Dear Lighthouse,

 

            Hello once again.  This week is exciting for me because I get to announce some new opportunities that the Lighthouse Fellowship has to offer to help you grow closer to God and each other.  But, before I announce these anything I wanted to underscore one thought:  serious commitment.  Today we live in a society of fast food, fast transportation, fast resolutions in movies and TV shows, and fast and furious schedules.  We are on the go all the time, it seems, and have little tolerance for something that takes a long time to accomplish or maintain.  Look at weight loss, exercise, and even this war we are fighting.  People want quick, painless results and they want them now, immediately.  What I want to ask you to do, though, is to take a moment and consider God’s perspective on life.  He has spent time - LOT’S of time - developing His people, cultivating our understanding of Himself, expressing His attributes, and working hard to provide life and salvation for us.  I am so glad that God is patient and does not get easily bored or frustrated with Man.  In fact, II Peter 3:9 says that God is patient, hoping that everyone will come to repentance.  So, if we are to be like God (Matt. 5:48) then we should consider how we invest our time.  Are we in a rush?  Are we too quick to give in to temptation and a sinful lifestyle?  Are we investing our time in long-term success or immediately gratifying gain?  Consider the call to perseverance in Heb. 10:35-39.  Do not give up and do not settle for mediocrity, but strive for something better in your Christian life!

I challenge you to evaluate your stand with God today.  Is God a spoke on your wheel with you at the hub - or is He at the center of your life from which all other things radiate out?  God must be on His throne in your life or He is not your God.  You must make the commitment to put Him there.  That takes personal seriousness and faith.  Don’t just be a “generic” Christian by name.  In God’s economy there are Christians and there are the unsaved.  Christians are known by their relationship with the Lord, their passion for His purpose, and their commitment to His Will.  In the camp of the unsaved there are the busy, the proud, the endless seekers who never find, and the fearful.  It is a scary thing to commit, but oh, the rewards!  I invite you to consider, then, investing in some of the opportunities listed below.  Begin again, if you need to, this Sunday, with us at the Lighthouse.  I would love to see you there!