February 19, 2008

Number 7

VIEWPOINT

There is an expression to describe the person (a) who is in serious danger and (b) has zero chance of escaping that danger.  The expression is “sitting duck.” The sitting duck has no chance of escaping the hunter.

Ducks fly with agility and speed.  Ducks swim gracefully, but not with speed. Ducks run ugly and slow. A duck sitting in the water or on land has zero chance of escaping the undetected hunter. 

The uncommitted Christian who is not actively serving God is a “sitting duck.”  Satan is the hunter. When we choose an existence that spiritually “sits” rather than “serves,” 100% of the advantage is given to Satan.  The “sitting” Christian will be wounded. “Sitting” certainly will result in great pain, and it can result in death.  Serving God is not merely a spiritual responsibility.  Committed ser-vice to God in Christ gives God 100% advantage.  God delivers us from evil in Jesus Christ for specific reasons. (1) It allows God to express and fulfill His love for us. (2) It allows us to express and fulfill our love for God. (3) It allows us to receive forgiveness. (4) It gives us the privilege of being members of God’s family and citizens of God’s kingdom. (5) It permits God to use us and our physical existence to achieve His purposes.

We don’t want to forget that Christians exist to serve God's purposes. Nothing will transform you or your life as will serving God. Congregations filled with servants grow.  Christian indivi-duals who are servants grow. 

Christian servants advance the purposes and objectives of our loving God and forgiving Savior. Even though this world is evil, every achievement God has accomplished or will accomplish uses human servants.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word!         RA

GOD SAID

If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I'm a Healer?

If you never went through difficulties, how would you know that I'm a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer?

If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I'm a Comforter?

If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I'm forgiving?

If you never were in trouble, how would you know that I will come to your rescue?

If you never were broken, then how would you know that I could make you whole?

If you never had a problem, how would you know that I can solve them?

If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what Jesus went through?

If you never went through the fire, then how would you become pure?

If I never corrected you, how would you know that I love you?

If you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on me?

If your life was perfect, then what would you need Me for?

THANK YOU, GOD