As 2008 began, I shared three words that begin with the letter "s" that I would be focusing on during the year.
Here they are...
Sacrifice, Submission, & Service!
Sacrifice: As we sacrifice, we are learning to depend on God to supply! Sacrifice doesn't always mean giving money. It also includes our time, talent, and energy.
Submission: When we submit to God ordained authority we are under His umbrella of protection! Whether it is a law, an official, a pastor, a parent, or a spouse, that authority is God's authority!
Service: The act of serving keeps us centered on God and on others. When we make the mistake of becoming self centered, we lose all the way around!
There is a fourth "s" word, a bonus word! It is...
Satisfaction! When we sacrifice, submit, and serve, we will be satisfied. Personal fulfillment is an elusive thing. Outside of doing things God's way, we can never find it! However, when we do the three "s" words as a lifestyle, we will be satisfied!
Our life is a gift from God and is very short at best! Any reasonable, thinking Christ follower wants to make the most of their one and only life.
Here is a question to ponder...
When I die, what do I want my life to be known for?
It is not morbid to think about the end of our lives, it is a healthy exercise! If we take the time to sincerely answer that question, we have formed a life mission statement!
The Apostle Paul told the Ephesian believers to "make the most of their time" on this earth. In order to maximize our life journey we need to be purposeful about it.
I purpose to...
Love God with all my heart!
Think, decide, and act biblically... in other words, to have a world view that is determined by the Bible, not popular culture!
Love my family and lead them towards God.
Make my life an act of service to God.
Take as many people as possible to Heaven with me by being available to share the Good News of Jesus wherever possible!
Be as fully immersed in the local church as possible, knowing that it is where the real God action is! God is working through the church!
When I die, I want to be known for these kinds of things. How about you?
I love the USA! I am so thankful to have been born here and to live here.
This country is not a perfect one, but I'll take it over anywhere else on this globe! With only one exception, there has never, in the history of the world, been a nation so blessed and so great! (The obvious exception in history would be the nation of Israel.)
We have a rich history. Our founding fathers were men who recognized the need for dependence on God and for building a nation that honored the principles of Scripture. For all the hype and bluster about the so called separation of church and state, (which is being distorted and misused to keep God out of the public square!), our founding fathers did want God in our affairs. They didn't want the government to interfere in "religion" and to mandate a State Church. There is a great organization called the Wallbuilders, led by David Barton, that gives loads of good history that is true and unrevised! Check out their website.
Part of the richness of our history includes the great sacrifices made to secure and preserve our precious freedoms. Men and women bravely fought and even gave their lives so that we could enjoy what we have today. Others gave their time, physical or mental health, and more.
My Dad was a heroic veteran as far as I am concerned! (I admit I am a bit prejudiced in the matter!) Dad served from 1952-1954 in the Korean War. He fought on the front lines at first and then was moved to driving a supply truck. I am told that was just as dangerous. After that he became a driver for an officer. One of my prized possessions is a glass encased frame with his medals in them, which he promised me before he died.
Later in life he loved to talk about his time in the service of our country. He didn't brag, but he was proud to be associated with the military and with fighting for the USA. I am thankful to have such a personal heritage.
I am also thankful to have a son that fought in Iraq for seven months as a U.S. Marine.
Tomorrow is the 232nd birthday of this great country. Aren't you glad to be celebrating it?!!! Take a moment to thank God you are a citizen and to pray for the USA and it's leaders.
Speaking of birthdays, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pastor Bobby! He's not quite 232 years old but he definitely can't say he is young anymore! For the next year he can truthfully say that he is 39 years old! That won't work next year! He is a dear friend and valued co-laborer in ministry.
Today was another great day! I love Sundays! What a way to start a week!
Today...
Even though it is a holiday weekend, the attendance was very healthy! We were near the 300 mark at 292. I mention that because we are definitely in vacation season with numerous "regulars" away. However, attendance is holding steady. That means growth is occurring. I have seen it before in the summer time.
We baptized seven people today!!! Two of them were 9 year olds from our Kidz Kingdom ministry. One was a 13 year old from the Student Ministry. The other four adults were excited to experience baptism. One lady had a very cool tee shirt on that said, "I was baptized on 7/6/08 at LifeBridge Church!" WOW! One man made a profession of faith just two weeks ago and signed up for baptism the same day! Today it happened for him. Another lady has been close to Robyn and I in our singles LifeGroup. What a thrill to see God at work in her life! Go God!!! Next baptism... August 23 at Beachmont at our picnic!
Today I left some of my soul on the stage! The sermon, "The Trust and Surrender Principle", was one I deeply feel. God challenges us in His Word to trust Him and surrender to Him. When we fall back into His arms, recognizing His complete control as Director of our lives, we maximize our lives! To illustrate that point, I spontaneously called four men out of the congregation to come to the front of the stage. I then did a backwards plunge off the stage into their arms, with my arms folded across my chest. I must admit that I was a little nervous, but they caught me quickly! I figured they would let me fall a little further before they caught me! It was a relief to feel their arms as I fell backwards. God takes the best care of us when we totally surrender!!!
I have another memorable illustration planned for the message this coming Sunday! We are continuing our "One Life To Give... Principles For Abundant Living", series throughout July.
I have a Maryland State Tax audit tomorrow morning at 9 AM. That ranks just under a dentist appointment for a tooth extraction! I am ready and looking forward to getting it behind me! They owe me a substantial refund and I hope it will come quickly!
Have a great week and come back each day for another post! Tell a friend...
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May, 2008
, led by David Barton, that gives loads of good history that is true and unrevised! Check out their website.