COMMITMENT!!!

It has been said, “April showers bring May flowers!” A flower can add beauty to any scenery and liven up its surroundings. “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:7-9 NIV). I think of all the wildflowers that just come up on their own by God’s hand of love. What a beautiful expression from God to add color and beauty to a world filled with so much gray. When we plant seeds, it takes time and commitment to produce a beautiful flower garden. If we don’t have the time, patience, or commitment it’s best for us and the seeds that we leave them in the package.

Life requires a commitment that one should honor at all times. I thank God for our First Baptist Church family and the hours that many of us dedicate to ministry. We’re all ministries of His Gospel. Ministry in the church is the way we get the message of Jesus Christ across to our community and to the world. Our level of commitment is essential to the church because we must model what it means to be a committed Christian.  “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:5-6 NIV).

Let us think of our church as a flower garden. To have a beautiful flower garden, we must be committed to plant, nurture, water, and exhibit patience for the flowers to grow. Our Christian walk and our church united in the Body of Christ Jesus, require commitment. As you read this newsletter, please ask yourself this question: “How committed am I to my church and its ministries?” The eleven disciples who walked with Jesus were so committed they died for their beliefs. Through the disciple’s commitment of sincere dedication, determination, and discipline in spreading the Gospel, we are representatives in this day as followers of Jesus Christ.

May we continue to be nourished in growing more spiritually in our daily Christian walk and Christian faith to serve others as followers of Jesus’ teachings on servanthood. There are ministries in our church that are in dire need of your services now. So, why not humble yourselves and let God exalt you? Make a commitment today to serve God, believing that He has need of your spiritual gifts. Also, let us always remember what it means to be a (F.A.T.) Christian (Faithful; Available; and Teachable). Think about God, the Bible and what God has done for you and remember: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8-9 NIV). We can allow God to empower us in demonstrating His promises of faithfulness and love by giving unselfishly of our: Time, Testimony, Talents, and Treasures. Please pray now for God to plant His Word in seeds of fruitfulness, to nourish you with His Living Water, to spiritually grow you to maturity as a beautiful blooming Spring flower garden in this day to say: “I can do more and give more of myself in uniting with The First Baptist Church of Junction City…Fulfilling God’s Great Commission!” Therefore, as baptized believers in the Body of Christ, you are being obedient to God’s Word as you delight yourself in His statues for storing up treasures here on earth and in Heaven for eternal life in His Kingdom.

The late Dr. M. R. DeHaan from RBC Ministries wrote: BE AN ANDREW! “Only three things are mentioned about Andrew #1) He brought his brother to Jesus (John 1:40-41); (#2) He brought a boy with a simple lunch to Jesus (John 6:8-9); (#3) He brought the Greeks to Jesus (John 12: 20-22).” Unnoticed, unappreciated and all but forgotten; but what a ministry he had! Without Andrew, there would not have been the great preacher of Pentecost, Peter. Without Andrew, the hungry multitude would not have been fed or the Greeks brought to Christ. You may not be able to preach, sing, write, or do many of the flashy things other people may notice. But, you can be of service by prayer, witnessing, and remembering all that is written in this message according to how God has allowed flowers to bloom in your life: Be an Andrew! With much thanksgiving and all praise and glory to God Almighty, these are exciting times for total giving and commitment in our First Baptist Church family! Today, will you say yes to giving...To committing yourself to be all that you can be in Christ? Be an Andrew! “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

We are His workmanship! We are a work in progress! We are partners in God’s work, giving to what God loves, which is a part of His purposes for us. God has need of each one of us and He wants total sacrifice of our entire being to Him. If Jesus is indeed our Lord, we will see that giving is easier when we give ourselves and our choices to the Him. Give with excitement! It’s a rule of life: “God showers His blessings on those who give their lives and resources willingly.” In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Paul shows how we honor God by encouraging us to give generously and describes the attitude with which we are to give. Thank you for your commitment! God’s forgiveness and salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection makes you alive and rooted in your Christian faith.  To be committed is like the blooming of May flowers growing in God’s love, developing in His faith, and shining in the beauty of His holiness with a community of believers united in God’s family. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). Where faith is lacking, he supplies faith. I am confident, through prayer that God will supply your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ!

Happy Mother’s Day!!! We are blessed with God’s gift of mothers!!!

                                          ***James H. Callaway, Pastor***