This is that time, when resolutions and fresh commitments to things are conjured up. But what spiritual commitments will you make in 2009? What promises of the past will you rekindle in this New Year?
If you have drifted from God during this past year will you get closer to Him in 2009? If yes, what will you do? How will you do it? If you have stopped reading the bible and journaling, how about re-committing to it again on a regular basis? If you never started journaling, how about kicking it off the first full week of 2009?
If you are married and have drifted from your spouse, what will you do? What steps will you take to “fire up” your passion and heart towards your significant other? If you are a parent, what about commitments to your children and if you are a friend – what commitments will you make to those closest to you?
All good things cost us something and all great things cost much dedication and effort.
Our church is what it is due to the commitment of many and the incredible commitment of a few. Where will you become a part of the committed in 2009 that will take LFC to the next level in growth, outreach, impact and service? These are probing questions for sure, but must be asked as you look at the future.
Miracles never happen apart from commitment and movement – Peter gets out of the boat in order to walk on water, and a little boy gives up his lunch in order to feed the multitudes - commitment. Commitment is something we enjoy when we are on the receiving end of it. We enjoy people committed to doing their jobs, serving us, being loyal to us. But when commitment is on us – well that changes the way we view it. For example, we love someone committed to piloting when we are onboard an aircraft and we certainly are grateful for the commitment of Jesus as He went the distance and gave His life for us on the cross. Now that is commitment. The movement of people was often the pathway that God used to do miracles in the lives of others. Sure, God is not limited to me moving in order for Him to move, but sometimes God will not do if we do not move.
The church does not move without commitment.
People committed to praying, giving and serving. It is easy to procrastinate, but the time is now to ask God to assist you in your commitments for 2009. A simple prayer with a listening ear might be: “Lord what would you have me do – Where would you have me focus?”
When it comes to relationships, I sure like this quote from Tom Holliday's Relationship Principles of Jesus:
"True Love sacrifices. The greatest sacrifices may not be the one-in-a-lifetime sacrifices; they may well be the daily sacrifices. You give up your way and seek another person's good. No one else may even know you did it, but you'll know you acted in response to Jesus' love for you."
What commitments will you make to serve God and others in 2009?
I recall the story where Jesus told Simon the Pharisee that the measure of love we feel for God depends on the degree of appreciation we feel for the mercy and forgiveness of God we have experienced: “Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47). So how much do we feel that God has extended mercy and forgiveness upon us? That is the degree in which we will feel compelled to commit to Him.
Could our lack of commitment to the Lord and His work stem from a lack of appreciation for the commitment of love Jesus showed to us? Could it be due to a lack of love we possess for Jesus? Sometimes we drift and allow the arrows of life to point inward. We become complacent and self-loving because we don’t really understand or fully appreciate God’s love and forgiveness and our commitment is diminished.
CT Studd, the great missionary pioneer said, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him”.
Let us spend time with the Lord and allow Him to shape our love for Him into commitments of service and love for others and that we might commit to His heart, worship of Him, serving Him, serving through His church, giving generously and being wholeheartedly obedient.
Let’s commit together to Him and for what He has for LFC in 2009,
Blessed New Year,
Pastor Bernie
1 comment:
Several thought-provoking points are made in your post and confirm some of what the Lord is putting on my heart. In the past year the Lord drew me close to Him in intense hours spent studying His Word...and I know He intends to use this growth to His glory. I will pray for His direction for me in the growth of our church. Thank you Pastor B for your commitment.
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