Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!

Welcome To The Christian Journeyman!
A CHRISTIAN TEACHING AND RESOURCE MINISTRY!

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Our Journey With Jesus

"And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32) 

I remember growing up, we had a large picture of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the disciples on the Emmaus Road. When I would look at that picture, I would wonder, what it would have been like to have been traveling with the Lord on that day?

 My question to us today is: As we walk with Jesus, in our Christian walk, do we feel as the disciples did, when they talked with Jesus,on the road, while He was sharing God's Word with them? Does the time we spend with Jesus, inspire our hearts, and cause us to feel, the warmth of His presence in our hearts?

Sadly the road that we travel these days, doesn't involve Jesus.
And why? Because we are so focused on our own personal, self-centered pursuits. We have time to do all the things we choose to do. All the things, we feel we need to do. But do we feel the need to allow Jesus to travel with us? Do we take that precious time to spend with Him?

I like what Luke says, when he shares, that the disciples didn't know who they had been traveling with, until their eyes were opened, and then they knew that it was Jesus. (v.31) There have been many times, when Jesus has revealed Himself to me. Through a Scripture, that I was thinking about, or a song that someone sang, or something that someone said, that revealed a wonderful truth from God's Word.
And many times through prayer, and through the experiences I have had in my Christian walk.

I pray that Jesus is traveling with you today. Let this wonderful guest, bless your life, as only He can, in your journey through this life. GP

 Photo - Michael Shannon - Freely Photos - Traveling On The Road - http://freelyphotos.com/travelling-on-a-the-road/

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Doing God's Job For Him

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10) 

How would you feel if one day you walked into your place of work, and was told that you were replaced by someone else? That would not be a good experience.

 Kathleen Elkins in her article entitled: "Experts predict robots will take over 30% of our jobs by 2025 - and white-color jobs aren't immune" writes this: "Many people fear a jobless future — and their anxiety is not unwarranted: Gartner, an information technology research and advisory firm, predicts that one-third of jobs will be replaced by software, robots, and smart machines by 2025." (Businesssinsider.com)

 How does God feel when we step ahead of Him, and try to be self-sufficient? We won't believe that God in His time, and in His way, will provide for the things we need. The Apostle Paul was confident when he wrote: "And my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) 

There's no reason why we shouldn't place ourselves in a position to receive the blessings of God. But for us to step ahead of Him, and try to do His job for Him, will be very disappointing for us. And the reason is, that quite frankly, we won't be able to do it.

The Psalmist says: "Be still", stop trying to do it all. Get out of God's way, and watch Him work. It may not be overnight, but He will provide (at the right times) what we need. God is faithful, and His faithfulness will cause Him to be exalted in all the earth. GP

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Pulling Together

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ... (Philippians 2:1-5) 

I have heard of the word "Synergy". I didn't know what it meant, so I researched and found that *"Synergy" is defined as this: “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” In other words, you can do more with less. A laminated beam is an example of synergy. If 10 boards had a breaking point of 10 pounds each; when you laminated them together, the breaking point of the 10 boards together far surpasses 100 pounds (the sum of the parts).

We can accomplish more than we realize in the church, when we combine the sum of our love and abilities. What one horse can do pulling a load, two or more can do it more effectively and efficiently.

Enough of the power struggles in the church. It's time to pull together to effectively pursue the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) Matthew Henry said "the the more lowly minded we are, the more like minded we will become."

It will take all of us working together to accomplish the greatest work of the ages. Reconciling the world to our Savior Jesus Christ. Let's get together, and do it! GP

 *Trubyachievements.com

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Tuesday, February 21, 2017

God Has Four Gifts For You

I found a little poem, that relates four gifts that God gives to each one of us. When you look at the photo and read the poem, you will see what they are. But I would like to take each one, and apply Scripture to it.
 1. A Key For Every Problem. 
 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The key to every problem is knowing that in our Lord Jesus Christ, we can have peace, because He has overcome the world, and He will help us to have victory.
 2. A Light For Every Shadow 
 "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
If we follow Jesus, instead of the world, we will have the Light of Life, to light our way, through the shadows of uncertainty and despair.
 3. A Plan For Every Tomorrow 
 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." 
(Jeremiah 29:11)
What God has planned for our lives, is not an evil scheme to hurt us, or to destroy us, like that of Satan. But His plans for us is to give us a bright future, and a bright hope to hang on to.
 4. A Joy For Every Sorrow 
"For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." (Psalm 30:5) 
Whether it is because of the Lord's discipline, or because of the trials of life, sorrow does come for a time, but God replaces that sorrow with joy, because of the hope He gives us.

Four wonderful gifts God gives us.
In faith embrace them today, and be truly blessed! GP

Photo: j4jokes11's Bucket/Jeetu

Monday, February 20, 2017

Seeking Our Source

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."(2 Corinthians 9:8)

 When God said "Let there be light", and there was light..." in Genesis 1:3, God had not created the sun yet. So where did the light come from? I have read a few possibilities from various Bible scholars. But I don't want to spend this short time looking at them.

But what I do want to do is have us look at a very important point, in our Christian lives. To those who feel self-sufficient, and to those who become impatient, and feel the need to step ahead of God, our text is a good reminder of the fact, that we need to seek God first, who is our source for our needs, and what we need to accomplish His will for our lives.

The Apostle Paul says that "God is able" He has the provisions, and the power to "make all grace abound" to us. In His time, in His strength, and in His way, He will provide that which we need. And that which He provides will be "sufficient in all things, and for all times."

As I mentioned there are those of us, who feel that we don;t need God to provide what we need, we can do it all by ourselves. And there are those of us, that can't wait for God to provide these things, so we try to provide them; and in the process, we become disappointed, because we couldn't achieve it.

We need to have faith in our divine source. Yes, we must do our part. But we must wait for the goods to come (in what ever form God provides) and then be good stewards of the grace provided to us.

When we put God's business first, He will provide what we need to get His business done!
(Matthew 6:33) GP

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Friday, February 17, 2017

The Path Of Hate

"But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." 
(1 John 2:11)

 Can we disagree with people without hating them? That is the question that many are wondering about these days.

We've seen in the election of our new president, such avid hatred directed towards him, and his family. I do not want to make this post political, or have it be an endorsement for President Trump. I don't agree with everything he has said, or done.
But I do not hate him.

I want to address the attitude of hatred, and how damaging and destructive it is. The Apostle John writes in our text that if someone hates his/her brother, he/she is in darkness. This is spiritual darkness. They are destitute of spiritual light. They are not walking a path that is lit by the Jesus, (The Light of Life - John 8:12) but they are walking a path of selfish destruction.

Where hate is a destructive attitude, love is a building virtue, and one of productivity. How can get rid of the hatred in our hearts? By looking to Jesus, who is our great teacher of love, and concern. He did not agree with the Pharisees & Sadducees (The religious governing body of Israel, Matthew 23) but He did love them.

When we read Matthew 23:37, we see Jesus mourning over the city of Jerusalem (It's leaders, and the people) because of their lack of love and mercy, and their sins. He wanted to gather them to Him, as a hen gathers her chicks, but they would not let Him.

The path of hatred will never lead to peace and unity. That is what the Lord prayed we would have (John 17) Isn't that what we should want too? GP

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Thursday, February 16, 2017

The Prayer Of A Righteous Man

"...The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." (James 5:16b) 

 For us as Christians, prayer is our lifeline to heaven, straight to the throne of grace. In his letter, James shares how Elijah was a man of righteousness, and that his prayers had great effectiveness.

Remember the incident that is found in 1 Kings 17-18, with wicked King Ahab and Jezebel his queen. They had led Israel into the worship of Baal. God punished Israel by holding back the rain. For three and a half years there was no rain to support the crops, to produce any food. And then Elijah challenged the priest of Baal on Mount Carmel. All day long the priests cried out to their god, but no answer came. When the time for the evening sacrifice came, Elijah repaired the altar, and prepared the sacrifice. And then with one prayer, fire came down from heaven to consume the sacrifice. God heard Elijah's prayer.

I believe that God hears our prayers, and answers them according to His will for our lives. Prayer is not the least thing we can do, but it should be the first thing we do, and it will be the best thing, that we can do.

While we wait for the Lord to perform His will, we will be encouraged by His promises to take care of us, and His presence in our hearts, and in our lives. It is not a waste of time to pray. Prayer will accomplish more that we realize.

But it's up to us to make it a priority practice. It is a step of faith on our part, believing that this act of fellowship will accomplish much for us, for others, as we journey towards eternity. GP

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Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Our Calling

 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3)

 A pay phone is ringing in the middle of the hall. Some of the residents don't have time to answer the phone.
Others, don't feel it will pertain to them, so they ignore it. And then there are those who answer, to see if it might be for them, or for others.

In the Bible, we have the call of the Gospel; it is ringing for whoever will answer, and respond to the invitation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a call to receive Him as Savior, and to commit to a life of faith and service.

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Christians at Ephesus, encourages them to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. It is a walk of humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with others in love, and having an eagerness to maintain unity in the bond of peace. This is what the Lord Jesus has called us to.

To profess to be a Christian, and ignore, or neglect what is involved in our calling, is being disobedient to the will of God, for our lives. Our calling is not just a call to salvation, but it is a call to a Christian lifestyle and a life of service. We were not called to a walk, that we are to be apathetic about. We are called to a walk, that is steadfast and sure, just like the walk that Jesus took all the way to Jerusalem, and to a cross, for you, and for me! GP

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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

That Which Is Within

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." > "...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man." (2 Corinthians 4:16, Ephesians 3:16) 

We are not what we appear to be. We are spirit, soul, and body. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

The Apostle Paul writes about the "outward man" perishing, but the "inward man is being renewed day by day." To try to explain all this in a short time, would be very difficult. I don't know if I could explain it, even if I had all the time in the world. But my belief is that according to what the Apostle Paul teaches here: Our soul is the heart of the spiritual part of us. That inner part, that through the help of the Holy Spirit, can make a connection with God, and can be "renewed day by day." 

The spirit is our spiritual body, as we have a physical body. As we move, and have our being, our spiritual body moves with us. And this spiritual body, where the soul is at the heart, will someday, go to be with the Lord, for eternity. (John 14:1-3)

We are to take seriously, that which is within us, and make sure that this part of us, is as healthy as it can be. Through our feeding upon the Word of God, and the fellowship through prayer, we will keep the inner person spiritually healthy and strengthened, the further we go along our spiritual journey! GP

 geralt / 13791 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Friday, February 10, 2017

What Would God Have Us Do?

"President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that banned travel into the United States for citizens from these seven countries for 90 days: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The restrictions were part of wide ranging immigration controls that also suspended refugee arrivals."Jan 30, 2017" 
(BCC News) 

America has always laid out the welcome mat for those wanting to immigrate to our nation. Many stood, with tears in their eyes in Ellis Island, when they saw the Statue Of Liberty for the first time.
It was a sign of hope for new opportunities to achieve productivity and prosperity.

But the word that I have trouble with today, as I watch the news, and hear what is going on with the issues of Immigration, is the word "Illegal" There is nothing in the Bible that gives specific restrictions on immigration. In Deuteronomy 10:19 it says: "And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt." 

America is made up of many foreigners, who contribute to the muti-culture attributes of our nation. But the fact remains that here in America, we have immigration laws. Romans 13:1-7 makes it clear that God expects us to obey the laws of our governemnt, unless the law forces us to disobey a command of God. (Acts 5:29)

Too me, if you come to America, you are to respect the laws, that are in place. If you choose to stay, you are to follow the guidelines for citizenship. To be here "Illegally" is the breaking of national law.             And God is not pleased with that. God called us to be the "United States Of America." Let's not continue to be divided about this issue.

And above all, let's do what God would have us to do....together! GP

 d97jro / 62 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Thursday, February 9, 2017

A New Thing

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19) 

I have shared these familiar words in other posts concerning the past. "The past is a good place to visit, but certainly not a good place to stay."

The past is the place where we take a look at our good and bad memories. A place where we can learn from our mistakes. It is also a place where we can see the hand of God working in our lives. Through life's past experiences, God was with us, and helped us to grow, and mature, and develop a confidence that is stronger than before.

God had worked mightily in delivering the nation of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. But now He says (through the prophet Isaiah) "Behold, I am doing a new thing" Yes, the former mercies
must never be forgotten, but the new mercies must be embraced.
Israel was in Babylonian captivity because of their idolatry, and their disobedience to God's will for them as a nation. But God's promise to them was:"Now, I am doing something new", Not only would He bring them out of Babylon, but He would get them to their homeland.

 I know in my life, I am not the same person I used to be. God has brought deliverance and change. But He is working all the time on something new for me, and for you. The key is to submit totally to the will and purpose of God.

In trials, the Lord pulls us back like an arrow, and then in His time,
He lets us go, to hit the target of His will, and purpose for our lives.

Let us never be discouraged, because God is always doing: 
"A New Thing!" GP

 Keliblack / 22 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

A Decision To Decline

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it." (Matthew 16:18) 

I heard these disturbing words last week: "There is sure a lot of churches that are closing!" *"The United States Census Bureau Records give some startling statistics, backed up by denominational reports and the Assemblies of God U.S. Missions:"Every year more than 4000 churches close their doors compared to just over 1000 new church starts!There were about 4,500 new churches started between 1990 and 2000, with a twenty year average of nearly 1000 a year. Every year, 2.7 million church members fall into inactivity. This translates into the realization that people are leaving the church. From our research, we have found that they are leaving as hurting and wounded victims-of some kind of abuse, disillusionment, or just plain neglect!" * (Churchleadership.org) 

Prior to Jesus' statement in our text, Peter is commended for stating who Jesus is. "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." (v.16) 
Not only is Peter commended, but he is given the responsibility, that all Christians have, and that (as the church) we are to share with the world, who Jesus is, and what He did to save the world, from sin and eternal death. How can we accomplish this, if we keep on declining and quitting?

If we plug into the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be that mighty army that Satan cannot overpower. It comes down to having a strong handle on our purpose. (Matthew 28:19-20) Letting our light shine for Jesus, is our call, and commitment. How many people will come to the Savior, if we decide that the best thing to do is to decline, and eventually quit? GP

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Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Make Every Effort

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. ..." 
(1 Peter 1:5-10)

 We have heard these words from time to time: "Go out and "make" 
it a good day." And of course president Donald Trump's theme: "Let's "Make" America Great!" The word "make" indicates that we are to put forth some "effort." Not that we should do it all ourselves, but that in whatever we do, we are to put forth as much energy, passion, and determination as we can.

Peter writes in our text that we are to "make every effort" to add to our faith virtues that will add to our Christian character; and help us in being effective in knowing Christ, and being like Him, in our walk and service. There are things that the Lord wants us to be, and to do. The resources are available for us to accomplish it. but we are to do our part.
God is not going to spoon feed us.

One of the worst things for a Christian, is to be near-sighted, and and worse, blind to the person God wants us to be. We have been cleansed of our former sins, and given the opportunity to be like Jesus Christ, and be pleasing in the eyes of God.

God has done His part through His Son Jesus. Now it's time for us to do our part. It will be hard work to apply the Word of God to our stubborn selfish inner person. But in the long run, the results, will be truly  worth it! GP

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Monday, February 6, 2017

Love & Long Suffering

"Love suffers long, and is kind.."
 (1 Corinthians 13:4)

During the month of February, we focus on the subject of "LOVE"

It's easy to love those who love us back. No matter if it is family, friends, co-workers, those who we come in contact with at social events. It's easy to love the lovable. But what about those who are not so lovable? Not so easy!

Here is where the fruit of the Spirit "Long-suffering" comes in. (Galatians 5:22b) Another word that we can relate to "long suffering" is "patience." How patient are we with those who hurt us in some way?
Do we lose our tempers, do we avoid any contact with them because we don't want to experience their negative attitudes towards us?

If we are to love as Jesus loved, then we must suffer-long with people. The scribes and pharisees, challenged this virtue with Jesus.
And some of the words that Jesus shared with them, were hard words.
(Matthew 23)

Just because there are times, when we may have to be blunt, and say what must be said, does not mean that we don't love. Love is found in correction, as much as it is found in encouragement. Like a tree branch in the wind, we must learn to bend at times, in our relationships.

But who knows, what our patient love will accomplish; when in spite of what we must say, and do, We may cause the change that is necessary. We may cause the people we love to come to an understanding of God's will for their lives. That's what "long-suffering" can accomplish! GP

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Thursday, February 2, 2017

Yes, There Is A Cross

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let Him deny Himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24) 

I don't feel I am alone in dealing with the roughest part of following Jesus.
The roughest part of following Jesus is the taking up of our cross.

I have spent 41 years in the pastoral ministry, serving the Lord.
My family and I have fought many battles dealing with problems as I have served churches. I am not going to go into specifics, but there have been times, when I felt like the Apostle Paul when he wrote to the church at Corinth: "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia; that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life." 
(2 Corinthians 1:8) 

Walking in Jesus' shoes on the path of ministry is a very difficult journey to take. Maybe some have had joy all the way, but I would be bold to say, that they would be few and far between. I can not fault my Lord and Savior in leading me astray, because He was honest and direct when He said: "If you're going to follow Me, there will be a cross to bear, there will be difficulty."
I don't feel that we as Christians wanted to sign up for that. But we need to remember that this is what Jesus signed up for, when He went to the cross, to deliver us from our sins. So really, what is our excuse?

"Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free?
No, there's a cross for everyone, and there's a cross for me." GP

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Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Two Commitments

There are two commitments that people make in following Jesus. We find them in Luke 9:57-62

THE RASH COMMITMENT (Luke 9:57-58)
As Jesus was going along the road, someone said to Him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Isn't that the type of surrender Jesus wants from all of us? Yes, and no. Yes, He wants us to surrender ourselves. No, He doesn't want us to do it blindly, without thinking of the consequences.

The person who said that to Jesus, did not know that Jesus was headed to Calvary. That He was going to receive a cross before a crown. Jesus wanted the would be follower to understand what commitment to Him really meant. "The foxes have holes and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." 

This journey with Jesus will not be an easy one. Like the words of this hymn: "Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free? No there's a cross for everyone, and there's a cross for me." 

In our community, we are not persecuted like they are in other countries. In the Arab world, or in China. But we do experience persecution in subtle forms. If children attend a church activity instead of being with their team for a sporting event. It isn't long, and they are no longer on the team.

We may acquire the name, "holy Joe" if we refuse to listen to dirty jokes, or refuse to look at pornography. A Christian may lose his/her job is he/she doesn't go along with dishonest ethics. Or a Christian may be labeled "chicken" if they don't experiment with drugs or illicit sex.

In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, The Apostle Paul describes the commitment a soldier is to have: "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier."

A farm boy accidentally overturned a wagon load of corn of the road. A farmer who lived nearby went over to have a look and found the boy trying to right the tipped wagon. "Hey Willie" the farmer said, "Forget your troubles for a spell and come have dinner with us, I'll help you with that wagon after we eat." That's mighty nice of you, but Pa wouldn't like that." Willie replied. "Awe, come on Son, take a break!" the farmer insisted. "Well, OK" the boy finally agreed, "But Pa won't like it." After a hearty meal, Willie thanked the farmer. "I feel a lot better now, but I just know that Pa will by upset!" "nonsense" the farmer said, "Where is your Pa anyway? "Under the wagon!"
How many times do we put God under the wagon, and let Satan talk us into doing whatever we want to do? We need to take seriously our commitment to God. Is it 100%? or does God get the leftovers of our lives?

THE RESERVED COMMITMENT (Luke 9:59)
Jesus issued an invitation to another. This one had some reservations. "Permit me first to go and bury my father." While the first person was too ready, this person was too reserved. Jesus was already on the road (v.57) but this man wanted to wait awhile. His life was too crowded with other responsibilities. He did not feel free to go with Jesus. He could not let go of the worries of the world. Isn't that what we do? We put Jesus in second place, somewhere down the list of priorities in our lives.

We want to be called Christians, but we give first place to other plans. Maybe down the road, we'll invest in the cause of Christ. Maybe someday. Will that someday ever come? And Satan whispers in our ears, "that we have plenty of time." 

I remember as a boy growing up on the farm. My father in teaching me how to plow a field, told me to pick something across the other end of the field and to keep my eyes on it. In so doing, I would plow a straight furrow. You cannot have a straight furrow if you keep looking back. It's the same in the Christian life. To have success in the Christian life, we must keep our focus on Jesus at all times. So let's know the commitment we are making, and never ever put it off. (GP)

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