On January 3, 2010, the first Sunday of the New Year,
we were challenged with a Mandate: Pursue God!
"But you. man of God, flee from all of this, and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, iove, endurance and gentleness." (I Timothy 6:11)
That is quite a challenge...but one that would undoubtedly bring our lives
into much closer alignment with what God envisions for us. PURSUE GOD! For
one entire year...365 days...52 weeks... 12 months! PURSUE GOD! On the job...in
your marriage...in your parenting... in your school...in your friendships...in
the church...in your ministry...in every decision! PURSUE GOD! And experience
first hand the difference it will make in your life...your family...the
lives of others around you. Discover the impact it will have on the life/ministry
of First Baptist in its 150th year and in the communities we live in! PURSUE
GOD! By the time you receive this Beacon, we will be one full month in the
New Year. How is your pursuit going? Do you sense His presence in a renewed
way? Are you discovering how willing God is to guide us and equip us to
live each day of our lives in a manner that brings meaning and purpose?
Or are you discouraged...even ready to quit the pursuit? If you remember,
the very next verse of the passage bluntly informs us just what it takes
to pursue God...
" Fight the good fight of the faith." Our pursuit of God is going
to meet resistance every step of the way! You want to grow in your walk
with Christ. Guess what...the ancient enemy will do everything he can to
stunt your growth, discourage you, and get you to give up! But never give
up!
"Fight the good fight of the faith!" How? Immerse yourself in
His Word... in Prayer... in Worship... in Service/Ministry. Understand and
accept the realities of spiritual warfare. Seek out others who have the
same desire to pursue God and get together regularly, encouraging each other
and holding each other accountable to your commitment. And never give up!
Never back down! I find great encouragement in the words of the Apostle
John:
"The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
(I John 4:4) Let's continue to hold firmly to the Mandate of 2010: PURSUE
GOD! Running alongside of you,
Pastor Joel