If you're following the New Testament reading plan Pastor Duttry presented to our church on Vision Sunday, then, like our family, you're probably on week four. Today many people in our church have read, or will read, Matthew 18 before the end of the day.
Following God's Plan No Matter What
We are entering a new year and many of us are making goals and commitments to see certain things accomplished in our lives. Those might be physical, emotional, or spiritual in nature, but have you ever made a commitment to follow what you thought was God's plan for your life only to find, in the midst of pursuing it, a series of obstacles and events seemed to take you off course? It seemed like you were getting further away from what you thought God was wanting for your life to do. I am sure many of us have been at that place in our lives multiple times, but the question remains: Does our commitment to God change when things no longer seem to pursue what we think is God's plan? God gives us an example of this in the life of Gideon.
John 8:31, "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;"
To be a disciple, a pupil, a student of the Lord and His Word - what a desire and goal for each of us! Christ invites men to follow Him to become what He desires them to become! As we desire to "Follow Jesus," it will entail some effort on our part - some sacrifice, some time, some commitment that must be surrendered and submitted to Him.
The past year seemed to fly by for me. I'm excited about the new year! I love the new opportunities that a new year brings with it. However, there can be a tendency to head into a new year with trepidations. You may be frustrated by the fact that you didn't accomplish what your intentions were last year. Or you may be overwhelmed by what you feel we have to achieve this new year.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11). Merry Christmas to each of you! As families gather today to exchange gifts, sing songs, and enjoy the fellowship and the food, let's be sure to take time to worship Him who is the reason for the day. Though we are aware that Christ was probably not birthed on December 25, we take this day to commemorate and celebrate His coming.
