Embrace The Race: 2010 New Year’s Resolution!

I have always enjoyed the week after Christmas. I love that the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday has come to a close and we can reflect on the year that has past and look ahead to the possibilities of the New Year. We think back on what might have been and on things that we want to change or improve upon when the New Year starts.

For many of us, we will make one or more New Year’s resolutions. For me, I have set new goals to lose weight and to get back into shape, to pay off debt and maybe a few others that I will simply keep to myself. The problem with making New Year’s resolutions is that we don’t really commit to them long term. We start off the year with a ton of enthusiasm, but as the year goes on we start to focus on our old routines, fall back into our comfortable habits or we have to deal with something completely unexpected. Let’s face it; New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep.

If you think about it, each year is a race. The race begins at exactly 12:00 midnight on January 1^st, runs for 365 complete days and the finish line is at 11:59:59 on December 31^st. A new race begins as an old race ends. We use that final week of the year to reflect on the past race and prepare for the next “race” coming up. This is a cycle that only ends when we leave this earth to be with God.

So, does the Bible say anything about New Year’s resolutions? Well, in a way, it does! Take out your Bible and read Hebrews 12:1-5.

Go ahead . . . I can wait.

Ok, I want to suggest we each consider a new type of resolution for 2010. How about we all commit to “Embrace The Race: 2010”. As you can see from the first verse, “we must get rid of the things that slow us down, especially sin that distracts us”. Instead of making time to reflect on the past, maybe it is time we each look in the mirror and see if our reflection is that of Jesus. If not, maybe we need to commit our lives to being more of a reflection of Jesus to the world around us and not focus on those things that really don’t matter in God’s bigger picture.

To be a reflection of Jesus, we do what verse 2 says “we must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith.” Starting now, we should took a hard look at our lives and see what we are focusing on and ask the tough question, am I really focused on what Jesus wants me to be focused on. That may mean we need to make small changes as to where we spend our time or maybe it will mean we need to change to way we think and act. That is hard to swallow sometimes, but we are reassured that it is done in love. Read verses 4 and 5 again.

“You struggle against sin, but your struggles haven’t killed you. You have forgotten the encouraging words that God speaks to you as his children: My child, pay attention when the Lord disciplines you. Don’t give up when he corrects you. The Lord disciplines everyone he loves. He severely disciplines everyone he accepts as his child.”

Our life is a race. Not just the race of 365 days, but an entire lifetime. It is because of this scripture that I am rethinking the New Year’s resolution and making a lifetime resolution to embrace the race . . . . to be more focused on Jesus everyday. I want to reflect Jesus when somebody who does not know him looks at me. I will love those who maybe don’t deserve it . . . I will forgive those because my heavenly Father forgave me . . . I will live a life that is pleasing to Him.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

- Pastor Chris Blackburn

Mercy, Faith, and Obedience

Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:18-25

As we enter into this Christmas week, many times we find ourselves conflicted. It’s easy to get lost in all of the trappings of secular Christmas. We become engrossed in family, fellowship, food, and shopping. We look forward to the “events”. It’s not that these things are bad nor am I saying that we should not enjoy these things. But for the believer we cannot lose sight as to what Christmas is about.

For the believer it is about our Redeemer and Savior. This day is also about humanities future. Many people played an important role in one of the greatest events in Human History. The Angel of the Lord, the Virgin Mary, and wise men all played an important role in the birth of Christ. Yet Joseph, often forgotten, also played and important role.

We must never forget that much hinged on the conduct of Joseph.

Joseph finds himself in a very precarious position. The scriptures introduce Joseph in the middle of an un-welcomed nightmare. He was engaged to a young girl. He was in love and He was committed. He was working diligently to provide Mary with a home and means to support her. Then Mary reveals to Joseph that she is pregnant. Her explanation was impossible for anyone to believe.

Mary was facing a death sentence. They could take their pick on how to convict her. She could be stoned for adultery or stoned for blasphemy (saying that the pregnancy was Divine). Yet Joseph made a choice. He chose not to demand his justice. He chose to give mercy.

Proverbs 21:21 (GW) “Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor.”

We have all had a time in our life that we have needed mercy. Everyone reading this blog has sinned. All have made sinful decisions and have been exposed as human and imperfect. It is ironic that many people are prone in these times to cast stones. But it is in these times that mercy is needed.

I found over the years of ministry that people who have received great mercy from God are usually more freely to give it. Why? Probably empathy for the person exposed. Joseph chose the higher rode, he chose mercy. The result was pretty good. Mary was protected and the unborn child was protected.

Do you think that this merciful carpenter had an influence in raising such a merciful Savior?

Since we couldn't have church today...

Well, we couldn't have church this morning so here is the Christmas Program from last week, since we couldn't see it this morning. The message of the true meaning of Christmas; Christ birth and the importance we must place on it rang throughout the program. The choir, actors, children, director, sound and lighting crew did a fantastic job. We now present:

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

For such a time...

As many of you know, I am involved with a variety of ministries here at RWC, most having to do with young people. Because of this, I have had the opportunity to hear Pastors Chris, Tina, Mike, Ted, as well as Mr. John and Mr. Tim. I have learned from them and used from them for my lessons at Missionettes, ROCK Club, and Sunday mornings.

I would like to share one of the lessons I taught at the ROCK. We were studying the prayer of Jabez through a book I found called The Prayer of Jabez, Devotions for Kids, Living Big for God by Bruce Wilkinson.

Pastor Hal had been speaking on the end times and was getting almost wrapped up on Sundays. Someone at a social event commented that it was amazing, awesome, and an honor that God chose us to be here (this time, decade, century, era) for his plan to be fulfilled. Pastor Ted taught at Life Change.

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,”
says the Lord. “They are plans for good
and not for disaster, to give you a future
and a hope.”

These were words of encouragement to the people of Judah. They were slaves, prisoners in Babylon. God told them he had plans for success, a future of hope. Did I mention that they were slaves in a foreign country?! He told them to work hard for Babylon so it would be successful and then they would be better off.

How does that relate to us? God knows the plans he has for us. We are in the time, decade, century, era, that we are supposed to be. No sooner, no later.

1 Peter 1:20
God chose him (Jesus) for this purpose
long before the world began,
but now in these final days,
he was sent to the earth for all to see.

And he did this for you.
Even Jesus was planned. He had a time, decade, century, era that he was to come. He completed his job.
God has plans for success. He told us how it ends. We win!! We need to show up, follow the rules, play our best, and finish.

1 Peter 1:4-5
For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for you,
pure undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
And God, in his mighty power,
will protect you until you receive this salvation,
because you are trusting him.
It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.

- Susie Hickman

THE FATHER’S SACRIFICE, OUR GIFT

Christmas time is here again. We have probably all been reminded that “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” If not, consider yourself reminded. It can be a bit cliché to warn people not to get caught up in the commercial aspects of Christmas but cliché or not, it is important. Take a long honest moment and think about this one simple fact: God the Father had one Son and in an act of completely selfless love He sent Him to live among us. The Living Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). He sent Jesus to live with the very people who killed Him.
I have a hard time fathoming this kind of love. I love my church family, my neighbors and friends, and I try to love the lost; however, I can’t imagine ever even considering sending one of my children to die for someone else. Think of the heart that our Heavenly Father displayed when Jesus was born. I have been meditating on the First Commandment (love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength). Fulfilling this command gets easier (maybe that’s not the right word). Finding the passion to love God this way becomes the desire of our heart when we understand that He loved us first.
This time of year is an excellent time to focus on the love God has for us. Spend some time thinking about the sacrifice our Father made, thank and praise Him for it. His sacrifice is our gift.

- John Spraker

Diligently Seek Him...

I am definitely not the writer in our family. Although with two children in school, I have become somewhat of an editor. I love red pens and proofreader’s marks. I do like to read every chance I get. Some days that’s only the back of cereal box or a recipe with exception to being in the Word. But as I was searching for a box of Christmas cards that I know I stashed somewhere last year after a good clearance sale I came across this small book called One Incredible Moment. It’s a compilation of writings by Max Lucado “celebrating the majesty of the manger.” This is one of his writings that I think we can all relate to during this Christmas season:

Simeon [said], “Can I stay alive until I see him?”

The Magi [said], “Saddle up the camels. We aren’t stopping until we find him.”

The shepherds [said], “Let’s go … Let’s see…”

They wanted the Savior. They wanted to see Jesus.

They were earnest in their search. One translation renders Hebrews 11:6: “God … rewards those who earnestly seek him” (NIV).

Another reads, “God rewards those who search for him” (PHILLIPS).

And another: “God … rewards those who sincerely look for him” (TLB).

I like the King James translation: “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.

Diligently-what a great word. Be diligent in your search. Be hungry in your quest, relentless in your pilgrimage. Let this (book) be but one of dozens you read about Jesus and this hour be but one of thousands in which you seek him. Step away from the puny pursuits of possessions and positions, and seek your king

Don’t be satisfied with angels. Don’t be content with stars in the sky. Seek him out as the shepherds did. Long for him as Simeon did. Worship him as the wise men did… Risk whatever it takes to see Christ.

God rewards those who seek him. Not those who seek doctrine or religion or systems or creeds. Many settle for the lesser passions, but reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus himself.

--Merry Christmas and may you be blessed for your diligence!
--Cindy Nelson