Category Archives: Jonathan Edwards

Changing Tastes Takes Help — David Brainerd

There is a taste I need for the Kingdom of God. It’s like moving from McDonald’s burgers to aged steak.

But sometimes we need to be taught. We need to walk the path others have gone. It is helpful to me to read from others who have a taste for the Kingdom of God. I have begun to dip my toe in The Life and Diary of David Brainerd.

He is helping me change my taste.

One day I remember in particular (I think it was in June, 1740), I walked to a considerable distance from the college, in the fields alone at noon, and in prayer found such unspeakable sweetness and delight in God that I thought, if I must continue still in this evil world, I wanted always to be there, to behold God’s glory… On Lord’s Day, July 6, being sacrament-day, I found some divine life and spiritual refreshment in that holy ordinance.

Brainerd describes several times when he sensed a special sweetness at the Lord’s table.

We need new tastes. Tastes for the Kingdom.

The Resolutions — #5

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

This is from Jonathan Edwards’ list of resolutions. Do not lose one moment of time. I don’t think Edwards did. He was constantly in study, writing, prayer and ministry. He learned how to discipline his time and make sure he used the days effectively. He died prematurely and is still considered America’s finest theologian (and this before America was the United States).

May my life be found squeezing life from every day. May I be found learning more about the Kingdom of God and walking in that power. May I be found loving my family. May I be found moving from one degree of glory to another. Greater glory. May the Spirit lead me on.