Don't Devote Yourself to 2008

Like all years 2007 was a year of many contrasts. Life and death. Action and slothfulness. Success and failure. Growth and retardation.

In a few days, Lord willing, we'll watch 2007 slip into the history books while 2008 is born. A fresh start. A new year. New calendars. New opportunities. New challenges. New distresses.

Will it be better? I can't predict that. I can predict that it will not be any different than 2007 unless we make up our minds to have it so - with God's help.

The passing of time isn't necessarily valuable. The hourly worker who has survived another year on the job looks for an increase in their wages. Perhaps they've added no new skills. Or taken on no new responsibilities. But the sheer fact that they're a survivor in the company means they think they deserve more money. Maybe. Maybe not.

So it is with some in the Lord's Kingdom, the Church. Another year passes so naturally they must be more knowledgeable, more wise. Another year passes so surely all those challenges of the old year will be gone this year. The calendar pages get turned and so too with our lives - we may think. Normally it's not so. The song usually remains the same.

Those who declared last January that they'd spend more time studying the Bible have no more knowledge now (a year later) unless they followed through with that vow. Those who declared they'd pray more in 2007 can now look back to see if they have prayed more. Pick any endeavor for the Lord. Unless behaviors changed - it's highly likely we're all sitting about where we were sitting last December. High hopes do not bring about positive changes in our life.

The passing of time does mean we've had more opportunities. It means we've been blessed to accomplish more. It means time has been on our side to remedy whatever spiritual ailments we might have. It means we've had more chances to talk with those we love. It means we've had more opportunities to impact the lives of others. Whether we've done that or not is entirely up to us. If we've not been taking advantage of the passing of time, then it's likely we won't start now. Sad, but true.

The scriptures tell us to spend the time of our sojourning here in fear if we consider God our Father. We do. And we should. Fear that we won't be ready spurs us to take actions to get ready. Fear that an opportunity will be lost causes us to take every advantage. Fear that we'll not be able to influence somebody for good compels us to influence them today. Fear that the night is coming urges us to use the light of day.

There is a truth that when things change, the change doesn't often last long. The person who gets the higher salary is likely to live exactly as they did before - once the newness of the higher pay wears off. If they felt like they needed $500 more a month to really be comfortable, within six months they'll likely feel like they still need only $500 more a month to be really comfortable. Life works that way with most of us. The water level just seems to remain the same. It often requires some monumental change to alter the course. And sometimes monumental change is exactly what's needed.

All of us are able to make the passing of time valuable. But only if we do those things necessary to please the Lord. Make the lasting changes so you can finally be the person you know God wants. Don't devote yourself to 2008. Devote yourself to eternity and the days, months and years will take care of themselves. Your passing of time will be best served by preparing for your voyage into eternity where time will not exist.

Reliability

Dependable. Trustworthy. Consistent.

You begin your day with a trusty alarm clock - one that keeps accurate time and never fails to sound the alarm on time. Without it, you'd be late every day.

You turn on the light switch and immediately the room is illuminated.

You turn the faucet on to brush your teeth. The water flows - just as it always does.

The automatic coffee maker has kicked in - right on time. You grab a cup and head out the door, car keys in hand.

You open the car door, put the key in the ignition and turn it. The car starts.

These simple everyday habits are necessary. Each of them hinges on reliability - you depend on these things so you can get your day started. Your day is full of similar situations that you take for granted because reliability is something you assume will always be there - until it fails you.

If you get up and turn on the faucet and nothing comes out - you're frustrated. You need water. How can you get your day started without water? You say to yourself, "Not today!"

You depend on many things each day. Without dependability or reliability your life would be almost impossible. Simply try to list the things in your life upon which you depend - daily. It will be a very long list.

Yet - in the Lord's Church people often avoid reliability. Some people do not like to be dependable.

The simple act of public worship happens three times each week, but every congregation with which I've ever been associated suffers from some members who are unreliable. Some members enjoy showing up when they want, going elsewhere when they like, or simply staying home when it suits them. Can the congregation depend on you to always be there unless sickness or something beyond your control prevents it? If not, why not?

The work required to maintain the physical facilities of the church building rarely rely on more than a small number of people. There's usually one or two people who mow the yard. Others are content to let them do it. Most congregations try to get people to sign up to clean the building, but normally you can count on one hand those willing to tackle that thankless chore. Again, the number of reliable people is usually very small. It's always easier to let somebody else do it.

Visiting the sick or elderly, studying the Scripture with people (members or non-members), helping those with problems and challenges - again, these tasks normally fall to the hands of only a few.

The Pareto principle - also known as the 80/20 rule - always seem accurate. Namely, it seems that 80% of the work is done by only 20% of the people. Or, only 20% of the people are really reliable - people you can always count on for whatever must be done.

What makes the difference? Why are some in the 20% and others in the 80%?

Desire.

That's it. Simply, desire. Some want to be dependable while others are unwilling to be responsible.

It isn't talent.
It isn't skill.
It isn't opportunity.

It just boils down to will and willingness. Those who are willing to be reliable and work to make it so, are. Those who don't want to be dependable, are not.

Accountability is often an issue. Some of us don't like to be held accountable. We rather enjoy showing up for services if we want - and staying home if want. And we don't much like folks checking up on us to find out where we were. We may want to be left alone. We'd like to tell others, "Listen, if I'm there - I'm there. If I'm not, then I'm not. It's none of your business." We're wrong, of course - but that's how people sometimes behave. We like our privacy. But rarely do such people comprehend the honest concern brethren have when they see others drifting, growing weak or losing interest in the Lord's Church.

The same attitude is manifested in all endeavors. "Work? Don't count on me. If I'm there, fine. But if I'm not, don't be shocked."

What if your alarm clock, or light switch, or faucet, or coffee-maker or car ignition worked that way? You'd fix or replace them - that's what. You wouldn't tolerate it because you understand that life cannot be managed like that. You need these things to work, all the time - every time.

Why shouldn't the Lord's work happen as reliably as your alarm clock? Or be as dependable as your light switch? Or faucet? Or coffee-maker? Or your car's ignition?

Isn't the work of the Church more urgent and important than those things? Then why do some members treat it with such contempt or apathy?

The amazing thing about reliability in the Lord's Kingdom, the Church, is that it's not a complicated issue to fix. It can be fixed fast! All that's required is a person's willingness to become reliable - then to follow through by doing the things dependable people do.

Show up 100% of the time - on time.
Do things for the Church.
Do things for others.
Always be accountable.
Let others know what's happening with you.
Find out what's happening with others.
Let others count on you.
Show your interest in the Church, the congregation and the brethren.

Making that decision may be the toughest part of being dependable. But the rewards are incredible. You'll find yourself doing things - and regretting that you weren't doing them sooner. You'll find people relying on you - and it will feel great. You'll find yourself and your family being more engaged in the work of the Church. The Church will become more precious to you, and your family will reap the rewards. Brethren will become more important to you. You'll grow closer to other members.

And the Lord's work will prosper because YOU are involved - dependable - reliable. The congregation will thrive. Your life will improve. Your family's spiritual welfare will improve. The benefits will far outweigh the small price you'll pay for being reliable!

And in time, you'll experience some frustration with those 80% who continue to be lackluster in their service and unreliable for the work of the Lord. But you may be able to help them make the decision you made - to number themselves among those who are trustworthy.

The Lord's work needs everybody. More importantly, everybody needs the Lord and the Church.

How To Benefit Once A Gospel Meeting Is Over

Sowing seed used to be much more personal than it is today. Farmers now use machinery. Rural America was once characterized by farm workers sowing seeds as this photograph depicts. One person casting the seeds onto prepared ground. True to the parable of the sower, not all seed lands on good ground, or soil capable of taking the seed. Men's hearts are the ground spoken of in the parable.

A gospel meeting is a sowing of the seed. Our fall meeting with Ronny Wade is now history. For the past 8 days Ronny sowed the seed of the gospel to all who came to worship. Like all sowers, Ronny was unaware of the full condition of all the soils that heard the Gospel. Some soil was likely ready, but other soil was clearly not. His job was to preach the Word - to sow. His part in this task is now completed - so far as our fall meeting is concerned. But the work is far from over.

It now rests with each member and each person who heard the Gospel to make a decision. What will be our response?

It may be that our heart - our soil - wasn't fully prepared to accept the sowing of the Truth. If so, then an opportunity for salvation may have been wasted. All people must prepare their hearts to accept the Truth. All people must continue to guard their hearts so they can continue to be touched by the Gospel.

But, if we failed to prepare our heart before our meeting - it's not too late. The seed of the gospel is long-lasting, but only if you will continue to consider the things we were taught by Ronny. Go back and listen to the sermons again. They're posted on our Events page under "Audio Sermons."

Prepare your heart. Go to work on your soil, making it ready to accept the Truth. The gospel only gives you two basic options: acceptance or rejection! Salvation accompanies acceptance. Damnation accompanies rejection. A seemingly easy choice, but unfortunately, during our meeting some were perhaps determined to remain in sin.

Are you determined to reach heaven?

Are there things in your life that distract you from being the Christian you know you should be?

Name something in your life that is more important that serving God. (If you can name a single thing, then you're not living as you should.)

What will you do - today? What choices will you make about how you live and where you decide to spend eternity?

The gospel of Christ was sown during our meeting. If you attended one or more of the services, then you were the recipient of that sowing. Will the seed take hold in your heart? Will you make positive changes in your life to serve God faithfully?

Listen to Ronny's sermons again. Listen to the Truth of what he taught. Listen to the personal appeals he made for every listener to accept the Gospel and be more devoted to the Lord. It was personal. It was directed to you - and me - and all who were present. Now, it's necessary for you to do your part and let it take hold and germinate in your heart.

Be Not Many Of You Teachers

James 3:1 "Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment." (ASV)

There was, and still is, an evil that we're warned about. Namely, the prevailing desire of men to be public teachers even if they are not capable or qualified.

James properly points out that those who take on the responsibility of congregational (public) teaching expose themselves to more solemn judgment than those who do not.

For years, some have pointed to how a speaker who preaches false doctrine and leads others astray will suffer greater harm in eternity for that influence on others. They use this verse as their text proof. While that idea is absolutely sustained in the scriptures, that is not the point James makes here.

No false teacher should be permitted to address our congregations. All false teachers, public or private, are condemned by God. The condemnation James speaks of is something different than false doctrine. It speaks to qualifications and ability to perform the duties of a public teacher.

The admonition is for men to not clamor to be public teachers because it is a job with serious ramifications - for the teacher and the congregation. It requires abilities that not every man has, as evidenced in congregations all over our brotherhood. Those who will not study, those who are unskilled in the Word, those who are unable to articulate clear thoughts, those who are unable to speak so they can be heard or understood, and countless other roadblocks should prevent leaders and elders from giving this responsibility to some men!

Congregational teachers impact the worship of the entire congregation. While the teaching portion of the service isn't necessarily the most important part of the worship, it is as critical as any other part of the worship. Because preaching the Word demands a greater element of time (typically) than other items of worship - it has an enormous impact on the congregation's ability to worship. Incapable or unprepared men impede the worship of the congregation. That is, they get in the way of scriptural worship of the entire congregation. Consider how hard you've had to work to worship when an incapable teacher is in the pulpit. That's shameful.

Leaders and elders who willingly put men up who are unprepared or unskilled subject those men to greater condemnation. A man who is incapable of edifying, but teaches publicly merely because he wants to (and the congregation indulges him) - has been willfully put in a bad place by the leaders who allow it. Leaders, elders and teachers will give an account of the feeding of the flock. They'll also give account for the judgment facing the teachers they appoint.

It seems certain that in James' day, much like today, men clamored to be public teachers, often without giving proper thought to the consequences. There are skills and abilities that are required for the job.

Ignorance of the scriptures should prohibit some from teaching publicly until they are more skillful. We don't put young people behind the wheel of a car until they have demonstrated sufficient skill to operate a car. The pulpit deserves more protection.

Some seek the pulpit because they perceive it to be a position of "power." Like Simon, the magician, they want what they want without due consideration of the request. The pulpit is certainly a place of power - it's where God's Word is put forth. God's Word is the power, not the man preaching it. The quest for power or popularity is not sufficient motivation for becoming a public teacher. It's a dangerous thing to put a man up simply because he wants it.

Those who can't - shouldn't. Some men are unable to read scripture aloud without stammering. Such men should not subject the congregation to their inability. Nor should those who won't study, or those who cannot build up or edify the congregation. The pulpit is not a place deserving of every man who desires to occupy it. It must be earned, continually. The health of our congregations depend on it.

Public teaching is not the ONLY service rendered by the male segment of the congregation. It is not a right of male passage in the Lord's Church. It's a very serious matter that deserves our best efforts. It impacts the entire congregation. It impacts the strength of the local church.

Congregational teachers very well may have the greatest impact on every congregation. Local teachers can influence a congregation for good or bad. Few influences affect our congregations like the quality of local teaching. When it is as God dictates, our congregations are strengthened. When it's not, they're weakened.

In view of judgment and eternity we ought to give serious thought to the burden facing leaders and elders to subject some men to greater condemnation that might otherwise be avoided. The men suffer, the congregation suffers and those responsible for putting them in the pulpit suffer. Everybody loses. Those who would be teachers should also consider putting their emphasis on work for which they're better suited. There's a place for every man, woman, boy and girl in the Kingdom. There is work for us all to do. However, the pulpit is inappropriate for many.

The Great Time-Waster

The Internet and email are among the most time-consuming passions of people today.

There are far too many survey results to cite that prove the point, but I don't think they're even necessary. Most of us can simply look at our own lives and realize we waste precious time surfing the net, reading/responding/creating email messages, communicating with instant messages, text messaging, playing online or computer games - and so much more, including mindless hours in front of the TV set.

Wasting time, or spending time is a challenge for all of us. Investing time wisely is very difficult for most of us. In part, because some of us give it too little thought. We go through life on auto-pilot with little regard sometimes for how we're spending or investing our time. We just do what we do.

The Lord's work, our home responsibilities, our relationships and all the things that matter most can suffer if we're not careful to examine our lives - and the time we spend doing unproductive things.

The Internet poses a great challenge in Christian homes because the element of time is often lost. We sit in front of a screen surfing from one site to the next - perhaps in pursuit of something quite noble or enlightening - only to find that hours have passed. A few feet away may sit a small child or a spouse who wasn't engaged in any meaningful way. Those we love the most are often suffering from a more full relationship with us because we're staring into a piece of electronics connected to people we may not even know. Ironic.

Email, forums and instant messaging are soaking up more time that might be better spent with those we love. Hours sitting in silence in front of TV sets hasn't enhanced any family relationships. Many of us are wasting far too much time disconnecting with the important people in our lives - while we're overly connected with people who have little or no meaning for us.

It seems strange when you put it in those terms, doesn't it? It should. Because it is strange, sad and too often true.

Curb your addiction to the Internet and other time wasters. Make yourself aware of how you're living. Consider those you love. Behave in ways that will enhance your meaning and value in their lives - and as result, make your own life more valuable to them.

Some suggestions:

1. Try checking your email twice a day. Most of us can't imagine that.
2. Try going 3 days without TV.
3. Try going a week without a newspaper.
4. Try avoiding instant messages and text messaging for 3 days.

Now, try this:

1. Read your Bible one hour a day. It doesn't have to be continuous.
2. Pray three times a day in addition to giving thanks for your meals.
3. Have as many meaningful conversations with your family as possible. Share.
4. Call and check on somebody who is suffering, or go see them.

Spend. Or invest. It's always our choice. Make your choices wisely.

Do You Send Thank You Notes? Maybe You Should.

The most recent common complaint heard among many older members is the lack of gratitude displayed by recipients of a gift. Time and again I hear older members lament how a gift (perhaps a graduation, wedding or birthday present - most often money) is never recognized with a "thank you" note. It irks lots of people to give a gift that garners no extension of thanks. Perhaps it's a generational thing, but the good manners of saying "thank you" are often absent.

Recently, I've been the recipient of no less than three "thank you" notes - all from people who have stayed in our home. They were pleasant surprises - and made me think even more highly of those who sent them. I was duly impressed with all three people before getting their card, but the cards reinforced my belief that these were all people of the highest caliber. All three were Christians ranging in age from young (20) to middle aged.

Be gracious. If you've been given a present, or been extended some hospitality - send a "thank you" note. Express your gratitude. It's good manners. It's always appropriate to be thankful for kind treatment. Young and old alike will appreciate your thoughtfulness and think better of you.

Watchman, What Of The Night?

The familiar passages of Isaiah 21 seem to ever ring true - "Watchman, what of the night?"

Watchmen were duty bound to take careful sight of approaching threats - and to make sure those within the camp were safe. It was always appropriate for the citizens to ask the watchman about the safety of the community. While others slept, the watchmen were still under commission to carefully examine threats from inside or outside the camp.

The watchmen were obligated to sound the warning if anything threatened the security of the community. The people valued their watchmen and trusted them. The watchmen no doubt found themselves constantly being asked, "Is everything alright? Is it safe?" The reason was simple, they were in the best position to see the threats. They had the best vantage point.

Today, watchmen are not valued so much. Rather, they are often jumped on by the naive and ignorant. Men often reprove the watchmen claiming, "There is no threat here. You're being too harsh and judgmental."

What of the night? What's coming tonight? What are the conditions, dear watchman?

Preachers who should know better often fail us in standing for and supporting the Truth. These, who should be watchmen, are often those asking, "What of the night?" Yet, when the answer is given they argue and debate, often choosing to believe a lie rather than the truth and the evidence supporting the Truth.

Some even claim that the dangers which lurk among us are not dangers at all. They're merely minor disagreements that must be overlooked because "love covers a multitude of sins." Brethren, our love for each other has no atoning power. To suggest that it does is a horrible rendering of the Gospel truth. We certainly must contain such love that helps us - indeed, compels us - to forgive others. If we overlook or ignore the sins that would take our brethren to a devil's hell then we don't demonstrate the proper love for them that the scriptures demand.

Sadly, there are threats. Nobody wishes it so, but to ignore the threats or to blame the watchmen for sounding the alarm is sinful. Neglect to warn and blood will be on our hands for those lost. Rebuff the warning and write letters castigating the watchmen for sounding the call, and blood will be on our hands.

The job of watchmen has never been easy, but there once was a time when they were valued for their contribution. Sadly, in too many circles the watchmen today are hated, vilified, campaigned against and rebuked. Men speak without knowing the facts fully - and often the watchmen know exactly what they've seen and what the threats are. Men write letters to the watchmen with broad distribution - telling them how disturbed they are by the warning sound. They assume, incorrectly, that they possess the voice of many others. Their arrogance and ignorance is shameful. Gentleness and meekness do not mask the disturbing truth that some do not think there is the need today for watchmen - that we're safe! Their hatred for the watchman's warning are apparent. We're not made better because of it.

"Watchman, what of the night?" What dangers lie ahead tonight, dear watchman? Is it safe? Please warn us. Many of us know that we're never safe as long as we're in this life. This life is an unsafe place full of threats. We need help to make it through the night.

Watchmen, some of us still value your presence and rely on your help so we can be safe - and saved! Please maintain your post. Please ignore those who would belittle you, or ridicule your work. Please sound the warning if you see anything that might rob us of our soul.

What Should We Do?

This question is perhaps among the most asked questions of preachers, teachers and elders. Usually, there is some "fill-in-the-blank" after. What should we do about ___________?

Today, we want to offer a rather general approach to answer the question:

What should we do when another congregation becomes wayward?

The scriptures teach that the Lord's work, while universal, is accomplished only locally. There is no doubt about the truthfulness of the local congregations ability - and necessity - to behave as an autonomous body of Christ, all within the context of the church universal.

This simply means that each congregation stands on its own merits as a faithful congregation. If that congregation follows the scriptures in work and worship - that church is a sound church whether they're aware of others like them or not. It also means that if a congregation steps off the path of truth and digresses away from the Bible pattern, then that congregation's wayward behavior need not adversely affect other congregations. It's the wisdom of God that each congregation has the ability - the choice, if you will - to obey or rebel. And if a wayward spirit begins to run through one congregation, it need not affect other congregations unless they allow it.

One congregation has no authority over another. God's plan doesn't call for some man or group of men to be in charge of multiple congregations. One congregation's elders have no authority over another congregation. However, this doesn't mean that nothing can or should be done.

Steps must be taken to protect the flock when false doctrine is being taught at one congregation that may influence our congregation. Congregations should be fully informed of the facts of the wayward behavior of others so they can be duly warned. This might be done publicly or privately, or both.

Elders and teachers of the congregation are admonished to use the scriptures to warn and rebuke, to admonish and encourage. This need not - and should not - be done with any ill will or harsh judgments. It should be done in truth - fully representing the error of the other congregation - and with strong concern for the souls of all involved (both the faithful congregation and the wayward congregation). The flock must know of the dangers. They need to be informed of the error and warned to be on guard.

Next, the error must be refuted with scripture. The faithful congregation must have scriptural objection to the behavior and practices of congregations that veer from the Truth. Those objections should be publicly and privately taught so the members can be more fully informed of God's plan for the Church, and so each member can recognize their place in the Lord's Church.

The local congregation has the full authority - indeed, the responsibility - to police itself. It must do so. It must be fully informed of the dangers that lurk in the surrounding shadows. It must have leadership that will take charge to make sure the souls of the congregation are protected. It must also have leadership that will be bold to declare and defend the Truth.

Too many leaders fail to work for the congregation where they work and worship. Rather, they are busy listening to brotherhood wide talk, opinions and tactics. Seeking wise counsel is one thing. Seeking to tell or listen of some new thing is far different.

Sometimes a document circulates that is signed by preachers who vouch for a preacher, a congregation or a situation. Regardless of how we may feel about the names of those preachers listed, leaders of every congregation have an obligation to protect the flock where they live. The names of a few preachers at the bottom of a page never justifies unscriptural practices. Nor does it condemn practices that may be perfectly sound. The responsibility is on each congregation to have wise leadership capable of helping the members reach heaven.

Should a wayward congregation, or an unscriptural practice be exposed across our brotherhood? Yes. It must. The question really isn't whether it should be exposed, but how?

It should be done at the local level as we've described, but it may also be done in publications that are distributed throughout our brotherhood, or in websites (such as this one) - but why should that tactic be any different than the one imposed on the local church? It shouldn't.

A publication can easily expose the error by finding out exactly what happened - rarely have we've seen an unscriptural practice stay under wraps where you can't find out, with great certainty, what really happened. Usually, you can get brethren with direct involvement to readily admit the practice under question. So fact finding isn't often difficult.

Upon getting those facts, they can and should be reported so others can be aware and take caution. In some cases, preachers are involved. Congregations may have called upon a preacher to come speak for them, yet they may be unaware that he engaged in an unscriptural practice elsewhere. They need to know. They owe it to their members to protect their own flock from his unscriptural behavior or practices.

The sinful practice should be soundly and convincingly rebuked with scripture. We should - we must - tell our members why the practice is sinful and why it must be condemned. That way, members learn more of the Truth. Hopefully, they're able to stand on guard more vigilantly than before.

At all times, encouraging the wayward Christian to repent is the goal. This cannot happen if the Truth isn't used to shine light on their sin. By exposing the sinful practices of one unsound congregation we shine light on the sin - exposing it not only to others, but exposing it (Lord willing) to those who have practiced it.

What should we do about another congregation that engages in unscriptural practices?

1. Discover the facts. Easily done, usually.

2. Report those facts to the membership at our local congregation.

3. Rebuke the practice with scripture warning our local congregation of the dangers.

What can the brotherhood do?

The exact same things. We can report the facts, rebuke the practices with scriptures and warn others to be on guard for these errors.

Fending Off Weariness

2007 began by presenting many with new challenges. Death has already visited some homes. Ill health continues to plague many. The lack of updates speaks to the busy-ness that has already set in during the first quarter of a brand new year. More reasons for us to remember that this world is not our home and these bodies are not permanent.

The upside of life's adversities is that they make us realize the importance of things that matter most - eternal things, spiritual things. Weariness besets all of us at some point or another. The challenge is to fend it off and not allow it to camp out in our life. Even Christ grew tired and weary, but He would refresh Himself - often by retreating alone to speak with the Father and contemplate His purpose.

We should do the same. The scriptures speak of entering our closet to pray - teaching us that we don't pray to be seen of men and also teaching us that quiet time alone with God is valuable to the saint.

When life isn't much fun and your challenges seem bigger than you can handle - retreat to a place of quiet where you can pour out your heart to God. Speak to Him of your fears, your problems and plead for His help. Open the Scriptures and read. Think. Think of all your blessings. Thank God for all you've got - most of which you'll realize is taken for granted. Give yourself time to recharge.

And as you leave your closet - whatever place of solitude that may be - have a renewed determination that Heaven is worth whatever price you may be paying. Resolve to keep God first in your life. Life's burdens may not be lifted, but they'll be lighter. What you can't overcome, you must endure. With God's help we can all succeed in fending off the weariness that would capture our soul and cause us to lose heart - and quit.

You can never quit on God because He will never quit on you.

A New Year, An Old Life, A New Life and A Worn Path

We toss out the old 2006 calendars. We turn the page to a new month, a new year. Christians gathered privately and publicly to usher in a new year - together. Some of us welcomed in the new year by attending a gospel meeting where we opened the year with collective prayer. Some gathered in private homes to sing hymns and pray.

Some were missing. In 2006 some saints passed this stage of life to enter another realm. Some saints were absent because their tired, old bodies wouldn't propel them forward to attend another meeting. They're wearing out. They're growing tired. Like John on the secluded isle, they're desirous to be present even though it's physically impossible. Some were publicly remembered. Few noticed the absent of others. Old saints fade, but the work continues. Old Christians eventually die, but their influence of their lives continue.

New saints joined the army of the Lord in 2006. It's fitting that as age takes a heavy toll on the elder among us, it serves to mold the younger in the faith. God's plan of transitioning the fight from generation to generation is made possible, in part, by the passing of time. He doesn't count time as man does, but He has given us time to serve His purposes. Time provides experience to the inexperienced. It provides wisdom to the novice.

Together, the saints of all nations, walk a path that is no different now than it was in the first century. Time may make the path a bit more worn, but it doesn't damage the path in any way. Roads travelled may become broken, cracked and full of holes, but not this road. The road toward heaven is as pristine as when God first gave it. Perhaps it's because so few travel this road, but it's really because God gave it. His plan of salvation is as bright and shiny new today as it ever was. What it could do for Peter's audience at Pentecost - it still does today. Namely, it saves! It always has, it always will.

So while we let go of some hands because they're folded in death, we latch onto new hands of those born in the faith. We walk in unison toward the goal set before us. We're not members of a denomination. We're not walking according to our own designs. We're not blazing some new trails. We're walking where Christ walked. We're walking where saints of all ages have walked. The walk to heaven is sure. It's safe. It's well worn.

May the Lord bless His Church. May we use this new year - 2007 - to better serve Him, not ourselves. May we study His Word so we may serve Him better. May we pray more and rely on God more. May we guard our hearts and the hearts of our children. And may the Lord of Heaven bless us to uphold His Truth so we might stay on course so we can one day reach home.