My Top 10 List for the Last Decade

 

I Thought I would jump on the bandwagon and give my top ten events in my life over the last ten years.  Without a doubt the last ten years have come with the biggest changes ever in my life with the coming of 5 boys and lots of other stuff you will see below and not in any particular order of importance, but in chronological order.

1. The Birth of our first Son Luke Timothy Kunkel – May 09, 2000

The birth of my first son would forever change my life in many ways.  Luke was a special blessing.  Jennifer’s pregnancy with Luke came with its challenges.  Jennifer took the blood test that you can take with pregnancies.  That test indicated a possiblity of Triconomy 18 which praise God was not the case, but brought some fear.  Luke was what we thought a “normal” baby when he was born.  I still remember the day, he was born through C-section as he was breech.  We had to travel 2 hours to Oklahoma City from Wichita Falls, TX where we were living at the time because I was in the Air Force.  The Hospital their was having issues with its operating rooms so we had to travel to OKC.

We would later that year find out that Luke had a hole in his heart.  We would also find out that Luke was what we thought at the time just developmentally delayed.  More on Luke later in the list.

2. My “Call” into Ministry – Fall of 2002

At the time I was involved in Youth Ministry at our church University Heights Baptist Church.  We were serve at a youth retreat.  God began to speak to me clearly there that the prompting of His Spirit that I had been ignoring for years was indeed some sort of leading into vocational ministry.  What at the time I did not know!  That call has since been clarified as a Pastoral Call into Urban Church Planting.  That clarity came through a number of circumstances as did my general call into ministry.  I think that we can often get caught up in a one time call, which I think is important but often times a calling is revealed little by little as we are faithful and obedient where God has us! Romans 12:1-2

3. The Birth of our Second Son – Levi James Kunkel – December 31, 2002

Levi was born at 8:20pm New Years Eve.  Just in time for another tax break in 2002!  His birth was a long and difficult one.  Jennifer’s labor with him was about 20 hours in length.  He was also born with a cleft lip and palate which was very scary.  We had no clue this was going to happen even though we had numerous  

Those first few months and even years were very challenging with several surgeries and procedures and hundreds of Dr Appointments with both Luke and Levi.

4. The Birth of Our Third Son – Jacob Daniel Kunkel – October 20, 2005

Jacob was born and was such a blessing!  He was our first baby born that did not have any medical complications.  So we were able to enjoy him in ways we couldn’t with Luke & Levi! 

5. Luke – Winter of 2005

In the winter of 2005 we had some extensive testing done for Luke to find out what was really going on with him.  At this point we were told and thought he was just developmentally delayed, because he didn’t walk until he was 2 1/2 and didn’t talk until sometime about 3 or 4 and in fact still is not real clear with his speech.

But through this day long extensive testing we found out that Luke had a moderate mental disability.  This diagnosis really rocked my world as well as Jennifer’s.  We were not expecting this and it was hard to handle.  Not necessarily this diagnosis but the realities that came with it.  Such as Luke would most likely live with us the rest of our lives, he would never get past a 6th grade education level or so, and he would never lead a “normal life”.  And many other realities.  Most of these realities shattered the many dreams you have for your kids as a father. 

But Luke has been a special blessing and God has taught me many things and continues to teach me many things through Luke.  God’s plans are not our plans, but His way is higher and better!

6.  Birth of Joel Thomas Kunkel – February 15, 2008 

I can remember Joel’s birth coming 3 weeks early and we were not prepared.  For one I was pretty sick and couch bound.  I was just starting to recover after several days off work and was at my first day back and Jennifer called and said her water had broke.  So that was probably the most “exciting” birth as I got to rush home and then rush her to the hospital.  All of the other births were scheduled with the exception of Levi I think.

Joel is a lot of fun.  We have nick named him tank as he is all boy and likes to play rough and eat everything in sight!

7.  My Graduation from College – May 2008

It only took me 12 years to finish college.  But needless to say this was a big accomplishment for me as by this time we had 4 children.  I finished college while a, husband, father of four boys, working full time, and heavily involved in ministry.

8.  My Commissioning/Ordination as Pastor – June 15, 2009

I was officially commissioned as a Pastor after working for  6 1/2 years to get there.  It was an honor and privilege to be called by God and the Pastors at Indy Metro Church to be commissioned.  It is a joy to serve as a pastor at Indy Metro Church.

9. The Birth of our Fifth Son – Caleb Mark Kunkel – October 9, 2009

Caleb has been a lot of fun.  We are trying to enjoy him as much as possible as we plan on this being our last child.  He has been somewhat fussy, but the last couple of weeks have been much better as I have had several evening when I could snuggle with him for over an hour without him being fussy.

10.  Levi’s Salvation & Baptism – 2009

I remember at the beginning of 2009 praying about and hoping that this would be the year when Levi would come to know Jesus.  Earlier this year he did just that.  We regularly talk about the gospel with our kids.  One night when we were doing that Levi told us he had prayed and trusted Christ already.  So we talked about that and it was clear he had made that decision.  Not just from his words but also from his actions as there was a noticable difference in his behavior after his conversion.

In the summer of 2009 I was able to baptize him as well.  It is such a joy to see your children following the Lord.  It my prayer and goal to see the rest of our children come to know Jesus in this next decade.  Levi also just led his friend to the Lord just this week.  It is awesome to see him excited about leading his friends to Christ too.  

Conclusion:

It has been an awesome 10 years!  I have lots to be thankful for and lots to be praising God for!  It is a joy to be a husband to a great wife of 11 years and father of 5 awesome boys.  We are blessed beyond description.  I am looking forward to what God has in store for us over the next 10 years if the Lord does not return before then.  Most of all what a Joy it is to know and serve the risen Savior Jesus Christ my Lord!  All of these joys and blessings are not possible apart from him.  Without Him I am Nothing! John 15:5

The Staying Power of Christ in the Midst of Suffering

As I have been reading through the New Testament this year and this mornings reading fell on the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I am using a Bible that takes you through the entire Bible in a year, but I have been doing just the New Testament portion.   

The New Testament portion was John 19:1-22 describing the horrific yet beautiful sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross.  This horrible suffering that Jesus went through began with a scourging which involved Jesus being stripped and tied to a post and beaten by two torturers who took turns after getting exhausted.  They would use a whip that had pieces of leather on it with sharp pieces of metal and bone attached to the end.  They would whipp the victim and it would go around the front of the body and literally pull the skin from the body.  This would often end up exposing muscle, tissue and even bone.

Pilate had this scourging done in hopes of letting Jesus go free, but the Chief Priests would not allow that to happen and Pilate had no back bone.  So Jesus was sent to the cross where he was nailed to the cross and suffered even more physically.  But perhaps the greatest suffering of all came when God the Father turned his back on Jesus as he bore the sins of the world.  II Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  Christ died on the cross for our sins.  He cried out it is finished as he breathed his last the Scriptures tell us.

But I am so thankful that Christ did  not stay dead but he rose again conquering sin and death.  And because of this sacrifice and resurrection we can be set free from the bondage and consequences of our sin.  We can enjoy the hope of eternal life with Jesus Christ our King because of the death and ressurrection of Jesus.

I have also been reading a book by Stu Webber called “Tender Warrior”.  In this book he describes one of the components of biblical manhood being what he calls “staying power”.  This he describes as the power to stay in difficult situations.  The power to stay committed even when times get tough.  Staying power to stay when your marriage gets difficult, staying power when your job stinks, and staying power to stay on mission with Jesus when it gets difficult. As I ponder the cross and the sacrifice Christ made I can think of no bigger staying power then the power of Christ to remain on the path of suffering and sacrifice for you and me.  He could have called ten thousand angels he could have taken a different path he could have done something different and called it quits be he stayed on the path because of his love for you and me.  Weber says this in his book “When He could have turned away from the cross, He stayed the course, setting His face like flint, all the way to Calvary.  When He could have come down from the cross and sidestepped teh suffering, He stayed.  When He could have summoned armies of angels to deliver Him and called down divine air strikes on His adversaries, He stayed.  He perservered and “stayed under” all the way until that moment came when He could cry out, “It is finished!”

As I ponder the cross and my response the least I can do is stay the course Christ has called me to.  He gave his life to free us from the bondage of sin and set us on a path of mission to take his good news to a lost and dying world who needs the hope of the cross!  He put us on mission to make disicples of all nations! (Matthew 28:19-20)  When times get tough it can never be tougher than his path.  God never promised an easy road, but called us to stay on mission regardless of how tough it gets.  I think we Americanized Christians think following Jesus is somehow suppose to be easy and painfree when we see none of that in the Scriptures. 

The greatest all Tender Warriors Paul of the 1st century said this about his journey with Christ “I’ve worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death’s door time after time. I’ve been flogged five times with the Jews’ thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I’ve been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I’ve had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I’ve been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I’ve known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.” II Cor 11:23-27  If he said this about his walk with Jesus how can we think ours will be an easy road???

Will you be able to say with Paul as he said late in his life “⁶For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”  II Tim 4:6-8

Let us take up our cross daily and follow Him!  That is the least we can do for the One who has given everything for us!

God Shouts In Our Pain

I have been pondering this well know quote from CS Lewis “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”  It has been a particularly difficult couple of months for me and my family.  As I write this I am sitting in the ER with my son Joel and my wife Jennifer.  We thought that he was having an allergic reaction to penicillin, but it seems to keep getting worse so Jennifer called the Dr and they told us to come to the ER.  Why is that these things always seem to happen at 10 at night?

As Jennifer and I were driving to the ER we were thinking over the last couple of weeks.  We have been to the ER or Doctor’s office 6 times in the past 3 weeks.  Our oldest son Luke had a seizure and we brough him to the ER.  Joel has had an ear infection and now an allergic reaction.  Levi our six year old boy had strep throat.  Wow! Kids our fun.

But telling you about our stressful past couple of weeks is not my reason for posting a blog.  But rather what God is and wants to do through it.  God does not waste pain.  Whenever we are in a difficult time in our life there is always a reason.  Not that we should necessarily ask God for the specific reason for being where we are, but it is always a process of God conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ.  Romans 8:29

That is always the main goal of God in whatever is happening in our life.  But as in any situation our response is everything.  If we respond in anger towards God we will be putting a wall up between us and God, but if we respond in humility and brokeness and acknowledge that God is doing something in us He will!

Reflections

Since today is my 31st  birthday I always like to take some time and reflect on my life over the past year.  So here we go:

• Family – Kids are continuing to grow and develope.  Probably the biggest change is Levi our second oldest earlier this year told us he trusted Jesus as His Savior.  We are continuing to foster conversations about this as we are not sure if Levi understands or if this was a genuine conversion or just something he was telling us.  But regardless it is so awesome to our kids taking steps on their spiritual journey.  Another big change is we found out about a couple months ago that Jennifer is expecting our fifth child.  She is due in October. 
• Ministry – We continue to minister at Indy Metro Church which is an urban church in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.  We are involved in many things there from ministry to the marginalized, leading our greeter team, speaking occasionally, leading a small group etc..  Jennifer is very involved as well.  This past year has been awesome to see God use us including my kids to minister.  It is is awesome to see lives changed by the gospel. 
• Work – I continue to work full time as a Store Manager for Porter Paints.  No new changes here.
• Spiritual – This is the are I always like to reflect on.  I always hope and pray that as I come to a new stage of life that I am different in my walk with Jesus then I was the year before.  I mean as I grow physically I should be growing spiritually.  I can see areas in my life where I struggle where I have made progress in the last year and some areas where I have not made much progress.  It is a continual battle with the flesh.  I pray that this time next year I can see some definitive steps I have taken to grow closer to my Savior.

²⁴To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— ²⁵to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. – Jude 24&25

Hungry – Why wait?

I have been pondering this spiritual discipline of fasting the past several days.  I struggled with this concept for some time.  I thought it was some weird thing that only holy pope like people do.  But as I look at the Bible it seems to indicate that everyone should practice this discipline of fasting.  Jesus in Matthew 6:16 says “When you fast…” as to say this should be a regular thing.  We see many people all throughout the Bible from Moses to Jesus practicing this thing known as fasting.

So what exactly is fasting?  As I can tell from scripture and other books I have read, fasting is going without something, usually food, for spiritual reasons.  I like what Dr. Bill Bright has to say about this, he says, “Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life.” 

Why do we fast?  There are many reasons why followers of Jesus should regularly practice fasting, but the primary reason for fasting is to create a hunger for God in our lives.  I read this great quote in a book the other night that says “Self-indulgence is the enemy of gratitude, and self-discipline usually its friend and generator.  That is why gluttony is a deadly sin. The early desert fathers believed that a person’s appetites are linked: full stomachs and jaded palates take the edge from our hunger and thirst for righteousness.  They spoil the appetite for God”  So in other words as we take away food our hunger fuels a hunger and thirst for more of God and draws us to himself.

Fasting is typically includes going without food, but does not necesarily have to be that.  It could be giving up a certain type of food or giving up a certain activity.  Whatever it is make sure it causes enough tension to create a hunger for something more which will draw you to God.  It is always food for me since I love food so much I need to deprive myself from food to create those hunger pangs which draw me to God.  The hunger pangs remind me that I need God and I am desperate for him.

I can think of no better season than now to partake in a fast.  This is the time of year when we celebrate Christ sacrifice for us and his ressurection from the dead.  The least we can do is give up something for him for a period.  So this season fast and see what God does in your life.

Fear & Decisions

As our church Indy Metro has been going through a series on fear I have been pondering this idea a lot over the last few months.  This issue of fear can be such a crippling thing and can keep us from what God wants for our lives.  It is so important to recognize our fears and not allow them to drive the decisions we make.

The direction of our lives can easily be swayed by the fears that control us.  If you fear man and are out to please man then your life will show it and you will be trapped into thinking that making people happy is why you are here.  We need to begin to recognize the biggness of our God and begin to stand in awe of Him and fear him and allow that to drive our decisions and the direction of our lives.

I love this Psalm that talks about the biggness and greatness and majesty of  our Creator:

^{Psalm 19}

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;
       the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

 ² Day after day they pour forth speech;
       night after night they display knowledge.

 ³ There is no speech or language
       where their voice is not heard. ^[a]

 ⁴ Their voice ^[b] goes out into all the earth,
       their words to the ends of the world.
       In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

 ⁵ which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
       like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

 ⁶ It rises at one end of the heavens
       and makes its circuit to the other;
       nothing is hidden from its heat.

 ⁷ The law of the LORD is perfect,
       reviving the soul.
       The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
       making wise the simple.

 ⁸ The precepts of the LORD are right,
       giving joy to the heart.
       The commands of the LORD are radiant,
       giving light to the eyes.

 ⁹ The fear of the LORD is pure,
       enduring forever.
       The ordinances of the LORD are sure
       and altogether righteous.

 ¹⁰ They are more precious than gold,
       than much pure gold;
       they are sweeter than honey,
       than honey from the comb.

 ¹¹ By them is your servant warned;
       in keeping them there is great reward.

 ¹² Who can discern his errors?
       Forgive my hidden faults.

 ¹³ Keep your servant also from willful sins;
       may they not rule over me.
       Then will I be blameless,
       innocent of great transgression.

 ¹⁴ May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
       be pleasing in your sight,
       O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

As we begin to recognize and stand in awe of our God our fears begin to not look so big.  God longs for us to no longer be held in bondage to the fears that we have.  Will you release them to him today?

In Whom or What are you Trusting?

It has been an interesting week watching the events of the week.  On Tuesday of course we had the inaguaration of our first African American President, Barack Obama.  It has been very interesting to watch.  It is exciting to see how our country has come a long way on the issues of racism.  Yet at the same time we have a long way to go.  (That is another blog for another time) 

But for other reasons this has been a sad week.  It has saddened me to watch people look at President Obama and think he is their savior.  It is sad that people look to a man or a goverment to meet their needs.  It does not matter who the person or president is, that is not the point, but rather that people are looking to a human being to bring about something that only God can do.  Of course God uses man to bring about his purposes, but it is ultimately God’s plans that prevail.

In my time with the Lord this morning I read a great passage from Proverbs 3:5-6  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Our trust should never be in any one person, place or thing, not in our President, Goverment, Pastor or Boss.  God alone is the one in whom we should trust.

There is great story in the Old Testament that shows that God is the one whom is Soveriegn over all things including goverment. It is the story of Esther.  The second in charge in the kingdom of Persia desired to destroy the Jews and manipulated the King to allow him to do so.  But God raised up Esther through a series of miraculous events.  She became the Queen and was used to save the Jews.  This story shows the clear hand of God that was in it. 

The same God that controlled the situation in the middle east thousands of years ago, controls our nation and government today!  We can take comfort in our God who is trustworthy!

Trust in Him alone today!

Jonathon Edwards New Year’s Resolutions

I have been pondering New Year’s Resolutions which I usually never do because I know that I generally don’t keep them.  But this year I have made some commitments to the Lord that by God’s help I will keep.  As I thought about the committments I made and then took a look at the resolutions made by a great preacher from 18th century Jonathon Edwards I see how far I have to go in my relationship the Lord.  Take a look at these resolutions:

THE RESOLUTIONS

of

Jonathan Edwards

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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.

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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.

Wow!  As you cut through the old English here I hope you too are challenged by one of the great Pastors, Theologian and followers of Jesus Christ that lived in the 18th century.  May I resolve to glorify God and enjoy him forever!

I wish you a Happy New Year and a year filled with experiencing God and growing in your relationship with Jesus!

From the Incarnation to the Exaltation

As I continue to ponder this great day of celebration and what it is we celebrate I am overjoyed at the thought of God becoming man.  But it does not stop there.  I mean if God became man just to be a good example for us then we would be left frustated at trying to follow his example and failing at it without any hope of change.

But praise to God that he did not leave us in the state we were in!  He did not just come to be an example for us but came to save us from our sins.  Matthew 1:21 says “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,because he will save his people from their sins.”  It is only through Jesus Christ can we have any hope to change.  It is only by calling on the name of Jesus and putting our faith and trust in him alone can we have any hope of changing our lives.  Jesus is our only hope, he is the reason for the season, he is the one we celebrate.

But yet it does not end there either.  One day each and every person will recognize the Jesus is the Lord of the Universe and will bow before him.  Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Don’t wait until this point when it will be to late but bow before him now and make him the Lord of your life now!  He is waiting with open arms.

Incarnation

Each year at Christmas I try to focus on a different aspect of this great story of Jesus Birth.  This year I have been thinking and pondering the issue of the incarnation.  The idea that God could become man.  Not only did God become man but he became a babe in a manger.  Wow!  This is a concept that I can not even begin to wrap my mind around. 

I have been pondering the scripture in John 1:1,14. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God….. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Also consider Luke 2:6-7  “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Imagine this the God who created everything was born to the woman he created and laid in a manger that was made from trees he created.  God loves us so much that he chose to come and dwell among us.  Yet he did not chose to come as a king or be born in a palace, but to a lowly couple in a place that you and I would never have to be born in. 

 

Let us worship together the One who came to us from the Father full of grace and truth!