NEW YEAR’S MESSAGES – Mircheal Jones

Successful People are Goal Setters. They have a Desire to accomplish something plus the Discipline needed to turn that “Dream” into a reality (Have a Dream, Tell a Dream, Do a Dream). As we begin a new year we all need to re-evaluate our goals and determine to do the best we can to accomplish them.

FIRST GOAL DANGER– Not setting a Goal- Pr 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish:

SECOND GOAL DANGER “Only General Goals”.

A) No Specific Goal- He who aims at nothing normally hits it! You must know where you’re going and what you hope to accomplish. A General Goal that simply says, “I want to do better” will never motivate you to specific action.

B) No Stable Goal- It’s important that we have DEFINABLE GOALS because A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). General goals change with your feelings and your circumstances.

List 3 to 5 Goals you want to accomplish this year in your Spiritual Life; Your Family Life; Your Personal Life; In the Church.

THIRD GOAL DANGER– “Wrong Goals”. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. (Luke 15:13) It would be a disaster to spend your life attempting to accomplish a specific goal and then find it was the wrong thing to do. Many Goals are based on Popular opinion rather than Godly determination. Society’s values may look good in the short term but they reap the wrong reward in eternity.

How do you determine a right goal:

1. It agrees with the Teaching of God’s word.

2. It is not just to ease our fears or pad our ego- Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (James 4:3). {A good thing to do is to share your goals with a good friend or family member to determine if you have a “blind spot” about it}.

3. The Goal is something that can be accomplished– I’m fat and bald; I can lose weight but I can’t grow hair! Some people’s goals are to change their mates or children into something they can’t be. Once my goal was to be a great Preacher; but I don’t have that “special something” that attracts people. Now my Goal is to make other Preachers (and People) great.

FOURTH GOAL DANGER– “Not Finishing the Goal”

A) No Follow up. Like New Year’s Diets, it only last a few days.

B) The Goal becomes the Goal; you lose sight of WHY you are doing what you’re doing. Church building programs are bad about this. Instead of growth when the building is completed, everyone seems to think that the whole purpose was simply to build the building. They relax, become lukewarm, and soon don’t need the building!

C) No Flexibility- The Goal is not allowed to grow along with you (Paul wanted to preach the Gospel to the Jews. When they would not hear the Gospel he (under God’s direction) went to the Gentiles). Goals are simply Guidelines to motivate us to greater service. If God opens a bigger door, get a bigger goal!!

WHAT DO YOU AIM TO ACCOMPLISH FOR GOD THIS YEAR??- A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps (Prov 16:9).

PURSUING A GOAL FOR GOD

Menu 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 (Phil 3:13-14).

As we begin a new year, we, like Paul, need to determine to accomplish God’s will for our life. Let’s look at several guidelines to help us as we Pursue our Goals for God.

1. DOES THE GOAL GLORIFY GOD?- Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). Many of the goals we want to accomplish will glorify ourselves- lose weight, be better workers, etc. Do you have a Goal that will glorify God and make you a better Christian??

2. IS THE GOAL GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE? David wanted to build the temple but God wanted Solomon to do that. Paul wanted to go to Asia and preach to the Jews. God wanted him in Europe preaching to the Gentiles. Is it God’s Plan or your plan??

3. WILL THE GOAL DRAW YOU CLOSER TO GOD OR TEMPT YOU TO STRAY FROM GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU? Can you stand the stress and temptation of the accomplishing the Goal? Some people want to work with drug addicts but they would be tempted to take drugs. God may use you to help drug addicts but in an entirely different area than you want.

4. WILL THE GOAL BUILD UP OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST OR ARE YOU BUILDING YOUR OWN LITTLE KINGDOM? The man who made the world famous Stradivarius Violins couldn’t play in concert but he could build great violins. (Most church divisions come from people building their kingdom instead of God’s kingdom)

5. DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH FAITH IN YOUR DREAM TO MAKE IT PUBLIC? Have a Dream, Tell a dream, do a dream. Public proclamation.

6. DO OTHER PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR GOAL AS GODLY? Not public Opinion but confirmation by other brothers.

7. ARE YOU DEVELOPING AS THE GOAL DEVELOPS SO THE GOAL WILL HAVE A FOUNDATION OF STABILITY? Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; (Isa 54:2)

8. IS YOUR GOAL SOMETHING YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED BY? By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh (Heb 11:4).

9. ARE YOU WILLING TO WORK ON YOUR GOAL UNTIL IT’S TIME FOR FRUIT? And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal 6:9)

10. ARE YOU WILLING TO QUIT YOUR GOAL IF DIRECTED BY GOD? Don’t let your goal become your God.

Are you just running thru life or are you pursuing a Goal for God? What a horrible thing to come to die and then find you’ve just been spinning your wheels.

COMMIT

Menu The word “Commit” is used 2 main ways in Scripture:

1) “To do something”- as in “to Commit Adultery” (Used this way more than with anything else).

2) “To entrust for care”- as in to commit something for safe keeping.

We are going to use the second form of “Commit” in today’s message. We are going to look at 7 things we Entrust (Commit) to the Lord and then see the results of trusting God with these things.

Let’s begin with several basic, but very important, principles:

1> God expects us to commit some things to Him- That is the basis of a loving Relationship- Trust.

2> God will take care of what we commit to Him- Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Pet 5:7).

3> God will multiply what we commit to Him- He that ministereth seed to the sower will both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness (II Cor 9:10)

COMMIT THESE 7 THINGS TO THE LORD:

CAUSE: I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: (Job 5:8).

For Justice: Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? (Gen 18:25). Don’t trust in your own schemes; trust in God’s directions.

b) For Vengeance: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Rom 12:19).

WAYS: Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass (Psa 37:5). Get on God’s Path for your life

WORKS: Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established (Prov 16:3). God takes the worry out of works when we trust Him. When you follow God’s leadership you find a peace that passes understanding as you trust in God’s care and guidance.

RICHES: If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:11). Be careful how you handle money. It will show who you really trust.

GOSPEL: And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also (2 Tim 2:2). Throw a “rock of testimony” into the pond of life and watch the ripples fan out.

SPIRIT: Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth (Psa 31:5). Jesus committed Himself to God’s will; so should we.

SECURITY OF SOULS: Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (1 Pet 4:19). Pain or problems can’t separate us from the Love of God. I have committed to God; and God is committed to me. Glory!

Are your trying to carry life’s burdens on your own. Commit them to God. You can trust Him, now and forever.

Exodus 12:1-2, 14 A DOUBLE LOOK

Menu My glasses are curved so sometimes I can look in the corner of them and see what’s behind me as well as look ahead. As we “close the books on 1988” and begin a new year I want us to take this kind of a “double look” at where we are- Looking back at where we’ve come from and looking ahead to where we’re going. This type of review and rededication is a good practice; and one used throughout the Bible. It’s also a good time to examine our personal relationships with each other and with the Lord and make any necessary corrections.

A TIME OF REFLECTION on the Year’s:

A) Accomplishments-

Jan- Received new Big Screen TV- Beginning of Video Ministry

Feb- Remodel Front of Church- New impetus to Choir

Mar- Begin Children’s Church Ministry- Hope and Kathy

April- New Shrubs for church/timber down around New Hymnbooks-choir

May- Wall in fellowship building for Children’s Church Room

June- Baptise Yvette Poston, Sandy Mathis, Damon Runion

July- New PA System for Church, New Hymn books for church

August- Receive new Choir Chairs

September- $2,300 for Carlisle Hanna at Home Coming

Oct- Music Classes with Tommy Graham

Nov- Begin Videoing Services (Don Lewis)

Dec- $4,620 in White Christmas, Great Adult Musical and Children’s program.

Stress Memorize books of Bible, Ten Commandments, 12 Disciples; with great participation.

Music Ministry was greatly helped as Anne Thigpen began playing Organ full time, choir was remodeled and new hymnbooks were purchased, new PA system gave us better sound and ability, and a renewed enthusiasm was shown in our choir’s ministry by its members.

B) Anguishes- Deaths, Disease, “Disasters”

A TIME OF REACHING FORTH TO NEW GOALS:

1. Expanded Music Ministry- Robes, Tapes, Groups

2. Begin T V Ministry

3. Average over 75 in SS 45-in 86 47-in 87 57-in 88

4. Look to appoint building committee for new Sanctuary in Jan of 1990!! Need everything repaired and ready so all finances can be funneled into this project.

A TIME OF RENEWAL AND REDEDICATION:

A) Committed to Church work- need Teen Teachers, Puppets, yard workers, odd job (Lights in CC Room, roof fixed, front window fixed..), New Bulletin boards each month, etc

B) Committed to Christ- Deeper Love and Devotion, Greater Service to Him and others.

In today’s scripture, God delivered His People from Egypt by the Blood and then sent them on a journey to the Promised Land. They faced Battles; had to be educated in God’s law at Mt Sinai; and learned to live by Faith in God’s Provisions. God wants to do the same for you today- He wants to deliver you from bondage and give you what you heart craves:

There are 3 things every man needs:

1. Significance- meaning to life Purpose

2. Satisfaction- Peace

3. Security- Protection

Each of these is found in accepting Christ as Savior and Serving Him with your life. A Place in the Body of Christ, Peace with God and the Peace OF God; and God’s Protection now and to come. Why don’t you begin the New Year with a New Birth???

STABILITY FOR NEW YEAR

Here are some guidelines that will help you stay “Christian Strong” in the coming year:

1. Remember your foundation: Psa 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and ESTABLISHED my goings.

2. Receive and use your spiritual gift: Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be ESTABLISHED;

3. Recognize the things that are influencing you and learn to distinguish the good from the bad: Prov 20:18 Every purpose is ESTABLISHED by counsel: and with good advice make war.

4. Rely on Bible Guidelines to direct your activities: Acts 16:4 5 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches ESTABLISHED in the faith, and increased in number daily.

5. Resist anything that leads you away from your Faith IN and Commitment TO God’s Word: Heb 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be ESTABLISHED with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

A new year is now here, Lord Jesus,

Expectantly I enter it.

Not knowing what is ahead, I lean on you.

If it be happiness,

let me wear it graciously;

If it be sorrow,

let me wear it bravely;

If it be frustration,

let me wear it trustingly;

If it be wealth,

let me wear it thankfully;

If it be proverty,

Let me bear it proudly;

If it be sickness,

let me bear it cheerfully

If it be health,

Let me use it serving you;

If it be emptiness,

let me fill it with you.

Lord Jesus, I do not ask for happiness, Only Joy;

I do not ask for wealth, only richness in you;

I do not ask for health, only strength from you;

so whatever you send my way in this new year,

can be face leaning on you.

Ruth Graham Dienert

Phil 3:13-14 GOALS FOR GOD

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 (Phil 3:13-14).

As we begin a new year, we, like Paul, need to determine to accomplish God’s will for our life. Let’s look at several guidelines to help us as we Pursue our Goals for God.

1. DOES THE GOAL GLORIFY GOD?- Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). Many of the goals we want to accomplish will glorify our selves- lose weight, be better workers, etc. Do you have a Goal that will glorify God and make you a better Christian??

2. IS THE GOAL GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE? David wanted to build the temple but God wanted Solomon to do that. Paul wanted to go to Asia and preach to the Jews. God wanted him in Europe preaching to the Gentiles. Is it God’s Plan or your plan??

3. WILL THE GOAL DRAW YOU CLOSER TO GOD OR TEMPT YOU TO STRAY FROM GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU. Can you stand the stress and temptation of accomplishing the Goal? Some people want to work with drug addicts but they would be tempted to take drugs. God may use you to help drug addicts but in an entirely different area than you want.

4. WILL THE GOAL BUILD UP OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST OR ARE YOU BUILDING YOUR OWN LITTLE KINGDOM? The man who made the world famous Stradivarius Violins couldn’t play in concert but he could build great violins (Most church divisions come when people build THEIR kingdom instead of GOD’S Kingdom.)

5. ARE YOU DEVELOPING AS THE GOAL DEVELOPS SO THE GOAL WILL HAVE A FOUNDATION OF STABILITY? Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; (Isa 54:2). Never stop learning!

6. DO OTHER PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR GOAL AS GODLY? (Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain– Galatians 2:1-2).

Not Public Opinion but confirmation by other Christians.

7. ARE YOU WILLING TO WORK ON YOUR GOAL UNTIL IT’S TIME FOR FRUIT? And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal 6:9)

8. ARE YOU WILLING TO QUIT YOUR GOAL IF DIRECTED BY GOD? Paul “Finished his course”. Do not let your goal become your God.

9. DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH FAITH IN YOUR DREAM TO MAKE IT PUBLIC? Have a Dream, Tell a dream, do a dream. Public proclamation leads to consistent commitment.

10. IS YOUR GOAL SOMETHING YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED BY? By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh (Heb 11:4).

Are you just running life’s “rat race” or are you pursuing a Goal for God? What a horrible thing to come to the time of your death and find you have spent your life “spinning your wheels chasing a rat”.

BE STRONG

Menu Walter Bruce Grimes

O Soul of mine, be strong!
Make this a glad New Year,
And life one grand sweet song,
Some other life to cheer;

No time has thou to dream
Or waste life’s precious hour
While borne upon life’s stream,
Waste not thy manly dower.

Amid life’s busy din,
O Soul, think not of rest!
Great battles thou must win
Make this New Year thy best

O Soul of mine, be strong,
Let noble passion sway,
And Love’s triumphant son
Make glad each passing day!

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

A.B. Simpson

Lord I would ask for a Holy year,
Spent in Thy perfect will;
Help me to walk in Thy very steps
Help me to please Thee still.
Lord, I would ask for a busy year,
Filled up with service true;
Doing with all Thy Spirit’s might
All that I find to do.
Lord I would ask for a year of hope,
Looking for Thee to come,
And hastening on that year of years
That brings us Christ and Home.
Another year is dawning,
Dear Father let it be,
In working or in waiting,
Another year with thee.
Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.
Another year is dawning,
Dear Father, let it be,
On earth, or else in heaven,
Another year for thee.

As another year is dawning, I want it to be one that richly counts for God. I want it to be a spiritually prosperous and productive year. I want it to be the kind of year that I will look back in the years to come and view it as one of the best years of my life as far as eternal things are concerned.

An unknown author has written:

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Jonathan Edwards, the great American preacher from the 1700’s, was known for making covenants with God. He referred to them as resolutions. He had 70 such resolutions that he made when he was age 20 and read them once a week. For example, resolution number three read, “Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.”

Someone said, “Complacency is a blight that saps energy, dulls attitudes, and causes a drain on the brain. Complacency makes people fear the unknown, mistrust the untried, and abhor the new.”

We need a burning heart to keep us from getting complacent, from becoming satisfied with things as they are, rejecting what could be, and accepting the good instead of the best. A burning heart will keep us reaching higher, aiming further, seeking more, and going forward. It will keep us growing.

You will notice the source of David’s burning heart. He says in verse 3, “While I was musing the fire burned.” It was while meditating that his heart began to burn. Meditation is a match that ignites a fire in the heart. Meditating on God’s goodness and grace, His word and work, His power and plan will create a spiritual heartburn.

Gypsy Smith was once asked why God had used him in the way He had through the years and his answer was, “I never lost the wonder of it all.”

Vance Havner said, “They were right in their chronology and in their theology, but they had no doxology.” The fire had gone out in their heart.

A. B. Simpson said, “Our God has boundless resources. The only limit is in us. Our asking, our thinking, our praying are too small, our expectations are too limited.”

Let the words of the hymn writer Edwin Hatch be your prayer:

Breathe on me, Breath of God;

‘Till I am wholly Thine:

Until this earthly part of me

Glows with Thy fire divine.

F.B. Meyer’s NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

1. Make a daily, definite consecration of yourself audibly to God.

2. Tell God that you are willing to be made willing about everything.

3. Reckon on Christ to do His part perfectly.

4. Confess sin instantly.

5. Hand over to Christ every temptation and every care.

6. Keep in touch with Christ. (Read the Bible, good books; pray; seek places and people where Christ is welcome.)

7. Expect the Holy Spirit to work in, with, and for you.

DIARY OF A BIBLE

A prisoner, condemned to solitary confinement, obtained a copy of the Bible and by three years of careful study, obtained the following facts The Bible contains 3,886,489 letters; 773,692 words; 31,173 verses; 1,189 chapters, and 66 books. The word “and” occurs 46,277 times. The word “word” occurs 1,855 times. The middle verse is the 8th verse of the 118th Psalm. The 21st verse of the 7th chapter of Ezra contains all the letters of the alphabet except the letter J. The 19th chapter of II Kings and the 37th chapter of Isaiah are alike. The longest verse is the 9th of the 8th chapter of Esther. The shortest verse is the 35th verse of the 11th chapter of St. John. The 8th, 15th, 21st, and 31st verses of the 107th Psalm are alike. Each verse of the 136th Psalm ends alike.

All of this seems like too much to comprehend; and too time consuming to try to read it all, but at pulpit rate, did you know that:

It takes 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible?

It takes 52 hours and 20 minutes to read the Old Testament?

It takes 18 hours and 20 minutes to read the New Testament?

The Psalms take longest to read: (4 hours and 28 minutes.)?

The Gospel of Luke takes 2 hours and 43 minutes?

That in less than 12 minutes a day you can read the Bible through in a year???

JANUARY: A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks. They have forgotten me now.

FEBRUARY: My owner used me for a few minutes last week. He had been in an argument and was looking up some references.

MARCH: Grandpa visited us. He kept me in his lap for an hour reading I Cor.13.

APRIL: I had one busy day. My owner was appointed leader of something and used me. I got to go to church services for the first time this year, Easter Sunday.

MAY: I have a few green stains on my pages. Had some early spring flowers pressed in me.

JUNE: I look like a scrap book. They have stuffed me full of clippings from the newspaper. One of the girls got married.

JULY: They put me in a suitcase today. I guess we are off on a vacation. I wish I could stay at home, since I will probably have to stay in this thing for a month.

AUGUST: Still in the suitcase.

SEPTEMBER: Back home again and in my old place. Have a lot of company. Two “True Stories” and four “funny books” are on top of me. I wish I could be read as much as they are.

OCTOBER: They used me a little today. One of them is very sick. Right now I am shined up and in the center of the table. I guess the preacher is coming.

NOVEMBER: Back in my old place.

DECEMBER: They are getting ready for Christmas, so I guess I’ll be used as part of the decorations again.

IF YOUR BIBLE’S DIARY WERE PUBLISHED, WHAT WOULD ITS STORY BE?

NEW YEAR’S SERMON TOPICS

Untrodden Ways: “Ye have not passed this way heretofore” (Josh.3:4)

Another Opportunity: “Ye made it again” (Jer.18:4)

Resolutions for the New Year: “I am resolved what to do” (Lk.16:4)

Need of Haste: “Brethren, the time is short” (I Cor.7:29)

New Year Optimism: “Tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Josh.3:5)

A New Man in a New Year: “If any man be in Christ…” (II Cor.5:17)

The Very Best Time: “Behold, now is the accepted time,…” (II Cor.6:2)

The Source of Power: “But ye shall receive power,…” (Acts 1:8)

An Open Confession: “I will declare what he hath done for my soul” (Ps.66:16)

A Good Resolution: “I will arise and go to my father” (Lk.15:18)

Seeking the Lord, Our Immediate Duty: “It is time..” (Hos.10:12)

Unexpected Blessings: “I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked”

(I Kgs.3:13)

WHY SHOULD YOU BRING YOUR FAMILY TO SUNDAY SCHOOL?

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND SUNDAY SCHOOL???

1. God commands it DEU 6:6-7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

2. It can lead your Child to Salvation and spare him or her from everlasting Hell II Tim 3:15 That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3. It forms a spiritual heritage in the Child II Tim 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

4. Jesus wants your child here Matt 19:14 Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the Kingdom of heaven.

WILL YOUR EXCUSE FOR MISSING CHURCH CONDEMN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO HELL?

Perfect Attendance Records Mrs. Harry C Morgan of Greene Street Presbyterian Church of Augusta Ga reached 45 years of perfect attendance 2340 consecutive SundaysMiss Jennie C Powers of Philadelphia, Pa attended 56 years and 4 months total of 2938 Sundays

Roland e Daab of Columbia, Illinois holds the Guinness Book of Records mark . On May 23, 1976, he attended his 3,000th consecutive Sunday School session. An unbroken string of over 57 years.

The last sentence in Sir Walter Scott’s Journal was never finished. His life abruptly ended mid sentence, “Tomorrow we shall…”!!!!

I talk with people almost every week who INTEND to get their heart right with God SOMEDAY; who plan to become regular in Church SOMEDAY. Like the man who jumped from the airplane with an Umbrella for a parachute, they find that GOOD INTENTIONS don’t help much when you come down to the “nitty Gritty”. I wonder how many of you that read this newsletter today need to stop INTENDING and start DOING as far as your relationship with God is concerned?? Heb 3:7 11 To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER INTO MY REST.

Job 22:2 PLANNING TO BE PROFITABLE UNTO GOD

Job 22:2 “Can a man be profitable unto God.”

Planning (making resolutions) is not unscriptural!! (In fact, many times, both private and public resolutions are very helpful; e.g. [a] private – not just swayed by the emotion of the moment, but a calm, well thought out resolution between you and God. [b] public – there is a positive aspect to that as well; There is a strengthening – ISA 35:3 “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.”ISA 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. “LUK 22:32 “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. “Also, a combined resolution has combined powers – ECC 4:12 “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.)”

The problems arise when we plan just our wants, desires, etc.(“I’m going to make a million dollars…”). In the light of MAT 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you“; let’s look at some things that we believe will be profitable spiritually.

First, if we are going to inventory and plan, we need to see what is profit and what is loss. Paul gives us some idea of this in PHI 3:7 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”

So, then, as odd as it may seem, in order to gain, there are some things that are profitable to lose.

* Self-reliance 2CO 12:10 “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

* Pride PRO 29:23 “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”

* Worry PRO 14:26 “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge” PRO 3:26. “For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken” 1JO 5:14-15. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us; And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

2 Bitterness EPH 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.“

And the list goes on——

It also points out the fact that there are some things that we lose if we gain, e.g. Our wants – Solomon is a perfect scriptural example of this; ECC 2:1 “I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.”4-11 “I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” He got his “wants,” but at what cost?

Notes on wants—-Why do you want what you want?..e.g. eat a big meal, sit down and watch t.v. and in a few minutes you begin to “want” anything from a big mac to a sarah lee cake. Not because your body needs, or even wants that, but you have been told over and over that it is good and you should desire it (subliminal suggestion).

Why do kids want the toys they want (when so many times they enjoy the box it came in more than the toy)? Why do parents buy children things that they (the parents) want? Most of the time it is because they have been told in some commercial that this is the “in” toy and that their child cannot possibly be happy without it. We’ve really created a trap for ourselves when we think that we can ever get what we “want” and really be satisfied with it. (By the way, advertisers didn’t think this idea up: it began in the Garden of Eden).

3 Now think about it. Adam and Eve had everything they needed, in fact, were in paradise; and you know what messed it up? Want! I think today that Christians should give serious thought to taking a list of their wants, place them on the altar, and give them to God. In light of this, one of the ways that you will gain for the Lord this year is by losing wants.

To further emphasize this point, if we never have needs, we miss the blessing of having those needs provided;

—————————————————————–

One by one He took them from me.

All the things I valued most

Until I was empty-handed;

Every glittering toy was lost.

And I walked earth’s highways, grieving,

In my rags of poverty

Till I heard His voice inviting

“Lift your empty hands to Me!”

So I held my hands toward heaven,

And He filled them with a store

Of His own transcendent riches

Till my hands could hold no more.

And at last I comprehended

With my stupid mind and dull

That God could not pour His riches

Into hands already full.

Martha Nicholson

So, you see, you don’t always gain by obvious gains, and you don’t always lose by obvious losses. I remind you of the title of the message, “Planning to be profitable to God.” What would it profit you if you gained the whole world, and lost your own soul?

A NEW YEAR

Ruth Graham Dienert

A new year is now here, Lord Jesus,

Expectantly I enter it.

Not knowing what is ahead, I lean on you.

If it be happiness,

let me wear it graciously;

If it be sorrow,

let me wear it bravely;

If it be frustration,

let me wear it trustingly;

If it be wealth,

let me wear it thankfully;

If it be poverty,

Let me bear it proudly;

If it be sickness,

let me bear it cheerfully

If it be health,

Let me use it serving you;

If it be emptiness,

let me fill it with you.

Lord Jesus, I do not ask for happiness, Only Joy;

I do not ask for wealth, only richness in you;

I do not ask for health, only strength from you;

so whatever you send my way in this new year,

can be face leaning on you.

I AM THE NEW YEAR ARTICLE

I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have – these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew you allegiance to Him who said, “Behold, I make all things new.”

STEP BY STEP

He does not lead me year by year

nor even day by day,

But step by step my path unfolds,

My Lord directs my way.

Tomorrow’s plans I do not know

I only know this minute!

But He will say “This is the

way, By faith now walk ye in it.”

And I am glad that it is so; today

is enough to bear.

And when tomorrow comes, His grace

shall far exceed its care.

What need to worry then or fret?

The God who gave His son

holds all my moments in His hand

and gives them one by one.

****************************************

This year I will not fret

Last year I did not get

A single thing that way.

So I won’t fret, I’ll pray.

This year I will not doubt

Last year I did without

A lot of peace that way.

So I won’t doubt, I’ll pray.

This year I will not ask

Last year I found each task

Had answers for each day.

So I won’t ask, I’ll pray.

THE MASTER’S WILL

Frances L. Hess

The Master’s will, for this I pray, Whatever it may be!

I do not want to miss Your best; Reveal it, Lord, to me.

My own desires may lead me wrong, I must consult my God;

His counsel will be justified, When all the way I’ve trod.

O soul of mine, delight in Him! His Word discern, obey!

The plan you seek to know will then unfold from day to day.

We do not live our lives alone: If I am in God’s will,

The lives of others will be helped, His purpose to fulfill!

My all, O Lord, I give to You, My body, mind and soul;

May all the days that lie ahead, be under Your control.

WHAT ARE GODLY GOALS??

Successful People are Goal Setters. They have a Desire to accomplish something plus the Discipline needed to turn that “Dream” into a reality. As we begin a new year we all need to re-evaluate our goals and determine to do the best we can to accomplish them.

FIRST DANGER- “Only General Goals”.

A) No Specific Action- He who aims at nothing normally hits it! You must know where you’re going and what you hope to accomplish. A General Goal that simply says, “I want to do better” will never motivate you to specific action.

B) No Stable Action- It’s important that we have DEFINABLE GOALS because A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). General goals change with your feelings and your circumstances.

List 3 to 5 Goals you want to accomplish this year in your Spiritual Life; Your Family Life; Your Personal Life; In the Church.

SECOND DANGER- “Wrong Goals”. It would be a disaster to spend your life attempting to accomplish a specific goal and then find it was the wrong thing to do.

Many Goals are based on Popular opinion rather than Godly determination. Society’s values may look good in the short term but they reap the wrong reward in eternity.

How do you determine a right goal:

1. It agrees with the Teaching of God’s word.

2. It is not just to ease our fears or pad our ego- Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (James 4:3). {A good thing to do is to share your goals with a good friend or family member to determine if you have a “blind spot” about it}.

THIRD DANGER- “Finishing the Goal”

A) No Follow Thru: Like New Year’s Diets, the Goal only last a few days.

C) No Flexibility: The Goal is not allowed to grow along with you (Paul wanted to preach the Gospel to the Jews. When they would not hear the Gospel he (under God’s direction) went to the Gentiles). Goals are simply Guidelines to motivate us to greater service. If God opens a bigger door, get a bigger goal!!

WHAT DO YOU AIM TO ACCOMPLISH FOR GOD THIS YEAR??- A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps (Prov 16:9).

FIRST THINGS FIRST

In the hectic pace we live at today it’s very difficult to get your priorities in order. The important must be shoved aside while we do the necessary and increasing stress is now accepted as a way of life.

We need to find out What our Priorities are and then instigate a workable plan for these Priorities. Some of the important Priorities in our life should be:

1. PUT GOD’S KINGDOM AHEAD OF YOUR OWN-

A> In Actions- But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Mat 6:33). Are we really seeking to build the Kingdom of God or are we seeking to get as much for ourselves as we can?? How will our actions change if we seek to build God’s Kingdom while trusting Him to supply our needs?

B> In Attitudes- And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all (Mark 9:35). Putting God’s Kingdom first in our attitude means going directly against the grain of the world. We’ll have to learn to discard everything the world says and does and find that being first means being last.

2. CORRECT WHO YOU ARE ON THE INSIDE INSTEAD OF TRYING TO IMPRESS PEOPLE WITH A FALSE FRONT-

A> Don’t be a “pretty graveyard” full of dead men’s bones. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also (Mat 23:26). It’s not enough to just quit drinking and running around; you must develop the fruits of the Spirit- Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.

B> Don’t be a Hypocrite. Be Willing to be judged by the same judgment you judge others by. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye (Mat 7:5).

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (John 8:7). Forgive as you have been forgiven. Expect change in yourself as you do in others.

3. GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT AT HOME-

A> Compassion- But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God (1 Tim 5:4).

B> Respect- Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise (Eph 6:2).

C> Witnessing- He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ (John 1:41).

4. PUT GOD FIRST IN YOUR GIVING:

A> GIVE YOURSELF AND THEN YOUR GIFT- And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God (2 Cor 8:5).

B> GIVE GOD THE BEST YOU HAVE- The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God (Exo 23:19)

C> GIVE CONSISTENTLY- Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come (1 Cor 16:2).

D> RECONCILE YOUR BROTHER BEFORE YOU OFFER YOUR GIFT TO GOD- Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift (Mat 5:24). You can’t buy your way to God. If you say you love God and hate your brother; you’re a liar, and your loot won’t change that.

5. PUT GOD FIRST IN YOUR WEEK- And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight (Acts 20:7). If your week is too busy to include time for God then you need to rethink your life plan. The things you’re spending all your time on now won’t matter 1000 years from now but your relationship with God will matter for eternity.

6. PUT GOD FIRST IN YOUR LIFE- Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment (Mat 22:37-38).

If your love is right your life will be right. God is a jealous God and he will not take second choice in your life. If satisfying yourself is more important than serving God then you have your priorities all out of order.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil (Ecc 12:13-14)

FIRST THINGS FIRST2

We need to find out What our Priorities are and then instigate a workable plan for these Priorities. Some of the important Priorities in our life should be:

1. PUT GOD’S KINGDOM AHEAD OF YOUR OWN-

A> In Actions- But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Mat 6:33). Are we really seeking to build the Kingdom of God or are we seeking to get as much for ourselves as we can?? How will our actions change if we seek to build God’s Kingdom while trusting Him to supply our needs?

B> In Attitudes- And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all (Mark 9:35). Putting God’s Kingdom first in our attitude means going directly against the grain of the world. We’ll have to learn to discard everything the world says and does and find that being first means being last.

2. CORRECT WHO YOU ARE ON THE INSIDE INSTEAD OF TRYING TO IMPRESS PEOPLE WITH A FALSE FRONT-

A> Don’t be a “pretty graveyard” full of dead men’s bones. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also (Mat 23:26). It’s not enough to just quit drinking and running around; you must develop the fruits of the Spirit- Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.

B> Don’t be a Hypocrite. Be Willing to be judged by the same judgment you judge others by. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye (Mat 7:5). So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (John 8:7). Forgive as you have been forgiven. Expect change in yourself as you do in others.

3. GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT AT HOME-

A> Compassion- But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God (1 Tim 5:4).

B> Respect- Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise (Eph 6:2).

C> Witnessing- He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. (John 1:41)

4. PUT GOD FIRST IN YOUR GIVING:

A> GIVE YOURSELF AND THEN YOUR GIFT- And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. (2 Cor 8:5)

B> GIVE GOD THE BEST YOU HAVE- The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God (Exo 23:19)

C> GIVE CONSISTENTLY- Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. (1 Cor 16:2)

6. PUT GOD FIRST IN YOUR LIFE- Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment (Mat 22:37-38).

FINDING THE FUTURE

The phone call woke me from a sound sleep at two AM. My sister-in-law and her daughter were returning from our home in South Carolina to their home in Maine and she had made a wrong turn in Washington, DC. Her panicky plea was for immediate directions about what she should do. I had to gently cut through her frantic fear and tell her I could not tell her where to go until I knew exactly where she was now! After several calming moments she was able to see a sign telling her what road she was on; the rest was simply directing her from where she was to where she needed to be.

Life has a way of doing that to us. Everything seems to be going smoothly until we accidently make a wrong turn or wrong decision and suddenly we feel lost and afraid. Amazingly, it is often those moments when we must find our way that define our future.

Sometimes we FEAR the future and we needs someone to assure us that we are on the right road- Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged (Deuteronomy 1:21)

Sometimes we FANTASIZE the future and refuse to accept the work and effort needed to build a life. Unwilling to face reality we try to live in a dream world or a drug or drink world- Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a forward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil (Proverbs 4:23-27) Some good advice is to stand back and examine where the road is going before you Rush In without counting the cost- Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore (Joshua 3:4).

But Successful people FACE THE FUTURE by realizing where they are at and determining to get where they need to be- I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: (Deuteronomy 30:19). I have lived my Christian life by this simple principle: Do what you can, where you are, with what God had given you. If I am with God and God is with me then I can face my life at death.

The most important mission of any church is to preach the gospel so that people can come to Know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and then Show Jesus Christ in their changed life as they Grow in the grace and knowledge of God.

Sinners must see the Need of coming to God: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Sinners must Desire to come to God: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12).

Sinners must realize the urgency of Coming to God NOW: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up 2 Peter 3:10.

If you are on the wrong road find out where it is going and get on the right road – or you may end up in a destination you do not desire!

QUESTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

In the New Year are you willing…

…to close your book of complaints and to open the Book of Praise?

…to ignore what life owes you and think about what you owe life?

…to stop looking for friendship and to start being friendly?

…to be content with such things as you have and to stop whining for the things you have not?

…to enjoy the simple blessings of life and to cease striving for the artificial pleasures of the day?

…to forget what you have accomplished and to mediate on what others have done for you?

…to cease looking for someone to help you and to devote yourself to helping others?

…to consecrate your life to the service of an imperfect church and to remember that Christ chose twelve imperfect followers to be His disciples. – The Beacon

New Year — Prayer Goals for the New Year

I Will This Year…

…be sensitive to the needs of my fellowman and actively look for ways to befriend him.

…become aware of man’s suffering, get involved in his struggle, and comfort him in his sorrow.

…withhold judgment of my brother, and attempt to understand his thinking, his attitudes, his behavior.

…forgive those who have injured me; I will forgive even those who have hurt those I love.

…not close my eyes or pass by on the other side wherever there is need of my service, my friendship, or my presence.

…lift someone’s spirits by giving a word of hope and encouragement.

…remember to be grateful to those who have been good Samaritans to me in the past, and who keep me from falling into the ditches of discouragement, depression, and defeat.

…be a Good Samaritan for the inner joy of serving, and because helping others is what the Golden Rule is all about. – William Arthur Ward