A Moment In Time Jan 12th

<>< Greetings in the name of Jesus <><

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13--14)

In this new year we should all be pressing on toward the God's goal to win the prize for which He has called us. Our attitude should be -- Whatever It Takes, Anytime, Anywhere, Anyway, Whatever It Takes!

We should all, once again, affirm our commitment to work of the Great Commission given us by our Lord Jesus Christ -- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19--20)

Below is a call to radical commitment from Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, to God's people to declare their allegiance to Jesus Christ, and the work He has commissioned us to. My prayer is that we, as His disciples (especially the Harmony Baptist Church family) will view this declaration as our covenant with God.

A Call to Radical Commitment

by Rick Warren

Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling, and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying.

Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of His family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines of those running by me.

When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.

Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"

What does this mean? Today, I affirm this commitment to God and submit to His plans and purposes for my life, no matter what it takes!

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Join us this week as we worship together! "I Was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:1).

Meet your friends @ 9:15 AM. Worship @ Harmony begins with Sunday School -- "Your Place for family, friends, and faith!"

See you at 9:15! Have a great week, and remember -- God loves YOU!

Love you all,

Bro. Greg