Commitment

Many people start something then never finish it. In the past, I too was that way. As an artist I painted many pictures, but there were some that just never got finished. I ended up giving them to inmates in a local state prison where I taught an art class once a week. The prisoners could finish the painting or just paint over what I had done. That was a simple solution for me. Then there were projects and some houses I built or remodeled that I never got completely finished.

Seldom do things go as expected or planed. Many times people get started on a project or a relationship, but lose interest along the way. There are many reasons or excuses they could give, such as running out of money, taking too long, being more difficult than they thought, or just lost interest. Some people stay with a job or a marriage only as long as it meets their needs. But, when things get rough or maybe something or someone comes along that looks better, they're off in another direction, bouncing from one circumstance or relationship to another. (Like a pinball; only slower.)

Unfortunately, many people are that way with God. Often they take the initial steps, but when things don't go as expected or they don't get what they want when they wanted it, they're off looking for help somewhere else. And God gets the short end of the stick. Some people try to fit God into their schedule. Some others think they know enough about God—so I'll "take it from here" mindset. After reading the Bible a little and doing some weekly religious activities, many people think they can just coast the rest of the way. But God is no fool. And after a while, when something bad happens they're back asking God for help again.

If you really believe God made the universe and he is your savior, I'm sure he can find enough things for you to do if you're really interested in a commitment. Besides that, loving and serving God has to do with passion—a relentless zeal to serve and worship Him, even when things don't go the way expected or desired. Life is not about us, its about Jesus, the Kingdom of God, and God's desire to see us mature into his sons and daughters. He's the Potter and we are the clay. He's also the Gardner and if He decides to prune off a few branches to help us bear more fruit, so be it.

Let's make a commitment: to strip ourselves of everything that would hinder our race and not give up before we reach the finish line and the prize—Jesus. He is worth all the effort and all the sacrifices we will ever need to make. In a commitment to Jesus, you can't call him "Lord" and say "No" at the same time. Neither can you say, "I can't!" He will give us all the strength, all the patience, all the abilities and all the necessities needed to fulfill the purpose and mission he gives us on the earth. We are his workmanship, and he has plans for each and every one of us. And He will work with us from the beginning of the race to the end. Don't be a quitter. Remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."(Phil. 4:13). That scripture should be one of our declarations of faith. There are also times when the walk of faith may seem dry or hard, but that's where God desires to see if we really love Him (true commitment is when we press through dark valleys). Other times may seem dull but rarely boring. But, the payoff is worth it if we're patient, because God is committed to seeing us make it.

Do you believe Jesus Christ is worth living for? He is, and Jesus is also the only thing and only one worth dying for. It's time we start thinking and moving into a true commitment with Jesus; and everything else will find its proper place.

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded, YOU NEED TO PERSEVERE so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." (Hebrews 10:35-36)

New Year's Resolutions

So what's you're goal for this new year of 2014? Many people are making New Year's resolutions, a secular tradition, to improve ones life style— such as; lose weight, eat healthy, drink less alcohol, exercise more, get out of debt, spend more time with family, get organized or quit smoking. But, after a few days, a few weeks or months many people are back, to square one, right where they started. (The reason has more to do with trying verses commitment.)

So why not do something different this year. Start thinking about God, maybe even talking to him. I'm not suggesting going to church or getting religious, just commit some serious time, five or ten minutes (once or twice a day), and think about and meditate on him. If you miss a day or two once in awhile, no big deal, just continue. However you may say, I don't believe in God. But, why don't you? What's wrong in believing there is a God, other than it would mean you would have some kind of responsibility, right? Did somebody or something happen to disappoint you, and you blame him? Or have you done something that you feel guilty about and God wouldn't be interested or care enough to help you? Do you really believe human beings came from monkeys and when were dead that it? If that's the case, we don't need to worry about our conscience; right? Just do as you please, like almost everyone else. But wouldn't it be awesome to know that someone really designed you with a purpose in mind; and that you and this world, were not just "an accident."

There are a lot of excuses and doubts someone could give. But the most important thing I can share with you today, is that there really is a God and he desire to have a relationship with you. All religions and many people have given God a bad rap. But you need to decide for yourself.

God does care, more than you could ever imagine. So I'm suggesting that while you're thinking about him, you might just ask him a few questions. What's the harm, he won't bite you. In fact, he love you very much. He's always there, waiting and desiring, for you to take the next step.

Why not make a New Year's resolution to meet and/or know God a little better. You could even read his words written to you, by starting with the Gospel of John, in the Bible; if you have one. If not, find or buy one, you won't be sorry you did. You just might be surprised what can happen. When you give your life and time to him, you begin to change from the inside, then outside—like a new person with a clean heart and a right spirit, and then experience a peace and joy you never knew before. As you get to know him better you will want to talk and listen more, to him. He has already forgiven you of all your mistakes in life, so why hesitate. Now, is the time to make that New Year's resolution that will be worth keeping.