as long as I live upon this earth.
8. Resolved: To never do anything in half-measures.
9. Resolved: To strive, by God’s grace, to my utmost to be brought into a deeper more solidified relationship with my Savior than the previous week.
10. Resolved: To humbly inquire each night the state of my own sinfulness before God; so that I may repent and return with more fullness to Him.
11. Resolved: To begin each day relying upon the Lord.
12. Resolved: To live above reproach.
13. Resolved: To truly live where God’s love is better than life.
14. Resolved: In all things to know my Lord and Savior and make Him known; to live for Him alone.
15. Resolved: To know, study, learn, protect, proclaim, and live God’s truth-no matter what the cost.
16. Resolved: To daily seek my God with all my heart.
17. Resolved: To trust my God implicitly in every area of my life.
1. 1 Corinthians 15:58; Proverbs 6:6/ 15:19
2. Psalm 119:37; Philippians 4:8; Titus 2:12; Colossians 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:19/ 2:16
3. Philippians 2:3-8
4. Colossians 4:6; 1 Timothy 1:5/ 2:9-10/ 4:12; Ephesians 4:29; 2 Timothy 4:22
5. Psalm 1:2/ 119:104
6. Galatians 5:16-26; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
7. John 10:10
8. 1 Corinthians 15:58/ 10:31
9. 2 Corinthians 13:5; Psalm 42:1-2, 7
10. Psalm 61/ 139:23-24
11. Psalm 118:24
12. Colossians 1:22
13. Psalm 63/ 73:25
14. 1 Timothy 4:7; Titus 2:14; Psalm 119:46; Psalm 73:28
15. Psalm 119:44-48/ 73:28; 1 Timothy 6:20/ 3:16-4:8; 1 Corinthians 10:13
16. Psalm 119:10; Jeremiah 29:13
17. Psalm 33:21/ 56:3; 2 Corinthians 1:9; Jeremiah 48:7; 2 Chronicles 14:11
8 comments:
Amen! Though I have never seen this list of things all in one place like this before, I have had the blessing of my father/grandfather teach on every one of these subjects and live them out (though not perfectly, of course) better than anyone else I have ever known. It is very humbling when I think of how I have failed so many times to even live up to even my earthly father’s example let alone my heavenly father. Speaking of my Grandfather, I called his house phone today and talked to my grandmother for a little bit and thanked her for the birthday letter she sent me and then I had the most blessed talk with my very wise and very humble grandfather. I know of no one with more self-control, wisdom, and humility than him (though my father is a close second). He has absolutely no interest in amusing himself or to just sit back and do nothing. He is always productively engaged even when on “vacation” (in the Allison family that just means visiting each other or other traveling out of state for other productive reasons), he will find a productive project, command a number of his grandchildren after him, and dig-in. At a social event you will find him in the kitchen washing the dishes. Once when he was supposed to be marrying a couple, (as he is a pastor) he was nowhere to be found as the weeding was about to start. They finally found him in the church basement… washing the dishes. He is a man who removed the TV from his house in the early 70’s or maybe never had one (I don’t quite remember), started homeschooling in the mid to late 70’s, and did many, many other counter cultural things that are far to numerous to recount here. Another striking thing about him that hits you in the face (once you get to know him) is that he has absolutely no fear of man; physically or socially. It’s as if the thought of what other people might be thinking about him, doesn’t even cross his mind. I say all this not to “brag” about him or to say that he is perfect (for no one is), but to encourage you. For I have seen and tasted the most glorious fruit that God has blessed him with for his obedience to his word (in other words the list you just laid out). The foundation you are laying is one that (if you are faithful in using the means of Grace) will last for generations to come. With that in mind let me share one more thing about my family history. The Allison’s come from a long line of Scottish, reformed, and covenant theology believing (that god will be a god to you and your children) Presbyterians that came to America in 1760. They remained faithful to the word of God for many years, until 2 generations fell away (though they still went to church). Those generations were the generations of my great-great grandfather and my great grandfather. My great grandfather had 13 children and my grandfather was right in the middle. Out of those 13 children, the Lord saved one; my grandfather. This is as my father says, “God bringing back a remnant to rebuild”. I and my family are the fruit of this “remnant”; trophies of his amazing Grace. If you wish to see a picture of this “remnant” (now 47 people), just go to my dad’s photo album on FB and it’s the first picture in the album “50’Th weeding anniversary celebration”. The picture is entitled “The Sam Allison family after 50 years of God’s grace”; yes my grandfather’s name is Sam :)
Samuel, thank you for sharing that. I do not believe I can adequately express the weight and depth of how much that truly blessed me. (:
That really is such a powerful and beautiful testament of God's grace! (I have read that over a few times now... each time blessing me more! Thank you for writing this down so I may be blessed by it time and time again).
You are quite refreshingly and genuinely such an encouraging brother in Christ in more ways than you realize; I am so thankful to have you as a friend. I appreciate your comments more and more, as they are always edifying.
You are most warmly welcome. It is a powerful story; but so is the story of everyone whom god has saved. For we were all dead in our trespasses and sins. Might I also add that you have encouraged me in many ways as well. Your contagious love of the Lord has spurred me to walk more closely with him. Your child-like obedience and conformity to his word as it is daily more and more revealed to you, has convicted me of many places were my “head” knew what was right but my “heart” was far from it. Even you recent post of your letter to your friend about not harboring resentment or un-forgiveness , came at opportune time as I read it Saturday morning. Again another case of my “head” knowing what to do but my heart taking far to long to release it’s sinful desires, despite beating it over and over with Biblical truth. Whatever sinful thoughts that were still left, were utterly destroyed as I read your words. For the truth of god’s word which you proclaimed, “cut to the marrow” as my father stated in his sermon.
Samuel, Amen! I am quite sure you will guess my next words, but, thank you; it is truly because of the Lord and His grace. There really is nothing good in me; it is because He first loved me that I could even love Him back- so all praise be to Him! (Though I am thankful to be a vessel of His and to be used for His glory and encouraging anyone!)
With tearful joy I can read your kind words, for it is a testament of how good the Lord is that He is continually working in me that that is evident. It is so humbling and so wonderful to be a servant of the Lord God most high! And to think, we are both young; we have our whole lives ahead of us, by His grace, to live for Him. I am deeply honored, humbled, and grateful that He chose to lift me out of my sin (and even allow me to be raised in a Christian home) so young and allow me to live for Him and His glory at the beginning of this life (because it could very easily be a life radically saved by grace near the middle or end of life... instead you and I are radically saved by His grace SOONER in life!) Oh this causes my heart such enormous joy and thankfulness! Hallelujah what a Savior we have! What an Almighty and Glorious God we serve!
Amen! We do serve a great and mighty God!
“ Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. “ (Isaiah 55:7-9)
It is also a great blessing as you said to be saved young in life and even be raised in a Christian home. But this is the way it SHOULD be. In genesis 17, God says to Abraham; “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an EVERLASTING covenant, to be a god to you and your descendants after you.” As you probably already know, in the New Testament, everyone of faith is a son of Abraham. It has always been my father’s prayer that his children would have “boring” testimonies. Not that he thinks any testimony is boring, but rather that the external reality of being immersed in the teachings of the Lord (as he continually did to us; Due 6:7), would soon become our internal desire. Such a blessing allows you and I to BUILD a Godly foundation on which to start our life of servitude to our Lord and savior, without all the “baggage” that comes with a mid-late in life conversion. Though it has always brought tears to my eyes when I see the Lord “restore the years the locusts have eaten” (Joel 2:25)to someone that has been brought out of darkness.
“Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.
Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. “ (psalm 28:6-9)
Blessed be our Lord and king who is mighty to save and abounds in mercy!
Amen! You are so well versed in scripture; I always enjoy reading/hearing your words. It seems as if you naturally just let the wisdom and understanding deep within you to overflow for the benefit of others. What a blessing!
Your words are ever so true. Thank you.
Also, I have a couple of questions for you next time you are in the shop. Be forewarned!
Thank you, you are to kind, it’s more like I’ve been “steeped” in scripture all my life (not something I had a choice in). Early on there was many times I couldn’t wait for the “steeping” to get over with so I could get back to playing or whatever. But now I am so thankful to my parents for not letting me have my way, for that would have been a disaster. I consider myself “forewarned” and ready (maybe).
That truly is a blessing. What a testimony of the Lord's faithfulness in your life!
And, good.
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