2014
2014. Another year has passed us and yet another has arrived just like the one before. Most of us have likely made resolutions in hopes of bettering ourselves. We've engrained events and deadlines into our minds to help motivate our work out regiments. We have aspirations of championships for our sports teams and will faithfully attend and cheer them on in ravenous fashion. So many "to do's" on our list and so many ways we try to fulfill ourselves. As a Christian people our minds and cares are being shaped by a society that wants us to believe its all about us.
I have been guilty of being wrapped up in empty pleasures as much as anyone and issue this challenge to myself, as well my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us make 2014 the year that we love others as ourselves. I don't mean something we do on special holidays that make us feel warm and cheery inside, but let us go out of our way to meet the needs of a hurting world. A world that is crying out for us to take our place and be what God has called us to be. Let us be givers when its inconvenient. Let us be lovers when we are hated. Let us be the beacon of light that guides the lost man or woman to shore.
In 2014 I pray that the spirit of doubt subsides, and we as the body of Christ will understand that it is not by our might but by yours Lord that we are about to witness great things. Many say that Abortion is a political issue. I say it's a love issue. I pray God that your people will rise up this year and join in what should be the main event and not a side note. These women and unborn are precious to you, and I pray that you instill the passion that you have for them into our hearts like never before. In 2014 we will show up believing and expecting, even when we might rather be somewhere else.
We recently put up a billboard, on I-30 south before crossing the river bridge, that states "When 1% of the church shows up, Abortion in Arkansas Shuts down. I firmly believe that, but I think God expects much more than 1% don't you?
Lucas Childress-every20seconds.org 1-5-14