Someone was telling me recently of a family trip during which they stopped at an Arby’s restaurant. They went in to order only to find out they were out of roast beef. What do you think was happening? Many customers were walking out. Some people may go to this restaurant for a chicken sandwich, french fries, or some other item. However, most people go to Arby’s for roast beef.
That is something that probably happened by accident. They had been busier than usual, the delivery truck was late, or some other reason could have been to blame for the lack of roast beef. What if McDonald’s quit selling hamburgers? They still sell french fries and cokes, but no hamburgers. How long will they last? Even if they keep enough of their french fry customers, what would happen to their stock? To their profits? How many new stores would they be opening? How successful would they be?I doubt they would exist for very long if they were selling only the “extras.” Selling hamburgers is their business. They exist for the purpose of selling hamburgers and making a profit. The french fries, shakes, and cokes are all extras that center around the hamburgers.What if the church quit preaching the gospel? What if we quit evangelizing? Would we grow? Would souls be saved? The gospel is the church’s primary product. We exist to spread the gospel. If we provide only the “extras” our future is in serious jeopardy. Often we get too caught up in the “extras” and programs that we forget our main goal and purpose for existing. We should be focusing on the primary product, not the extras.18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28:18-20). If we are not evangelizing, we are failing in our mission. We may be doing great works in benevolence; we may be well known and well liked in the community; but if we are not sharing the gospel with a lost and dying world, we are not successful.
As we go through this holiday season, and prepare for the beginning of 2008, may each one of us share in the elders’ commitment to focus on evangelism; doing it, not just talking about it.
Ephesians 3:10-11 “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
--Lamar
About Me
- Lamar Russell
- St Mary's, GA, United States
- Weekly bulletin. Church Office Phone: (912) 882-5800
Friday, November 30, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
ARE YOU THANKFUL?
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (I)n everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
These are only two of the many verses that could be cited which indicate our need to be a thankful people. We realize that the holiday called Thanksgiving is one rooted in the traditions of men. Its origins will be recounted on the news and in countless TV programs this week. It is good that we have such a holiday, even if it does have more focus on football than on counting our blessings. But many of us will gather with family and/or friends on that day, and someone will lead a prayer of thanks to God for our manifold blessings.
We will then eat turkey or ham with all the trimmings while thinking about or watching some football game, promptly forgetting the things for which all of us should be so grateful. I have a suggestion for all of us to consider as we sit around that table enjoying the bounty God has given us. Surely it is reasonable for us to spend some of that time around the table talking about and expressing our thanks for the loving care and providence we have received during this past year.
As I think of the things for which I am thankful, please permit me to suggest the following as good topics of conversation around our tables this holiday week:
Our families. Many are blessed to still have their parents with them. Be thankful. Some have seen their parents pass from this life. Be thankful for their example and influence in your life. The psalmist says children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Let it be known how much you love and appreciate them. Brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, be thankful for all family members who have been a part of your life.
The country in which we live. We often become so disgusted with some facets of modern society that we forget the good, positive qualities of a nation with so many freedoms. This is a good time to remember the following words: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even with its faults, we are truly blessed to live in America in 2007.The church. We are truly blessed as Christians to be able to associate with some of the best people in the world. Most of us have had times in our lives when a Christian brother or sister has been closer, a greater source of support, to us than our physical families.
God. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). God the Father devised a plan; God the Son fulfilled the plan; and God the Holy Spirit revealed the plan. That plan makes possible our forgiveness and hope of eternal life.
Yes, indeed, we do have much for which to be thankful.
--Lamar
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (I)n everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
These are only two of the many verses that could be cited which indicate our need to be a thankful people. We realize that the holiday called Thanksgiving is one rooted in the traditions of men. Its origins will be recounted on the news and in countless TV programs this week. It is good that we have such a holiday, even if it does have more focus on football than on counting our blessings. But many of us will gather with family and/or friends on that day, and someone will lead a prayer of thanks to God for our manifold blessings.
We will then eat turkey or ham with all the trimmings while thinking about or watching some football game, promptly forgetting the things for which all of us should be so grateful. I have a suggestion for all of us to consider as we sit around that table enjoying the bounty God has given us. Surely it is reasonable for us to spend some of that time around the table talking about and expressing our thanks for the loving care and providence we have received during this past year.
As I think of the things for which I am thankful, please permit me to suggest the following as good topics of conversation around our tables this holiday week:
Our families. Many are blessed to still have their parents with them. Be thankful. Some have seen their parents pass from this life. Be thankful for their example and influence in your life. The psalmist says children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Let it be known how much you love and appreciate them. Brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, be thankful for all family members who have been a part of your life.
The country in which we live. We often become so disgusted with some facets of modern society that we forget the good, positive qualities of a nation with so many freedoms. This is a good time to remember the following words: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even with its faults, we are truly blessed to live in America in 2007.The church. We are truly blessed as Christians to be able to associate with some of the best people in the world. Most of us have had times in our lives when a Christian brother or sister has been closer, a greater source of support, to us than our physical families.
God. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). God the Father devised a plan; God the Son fulfilled the plan; and God the Holy Spirit revealed the plan. That plan makes possible our forgiveness and hope of eternal life.
Yes, indeed, we do have much for which to be thankful.
--Lamar
Friday, November 9, 2007
A THREE DAY WEEKEND
If I were to ask the young people why they are out of school tomorrow,” would they know the answer? If I asked the adults why they (some of them) are off work and some businesses are closed, could they give me the answer? Living in a military community, I am sure that many of you know that today, Sunday, November 11, is Veteran’s Day. Tomorrow is a day off for many in celebration of this day.
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
We enjoy many freedoms in this country. Among them is the freedom to assemble here this morning to worship our Almighty God. You have heard it said many times “Freedom is not free.” Individuals serving in our military forces through the years have made great sacrifices and paid a great price to protect our freedom and trying to extend similar freedom to others. Thousands upon thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives. The least we can do is to take a day to honor them. We have several veterans, as well as active duty personnel, in our membership. Take a moment to tell them “Thank you.”
--Lamar
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
We enjoy many freedoms in this country. Among them is the freedom to assemble here this morning to worship our Almighty God. You have heard it said many times “Freedom is not free.” Individuals serving in our military forces through the years have made great sacrifices and paid a great price to protect our freedom and trying to extend similar freedom to others. Thousands upon thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives. The least we can do is to take a day to honor them. We have several veterans, as well as active duty personnel, in our membership. Take a moment to tell them “Thank you.”
--Lamar
Friday, November 2, 2007
THE COOL OF THE FALL
In the past few days we have seen a slight change in the weather. The temperatures have dropped some and, while we have been in autumn for a little over a month, we can now see some evidence of the changing seasons. We are constantly hearing dire warnings about global warming. I am not a scientist, nor an expert on ecology and the weather, so I am not qualified to answer the many arguments given. However, I do know there are many scientists and others who are not convinced of the accuracy of these claims. They say the earth is constantly going through cycles of heating and cooling. Some point back to the 1970’s when there were some warnings of an impending ice age. In all of this debate, there is one thing of which I am certain. Some global warming proponents say the time is coming when there will not be a change in seasons. I know this is not true. Following the flood, God says to Noah, “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). The change in seasons will continue as long as the earth continues. There are some things of which the seasonal change reminds us.
God is in control. “Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all” (1 Chronicles 29:12). I do believe we should be good stewards of all things with which God has entrusted us. This would certainly include the responsibility of taking care of the earth. I also believe, generally speaking, we have done a poor job. However, that does not mean man will destroy the earth. In 2 Peter 3, Peter writes about the destruction of the world by fire. He makes it clear, as do other passages of Scripture, that it will be God, not man, in charge.
God has a plan. We can see the planning and orderliness in the seasons. While there are exceptions, we can plan for a certain type of weather depending on the seasons. I remember a song by the Statler Brothers from several years ago. The main idea behind the song was the unlikely chance that a damaged relationship could be restored. One line says “When the 4th of July parade is called because it snows,” I’ll be coming back to you. A statement like this can be made because there is a pattern, a plan, and God is the one who set it in place. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27).
A time of rest. Winter is generally a dormant time for the earth. There are not as many crops planted, it is a time of rest and replenishment. The Sabbath Day under the Law of Moses was a holy day to the Lord, a day of worship, but also a day to refrain from work. There was a time when Sunday was viewed as such a day. I am not saying Sunday is the Christian Sabbath. There is nothing in Scripture supporting such a view. I am simply saying there was a time in this country when Sunday was viewed as a day of worship and rest. That is not the case anymore. However, there is still a rest for God’s faithful. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
--Lamar
God is in control. “Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all” (1 Chronicles 29:12). I do believe we should be good stewards of all things with which God has entrusted us. This would certainly include the responsibility of taking care of the earth. I also believe, generally speaking, we have done a poor job. However, that does not mean man will destroy the earth. In 2 Peter 3, Peter writes about the destruction of the world by fire. He makes it clear, as do other passages of Scripture, that it will be God, not man, in charge.
God has a plan. We can see the planning and orderliness in the seasons. While there are exceptions, we can plan for a certain type of weather depending on the seasons. I remember a song by the Statler Brothers from several years ago. The main idea behind the song was the unlikely chance that a damaged relationship could be restored. One line says “When the 4th of July parade is called because it snows,” I’ll be coming back to you. A statement like this can be made because there is a pattern, a plan, and God is the one who set it in place. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27).
A time of rest. Winter is generally a dormant time for the earth. There are not as many crops planted, it is a time of rest and replenishment. The Sabbath Day under the Law of Moses was a holy day to the Lord, a day of worship, but also a day to refrain from work. There was a time when Sunday was viewed as such a day. I am not saying Sunday is the Christian Sabbath. There is nothing in Scripture supporting such a view. I am simply saying there was a time in this country when Sunday was viewed as a day of worship and rest. That is not the case anymore. However, there is still a rest for God’s faithful. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
--Lamar
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT
Many of you have probably heard the name Marion Jones in the news recently. She was a world-class athlete who won five medals, three gold and two bronze, in the 2000 Olympics. She is an intelligent and talented young woman and the world was her stage.
Her name surfaced in 2003 when she was linked to the company accused of supplying performance-enhancing drugs to athletes. In 2006, she tested positive for steroids. The entire time Jones denied that she has used steroids. As it turns out she lied. Facing federal charges for lying to investigators, Jones pleaded guilty, admitting to using steroids both before and after the 2000 Olympics. Standing on the courthouse steps Jones said, “It's with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust.” In an instant, Marion Jones went from champion to cheater.
Marion Jones ran head on into the truth. “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT” (Numbers 32:23). It may happen swiftly or it may be revealed in time, but one day, ALL sin will be exposed (2 Corinthians 5:10). We read in Hebrews 4:13, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
Marion Jones is not the only person that has made wrong choices, nor is she the only one who has tried to cover them up. “(F)or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Each and every one of us, sooner or later, has to face the fact if our sinfulness. We may be able to hide it from some people for some time, but not from everyone for all time.
However, there is good news. Paul tells the Romans that the wages of sin is death in Romans 6:23. If he stopped there, we would all be miserable and hopeless. But he didn’t stop there. He went on to say that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” There is hope for Marion Jones, for Lamar Russell, for you, and for everyone else. Jesus Christ came to earth and lived as a man. He died on Calvary to make the sacrifice for our sins. Through His death, we can have life. We can have our sins forgiven and our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). The “secret” to entering the kingdom of heaven and to receiving eternal life is obedience to the Father’s will as revealed in the New Testament. Upon hearing and studying God’s word (Romans 10:17), you believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), repent of your sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and you are baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), you are a forgiven child of God. Then you must live faithfully (Revelation 2:10), when you do slip up confess your sins (1 John 1:9), repent and pray for God’s forgiveness (Acts 8:22).
Yes, it is true your sin will find you out, but it is also true that if we will trust God and obey Him His grace will find us as well.
--Lamar
Her name surfaced in 2003 when she was linked to the company accused of supplying performance-enhancing drugs to athletes. In 2006, she tested positive for steroids. The entire time Jones denied that she has used steroids. As it turns out she lied. Facing federal charges for lying to investigators, Jones pleaded guilty, admitting to using steroids both before and after the 2000 Olympics. Standing on the courthouse steps Jones said, “It's with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust.” In an instant, Marion Jones went from champion to cheater.
Marion Jones ran head on into the truth. “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT” (Numbers 32:23). It may happen swiftly or it may be revealed in time, but one day, ALL sin will be exposed (2 Corinthians 5:10). We read in Hebrews 4:13, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
Marion Jones is not the only person that has made wrong choices, nor is she the only one who has tried to cover them up. “(F)or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Each and every one of us, sooner or later, has to face the fact if our sinfulness. We may be able to hide it from some people for some time, but not from everyone for all time.
However, there is good news. Paul tells the Romans that the wages of sin is death in Romans 6:23. If he stopped there, we would all be miserable and hopeless. But he didn’t stop there. He went on to say that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” There is hope for Marion Jones, for Lamar Russell, for you, and for everyone else. Jesus Christ came to earth and lived as a man. He died on Calvary to make the sacrifice for our sins. Through His death, we can have life. We can have our sins forgiven and our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). The “secret” to entering the kingdom of heaven and to receiving eternal life is obedience to the Father’s will as revealed in the New Testament. Upon hearing and studying God’s word (Romans 10:17), you believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), repent of your sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and you are baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), you are a forgiven child of God. Then you must live faithfully (Revelation 2:10), when you do slip up confess your sins (1 John 1:9), repent and pray for God’s forgiveness (Acts 8:22).
Yes, it is true your sin will find you out, but it is also true that if we will trust God and obey Him His grace will find us as well.
--Lamar
Friday, October 19, 2007
A DAY OF PLANNING
One of my college professors said, “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.” Our elders have set aside October 27 as a day for the congregation to meet together and discuss the future of the church here. They have put some thought and prayer into planning this day and are asking for our support and participation. What can we do?
PRAY. The Psalmist writes, “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1). We need to ask for the Lord’s help and blessing as we make plans for the future. In James 4, James does not condemn making plans, he condemns making plans without the Lord. “Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:15). As we make plans, let’s be sure to ask for the guidance and help of our Father. Also remember, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
PRAY. The Psalmist writes, “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1). We need to ask for the Lord’s help and blessing as we make plans for the future. In James 4, James does not condemn making plans, he condemns making plans without the Lord. “Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:15). As we make plans, let’s be sure to ask for the guidance and help of our Father. Also remember, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
PREPARE. The elders are seeking input from everyone in the congregation. You can begin now to think about your ideas and goals for the congregation. Put some time and effort into it. Don’t wait until you get here to start thinking and planning. Do some preparation in advance.
PRESENCE. It would be great to have 100% attendance, but that depends on you. If you are not here, 100% is impossible. If you have plans for that day, reschedule them if possible. I believe next Saturday can be the start of a great future for the congregation, but we need you. Your goals, your ideas, your dreams are needed, and the best way to share them is to be here with everyone else.
PARTICIPATE. Yes, your presence is needed and wanted, but if all you do is show up then you have not done all you can. Your input is requested. Your ideas are wanted. Not only would it be great to have 100% attendance, it would be even better to have 100% participation. Once again, that is impossible without you.
I am excited about the future for this congregation. I believe God can accomplish great things through us. I believe those things will be better accomplished if we are proactive rather than reactive. This Saturday is an opportunity for us to do just that. Make your plans to be here.
--Lamar
PRESENCE. It would be great to have 100% attendance, but that depends on you. If you are not here, 100% is impossible. If you have plans for that day, reschedule them if possible. I believe next Saturday can be the start of a great future for the congregation, but we need you. Your goals, your ideas, your dreams are needed, and the best way to share them is to be here with everyone else.
PARTICIPATE. Yes, your presence is needed and wanted, but if all you do is show up then you have not done all you can. Your input is requested. Your ideas are wanted. Not only would it be great to have 100% attendance, it would be even better to have 100% participation. Once again, that is impossible without you.
I am excited about the future for this congregation. I believe God can accomplish great things through us. I believe those things will be better accomplished if we are proactive rather than reactive. This Saturday is an opportunity for us to do just that. Make your plans to be here.
--Lamar
Friday, October 5, 2007
THE FIXED HEART
There is a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at that time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The teams were playing in the World Series, and as usual Yogi was keeping up his ceaseless chatter, intended to pep up his teammates on the one hand, and distract the Milwaukee batters on the other. As Aaron came to the plate, Yogi tried to distract him by saying, "Henry, you're holding the bat wrong. You're supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark." Aaron didn't say anything, but when the next pitch came he hit it into the left-field bleachers. After rounding the bases and tagging up at home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi Berra and said, "I didn't come up here to read."
“O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory” (Psalm 108:1). The KJV reads “my heart is fixed.” Among the definitions given for fixed by Webster is “definite; not fluctuating or varying: a fixed purpose.” The psalmist’s mind is made up; moving forward, no turning back. When success smiles and when failure frowns; when friends stand by and when they betray; when you are praised and when you are condemned, remain steadfast and fixed. The fixed heart does not depend on outward circumstances but on an inward state.
Without a fixed heart, a set purpose, we are simply drifting through life. One store had a sign on the door, "Gone out of business. Didn't know what our business was." A sad statement for a business, but sadder still for a Christian or a church. There is a Latin proverb which states, “When a man does not know what harbor he is making far, no wind is right.” We need to know what our business is, where we are headed.
Solomon writes, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). That gives us a purpose. Paul had this to say in Philippians 3:12-14: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We need to be, as Jesus said to his parents in Jerusalem at the age of 12, “about my (our) Father’s business.”
The fixed heart requires commitment. There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results. Caidyn has picked up a new phrase. When told to do something she likes to say “I can’t,” which really means I won’t. How often are you asked to do something in the church and respond with “I can’t?” Is it really that you are unable to do it, or that you choose not to do it. Also, you must realize you are not saying “I can’t (or won’t)” to the elder, deacon, preacher, or whoever is asking you, you are saying it to Christ.
Is your heart fixed?
--Lamar
“O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory” (Psalm 108:1). The KJV reads “my heart is fixed.” Among the definitions given for fixed by Webster is “definite; not fluctuating or varying: a fixed purpose.” The psalmist’s mind is made up; moving forward, no turning back. When success smiles and when failure frowns; when friends stand by and when they betray; when you are praised and when you are condemned, remain steadfast and fixed. The fixed heart does not depend on outward circumstances but on an inward state.
Without a fixed heart, a set purpose, we are simply drifting through life. One store had a sign on the door, "Gone out of business. Didn't know what our business was." A sad statement for a business, but sadder still for a Christian or a church. There is a Latin proverb which states, “When a man does not know what harbor he is making far, no wind is right.” We need to know what our business is, where we are headed.
Solomon writes, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). That gives us a purpose. Paul had this to say in Philippians 3:12-14: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We need to be, as Jesus said to his parents in Jerusalem at the age of 12, “about my (our) Father’s business.”
The fixed heart requires commitment. There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results. Caidyn has picked up a new phrase. When told to do something she likes to say “I can’t,” which really means I won’t. How often are you asked to do something in the church and respond with “I can’t?” Is it really that you are unable to do it, or that you choose not to do it. Also, you must realize you are not saying “I can’t (or won’t)” to the elder, deacon, preacher, or whoever is asking you, you are saying it to Christ.
Is your heart fixed?
--Lamar
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