And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 – New Living Translation)
It has been 13 days since people made New Year’s Resolutions. If you were one of them, how’s it going for you? For most people, their resolutions are not very resolute (purposeful, determined, and unwavering). They start the year on a rocket ship to the heavens and end up on a skateboard to Bakersfield. It is for that very reason that my New Year’s Resolution this year was to stop making New Year’s Resolutions. I determined that I needed more time for Reflection before I made any Resolutions. Instead of committing to specific changes starting in January, I am committed to taking January to reflect upon how things went last year and how I want things to go this year. I’m convinced this isn’t something that can be done quickly. After an honest, in-depth, prayerful evaluation of where I have been and where the Lord wants me to go, I will then make informed, measurable, doable resolutions for the coming year.
That is why I am so excited about the messages Pastor Tom Harcus will be bringing us called “Life Matters.” It’s a fascinating title because there are a lot of matters we must address in this life and attempt to handle excellently. At the same time, many of these things that seem mundane really do matter for eternity. Life matters! Think about passages like, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16 – NASB95), and “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward” (Mk. 9:41 – NASB95). Clearly, what we do in this brief life will matter for all eternity.
I want to encourage and challenge you to come with an open heart, a Bible, pen & paper, and a profound desire to have your life count for eternity. Please join me for a month of Reflection as we compare our lives (lifestyle, not just knowledge) with clear instruction and exhortation in Scripture. Cry out to the Lord, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Ps. 139:23-24 – NLT). Ask Him to reveal how He wants you to manage (steward) your health, time, money, relationships, talents, and spiritual gifts. Tell Him that you truly want to be more like Jesus and make Him known more effectively both by your words and your walk. Tell Him you want your life to make an eternal impact in 2023. And pray for Pastor Tom as he prepares and preaches. May our reflection lead to resolutions that will bring about a revolution in our lives, church, and community.
THIS SUNDAY, we have a special treat with Dr. Randy Guliuzza, the President of Institute for Creation Research (ICR) coming to The Bridge. He will preach at 9am in the worship center, and then he will teach a combined adult class at 11am in K-8 (Larry Redekopp’s classroom) that will be broadcast to Burch Hall. All the adult classes and the youth group are invited to join for this special time of instruction on Creation vs Evolution. To learn more about the specific messages, go to their website (https://www.icr.org/event/2239/). Please invite a lot of friends (especially skeptics) to join you.
How’s the book going? During this month I am starting the process of writing a book for our mission agency, Shepherding The Nations (STN). I say “starting” because it will not be completed in one month. There are several other major issues I am working on as well (master plan for facilities, worship ministries with Pastor Steve retiring, leadership development/training…). But I am gathering data for a book that will tell the stories of the amazing people of faith that we are privileged to train and resource through STN. These zealous brothers and sisters in Christ have challenged me to the core with their commitment to know Jesus Christ and make Him known. They are resolute in living for Jesus no matter what the cost. Hearing their stories has been like reading a modern-day Hebrews 11. They truly are people of whom the world is not worthy (Heb. 11:38). I don’t know when the book will be finished, but I pray that when it is, the Lord will use it to light a fire in the hearts of those who read it that will never be put out. 100% of the book sales will go to support STN training and resourcing more zealous people of faith. Please pray that the Lord will give me wisdom in writing and that He will use the book for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.