SIMPLE GRACE CONCERT
March 26, 6:00 PM
Oxford United
Methodist Church

     Simple Grace features the full-time ministry of the Jim and Kathy Hitch family, from rural Martell, Nebraska. 

Simple Grace offers a variety of Christian music, artistically blending acoustic bluegrass, gospel, traditional hymns, folk, and fresh original pieces. 

     Their concerts shine with strong vocals and personal testimony to affirm their message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

     The Hitch family’s performances include guitars, fiddles, banjo, mandolin, piano, harmonicas, cello, and percussion in an inspirational and uplifting program, which ministers across denominational lines.  Sharing their incredible individual gifts from the Lord in a corporate endeavor, this family gives their hearts to the audience in a vulnerable and refreshing style.

You don't want to miss this concert!  Come and enjoy and be blessed.

ARE YOU BLESSED?

     By show of hands, how many of you think you are blessed?  Come on, don’t be bashful, being blessed is nothing to be ashamed of or feel embarrassed about.  Do you believe you are blessed?

     Amen. You can put your hands down.  With so many of you thinking you are blessed, I’m curious as to why you believe you are blessed?  Is it because you have a good job?  Is it because you have a nice home and all the trimmings?  Perhaps it’s because your life is going pretty good with no major concerns or challenges.  You know, your bills are paid, you have a few dollars in savings, your health is good, and your family all gets along extremely well with one another.

     That’s the type of blessedness we hear about from our friends on TV.  They tell us that if we just believe and pray and have faith, we will be blessed not ten fold, not 20 fold, but 50 to a hundred fold.  "Just think of the blessings you’ll receive if you send just $50.00 to our ministry", they say.  Do you know what 100 times 50 is, my friend?  "That’s what the Bible says in Matthew 13 - A hundredfold blessing", they shout.

     They go on and say anything you need, a new car, a better house, a better job, or all your relationships will just magically be healed and everyone will get along, all you have to do is say a special prayer, believe and you will be blessed.  "It’s all right here in God’s word", they say.  And, to some degree, they are right.  God’s word does say that for those who call on the Lord in prayer, He hears, and He answers.  God is always faithful in blessing those who earnestly seek Him.

     But the reality is, God never promised some of the things the TV preachers try to persuade people into believing.  God never promised us monetary riches in this life.  God never promised us mansions on the hill or a Mercedes in the drive.  He never once promised we would be cured of all our ills in this life.  And He never promised all of our relationships would be smooth as silk.  What He promised is that He will always be faithful in blessing those who earnestly seek Him.

     In our passage this morning we here Jesus repeat the phrase, "Blessed are, or blessed are those....."  Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who morn, blessed are the meek..... and so on.  Nine times in succession Jesus said "blessed are....."

     So what does He mean blessed, or to be blessed.  According to several reliable sources, this term, to be blessed, can best be summed up in three words - God's gracious favor.  To be blessed, it to have God's gracious favor.  To have God's gracious favor.  Can you imagine that?  We read of Mary, and Noah, and Abraham and Sarah - all who had God’s gracious favor. 

    Another translation defines blessedness as happiness.  But not the earthly kind of happiness, which is derived from the Greek word 'hap', which means haphazard.  To be happy, or blessed is to have an unshakeable joy, and peace, and contentment. A happiness, or joy which is completely independent of all the chances and the changes of life.

     True blessedness, according to Elwell's Theological Dictionary, 'is the happy state of a man to where Christ's righteousness is imparted by faith.'  Here again, happiness, or being blessed is to have - God's gracious favor.

     How do we qualify or quantify God's gracious favor?  The answer to that question is as diverse as we are, and as diverse as the plans God has for each of us.  As opposed to God's grace, which is a free gift, God's favor is only achieved through right motives and a right relationship and with the Lord.

     This morning, Jesus helps us understand what it means to be blessed in God's kingdom and the means by which it is possible.  Jesus begins by saying blessed are the poor in spirit.  Translated, "Blessed is the man who has realized his own utter helplessness, and who has put his whole trust in God." 

     Blessed is the man who knows God alone can bring him help, and hope, and strength. The man who is poor in spirit is the man who has realized that things mean nothing, and that God means everything.

     Blessed are those who mourn.  This beatitude carries with it several inclinations. Blessed is the man who has endured the bitterest sorrow that life can bring, and cries out to God.  Blessed are those who mourn and cry out for the suffering of this world.  But the main focus of this beatitude is - Blessed is the man who is desperately sorry for his own sin and his own unworthiness.  Blessed is one who cries out to Christ for the forgiveness of sin, and for salvation.

     Blessed are the meek.  Simply put, blessed is the man who has self-control.  One who may be extremely passionate, but exercises his passion through controlled, constructive behavior.  Blessed is he who keeps his own pride in check and offers humility to thers.

     Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Blessed is the one who seeks the kingdom of God with his whole hear, mind and soul.  Blessed is the one who seeks to walk as Jesus, to learn and practice His ways and continuously be in the will of God.  The one who seeks after goodness, justice, and mercy.  The one who extends grace and compassion at every opportunity.

     Blessed are the merciful.  The term merciful can best be described as forgiving. The New Testament is insistent that to be forgiven we must be forgiving.  The Lord's Prayer underlines this imperative in these two verses, "Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors". "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses".

     Blessed are the pure in heart.  This beatitude is very demanding.  There is no grey area or room for error.   It clearly says, "Blessed is the man whose motives are always entirely unmixed, but fixed on God, for that man shall see God."

     Blessed are the peacemakers.  This beatitude is quite often misinterpreted.  Some would argue that a peacemaker is a passivist.  One who doesn't want trouble and will go to any extreme to avoid it, or one who will try anything to avoid confrontation or struggle, even to the point of giving in and compromising their beliefs - just to avoid an issue, or situation.

     However, what this beatitude demands is not the passive acceptance of things because we are afraid of the trouble of doing anything about them, but the active facing of things, and the making of peace, even when the way to peace is through struggle.  Another way to look at it is, Blessed are those who produce right relationships, even in the face of adversity and peril, for they are doing a godlike work!

     And finally, Jesus says, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness" sake.  As with the early Christians, we often find ourselves where we find a conflict between our business interests and our loyalty to Jesus Christ.  Sometimes, our Christianity disrupts our social and family life.  Families, friends and neighbors become divided.  Every day we hear about the assaults on our belief from civic and governmental agencies.

     Persecution is inevitable because the Church, when it really is the Church, and the Christian, when he really is a Christian, is bound to be the conscience of the nation and the conscience of society. Where there is good the Church and Christian must praise: where there is evil, the Church and Christian must condemn--and inevitably men will try to silence the troublesome voice of conscience.

     Persecution of the faithful is surely a sign of faithfulness.  And as William Barclay said, 'When a man has to suffer something for his faith, that is the way to the closest possible companionship with Christ.'

     In many ways, we are a blessed people.  But in may other ways, well, we fall quite a bit short.   Honestly, are we poor in spirit?  Do we mourn for the less fortunate, or our own shortfalls?  Do we exercise self-control, or let our pride go before us? 

     Do we honestly seek the kingdom of God, or our own satisfaction?  How forgiving are we?  Really?  Do you have ought against your brother today?  How’s your heart?  Fixed on God?  Or maybe just sometimes?

     Are you a peacemaker, a passivist, or one who just likes to stir the pot?  Do you take a stand for your beliefs, or do you try to white wash or hide your Christianity so as to not be singled out?

     Are you satisfied with the status quo?  Do you want to have God’s gracious favor bestowed upon you?  Jesus lays it out for us here this morning.  He also tells us in Luke 11:13, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God - and keep it!"

     Do you know God’s gracious favor?

Embrace Your Faith

   In Deuteronomy 13:4 we read:  "You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him."

For more about Embracing Your Faith, contact us at

umcone@aol.com

GOD'S CALLING PLAN

     At the expense of asking a seemingly rhetorical question - How many of you have a cell phone?  OK, good.  I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t talking to a technologically challenged group here.

     How many of you have a smart phone?  Those are so cool.  You can do just about anything of them.  Check weather, sports, surf the net, do e-mail, watch movies...  all on a cell phone.  Makes me think Chester Gould was on the cutting edge of technology.  Who’s Chester Gould?  The creator of Dick Tracy in 1931, and in the comic strip, introduced us to the 2-way wrist radio in 1946.  Can anyone tell me what he introduced in 1964?  The 2-way wrist TV!  This guy was definitely ahead of his time. 

     These things are great.  You can get a plan that suits any need and any budget.  My mom has one of those pay-as-you-go-phones.  Kind of like having a phone booth in your pocket.  But instead of filling it full of quarters, you buy minutes on a card.

     You can get plans from the national providers that range from just having a phone to talk on, to one that does everything.  Ellen and I have what they call the Nationwide plan with texting.  That way I can go to Kansas City and she can go to Denver and we can talk without getting hit with roaming charges.  When she was in Hawaii, we did a lot of texting – and waiting.  It didn’t cost extra, but the delay was something else.

     I used to have VZ-Navigator, the GPS program, till Ellen shut it off.  Now I don’t know where I am or where I’m going, or even how to get there.

     There’s a plan for every one.  Whether you just want to talk, or text, or get e-mails, movies and all the other bells and whistles.  Oh and you can get different ringtones too.  Bells, whistles, songs, donkeys braying…  just about anything.  In fact, I have a new setting on my phone… it’s called – 'Do not disturb'.  My wife hates it.

     With the cell phone technology of today, we can call or be called by anyone, at any time, just about any where.  That is unless of course you’re in a dead zone.  The only thing left is what to do when the phone rings.  Do we answer it?  Or do we just let it roll over to voice mail and deal with it later.  My wife has 78 missed calls - they're all from me!

     It’s really amazing.  We have the ability to call someone just about anywhere in the world and not only talk to them, but see them too.  Either by cell phone or by satellite phone, or via the internet.

     What’s even more amazing, is that it all came from God.  It's all modeled after God's calling plan.  God can call any one of us, at any time, no matter where we are.  The difference, is there’s no roaming charges, no dropped calls, and no confusing contracts to sign or card numbers to program in.

     Throughout the pages of the Bible we see where God called His people.  Folks like Moses, Noah, Jonah, Abraham and Sarah.  And an unlikely bloke named Saul, later named Paul.

     Here in today’s passage we hear Jesus call four of His disciples.  He was walking along the sea and when He saw them He called to them and said: 'Follow Me'. 

     Sometimes when God calls, there isn’t such a loud a ring tone as 'follow me', but the call is there none-the-less.  It may be that pang in our heart, a knowing thought that won’t go away, or something that someone said that we can't forget.  It could be our conscience speaking to us.  God uses a multitude of ring tones to help connect with us at every level.

     But unlike our calling plans, God's calling plan is more than just checking the weather, asking about lunch, or brokering the next big deal.  God's calling plan is about life.

     God's calling plan isn't just about planning for the next few days, or setting up a meeting next month or putting a schedule together for next year.  God's calling plan is for the long haul.  God's calling plan is for eternity.

     When God calls, He doesn't just call us for lunch, or to ask us to stop at the store for bread and milk or a six pack.  When God calls, He calls us to follow Him.   He calls us to a new way of life, a new way of living with one another.

     When God calls, we are called to turn from the ways of the world, from the ways of man, and to the way of life in Christ.  We are called into a community of believers where we are to love, encourage, and support, one another.  We are called to a new life of love, joy, grace, and freedom.

     When God calls, we are called to be set apart.  To set the example.  To help others hear and respond to the call.  We are called to be followers.  To be disciples of Christ.  To learn His will and ways and walk in His wisdom and power with humble submission and gratitude.  We are called to embrace the Living God.

     God's calling plan, is a plan for life.  God calls each of us.  He calls us in ways we know and asks us to follow Him in areas He has already prepared us for.  He has promised and provides everything we need to respond.  And, He has promised never to leave nor forsake us.

     God calls us each and every day.  Speaking to us.  Nudging us.  Prompting us.  He rings our bell.  Moves our hearts.  Touches our spirits with His.  Like the disciples along the sea, He calls us to follow Him.  He calls us into a loving relationship full of opportunities, and challenges, and blessings.  He calls us to be His children, living the fullness of life in Him - forever.

     The question is, how will you respond to His call?  Will it be just another 'missed call'?  Will you just let it roll over to voice mail?  Or, will you answer it?

     Will it be: 'I'm sorry, no one's here to take your call so leave a message', or will it be: 'here I am Lord, send me'?

     Your phone’s ringing - ya gonna answer it?

BEING INVOLVED

“Being a Christian is pretty easy” someone once said.  “All you have to do is go to church every once in a while, put a few bucks in the plate, listen to a few boring sermons and sing a bunch of songs nobody knows”, they told me.

     Just the other day I heard a person of notoriety state that “To be a Christian means learning the Ten Commandments and following the Golden Rule.” “It’s just that easy” they said.

     I can’t count the number of times I have heard people say that “being a Christian means God loves you and all you have to do is say a few prayers and He will give you whatever you pray for.”

     It’s been said, “Being a Christian means life is good all the time and God will protect me from everything bad or dangerous or harmful.”  I even heard on fellow on TV say, “God loves you so much, you deserve the best, and He wants to bless you with ‘all His riches in heaven’, because you are His child He wants to give you His heavenly treasures right now – what are you waiting for – ASK!”

     Sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it!  Simply quote a few ‘promise verses’, pray a few times, send $20 to the guy on TV and believe God is going to bless you 100 fold.  Tell you the truth, I want some of that!

     But THAT is not IT!  That is NOT the truth.  The truth is that being a Christian is more than what we see on TV, or hear some politician say to bolster their position, or even what we may have been led to believe from other sources in our life.

     Truth is, being a Christian means being involved.  Being involved in relationships, the church, and with God.

     Being a Christian means being involved with the Spirit of God and following the Word, will and ways in which we are commanded.

     Being a Christian is accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and not only accepting His leading, but being involved in His mission and ministries within the area and gifts we have been given.

     Being a Christian means becoming a part of the Body of Christ and being in connection with other believes in a time of praise, worship, support and encouragement.

     Being a Christian is not just another spectator sport we watch on TV.  It is a lifestyle which requires contact with other people in a focused and intentional manner to communicate the awesome love and grace of God in a variety of ways.

     Christianity is involvement in the lives of others, in the life of the church, and in the world we live in.  We are called to reach out to the least and the lost, to help and comfort those around us, to help guide the affairs of our world, and to help build up the Body of Christ by our involvement in the local church.

     But sadly, most Christians are either not involved, or they involved on a merely superficial or perfunctory level.  We know this by the state of our society and the state of the church.

     I fully believe the church was designed to be the backbone of our families and of our society.  But, over time and for reasons beyond the realm of this article, the church has lost its backbone.

     I submit that – “Christianity only works when believers work.”  I add to that – “The church only grows when we grow.”

     I further submit that – “The Spirit of God only moves as we allow it.”

     Instead of so many preachers preaching about the ‘entitlements’ of Christianity, I believe we need to hear more sermons about the ‘involvement’ of the Body of Christ.

     For it is only through the involvement of the Body of Christ will the mission of Christ be realized within the church, community and the world around us.

     I believe God is calling us to be involved.  We have the opportunities, we have the resources, and we have the people.

     Most important, we have God’s word that when the people of God are doing the will of God in the Spirit of God, He will not only provide all that is needed, he will also bless the efforts and lives of those involved!

     Thus, the blessings of God overflow and fill the land with His glory and goodness!

     May the hand of God be upon you, as you become more involved and reach out to others…..

Pastor Eldon

FANNING the FLAME

     As I read this mornings passage from 2 Timothy, I couldn’t help but think of how proud Dale Carnegie would be as to how Paul laid out his communiqué with Timothy.

     Paul begins by thanking Timothy for his efforts, reminding him of his proud heritage, and praising Him for his great faith.  Paul extends his encouragement and support for Timothy by letting him know he is praying for him without ceasing.  Paul even addresses Timothy as his ‘beloved son’, a powerful statement as to Timothy’s moral standards and Paul’s high regard for him.

     It’s interesting to note that Paul always made it a point to express his appreciation and support toward the members of his team of evangelists and leaders.  He always made it a point to mention them and to express his appreciate and extend his most heartfelt prayers for them.

    Along with the movement of the Holy Spirit, I believe this is one of the reasons Paul was so well respected and had such a dedicated following.  It’s no wonder so many people, like Timothy, were willing to come along side of Paul and help in the ministry and spread the Gospel.

     Sometimes I think we get a little busy or so involved in our own day to day activities we forget to take the time to express our appreciation and support to those around us.  Sometimes we may even neglect our prayers for one another.  How often do we miss out on the opportunity richly bless someone with a word of encouragement, or letting them know how much we appreciate what they do, or even letting them know how much we think of them and are praying for them?

     When we reach out to others with words of encouragement, and support, and endearment, we are in reality fanning the flames of our faith.  Through these simple acts of basic human kindness, we enliven and inspire and build on the desire of one another to be involved and continue, and enhance the good works of the church and of the Lord.

     Along with his inspiring way to encourage others, Paul also had a way to bolster his comrades when they seemed a little lethargic or waning in some way.  In verses 6 and 7 we read where Paul says to Timothy: “I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

     Most scholars agree that Timothy had slacked off of his service and become somewhat remiss from being away from Paul for so long.  We need to note that Paul does not doubt the existence of real faith in Timothy, nor Timothy’s work in the past, but what he desires is for Timothy to rekindle the spark and fan the flames of service for the sake of the Lord.

     What Paul was saying to Timothy was – ‘You have the Holy Spirit, God has called you into His service, I have laid my hands upon you.  Now, Timothy, stir up yourself and do what God asks of you.'

     Paul says:  “stir up the gift of God which is in you.”  Get fired up.  Fan the flames.  Get excited.  Work your faith.  As in 2 Thessalonians Paul is reminding Timothy of his prayer:  “that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,  that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you.”

     I believe Paul is speaking to us this morning when he says “stir up the gift of God which is in you.”   I believe God is calling us to fan the flames of our faith.  To rekindle that spark when we first became Christians and were excited about servicing the risen Christ and our Lord.

     I believe that each and everyone of us has something to offer the church, the Body of Christ, and the world around us.  I believe each of us has been given at least one gift, one talent, one special ability to use toward the edification of one another, the building up of the church, and toward the enhancement of the Kingdom of God. 

     I also know that each of us have been called to serve God and one another, to exercise our gifts and talents which encourage and support one another and the church, and bring glory to God in the process.

     However, as Paul noted, we as the church have become lethargic and waning in Christian works and exercising of our faith.  There membership of the United Methodist Church in Nebraska is down by 8% from last year.  The enthusiasm and participation in church or faith centered programs has fallen off to an all time low. 

     Involvement in the church has become a secondary event, if that, in the lives of the general population.  Participation in church programs by members of the congregation shows a significant drop from just a few years ago.  At this rate, one might wonder about the future of the church.

     But Paul reminds us of our great heritage, as he did for Timothy.  He reminds us of our calling.  He reminds us “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 

    Paul reminds us that God has called us, has given us the Holy Spirit, and has given each of us the ability and strength that we may fan the flames of our faith and our Christian service.

     As with Timothy, we too are being called to “stir up the gift of God which is in us”, to get excited, to get fired up, to fan the flames and work our faith.  To be involved in the life, mission and ministries of the church, and her people.  To take a vested interest in the future and success of the church.

     Ladies and gentlemen, we have the opportunities, we have the resources, we have the people, and we have the mandate.  Plus, we have God’s word of promise to provide and bless our faithful efforts. 

     I invite and encourage you to fan the flames of your faith, to make a decision today to become involved, to make use of every y to exercise your talents toward the mission and ministries of the church and for the glory of God.  I doing so, I know God will bless both you and this church beyond our expectations.

     Remember, “it is only through the involvement of the Body of Christ, will the mission of Christ be fully realized!”

     May God bless your involvement in His glorious plan.  Amen.

Pastor Eldon

Where Are We?

Where are we? Now, I don’t mean simply where you and I are – as we read this.
     I mean, where are we? Where are we as a country? As a community? Where are we as the church, as the community of believers? Where are we as the individual members of the Body of Christ?
     When I asked several people that question, one of them said: “Oh, we’re OK, we’re doing fine.” Someone else said: “Wow, we’re doing a lot better then we were.” Yet another person said: “Well, I’m doing great, but I know a lot who aren’t.”
     Then there was the person who asked if I wanted an honest answer, or just one to make me feel good cause I’m a preacher. I said an honest one. They said: “Our country is going to hell in a hand basket because the people of God have lost their zeal, and God has lost His place.”
     Quite frankly, I happen to agree. We are in trouble. Just as Israel was in the time of Jeremiah, I see our country, and the church, headed in the same direction, if we are not already there.
     There are many parallels between Moses leading Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land and the Pilgrims leaving England for the New World. The primary one being religious freedom. The right and freedom to worship God without government interference or the threat of persecution.
     Once in the Promised Land, and the New World, the Israelites and the Puritans rejoiced and gave their whole heart to the Lord in praise and thanksgiving. They focused their lives on the Word and ways of God, and exercised great diligence in observing the Commandments of the Lord.
     Their numbers grew. Houses of worship sprung up everywhere, and were filled to capacity with people wanting to praise and worship God. People wanting and yearning to hear the Word of God, to experience His presence, and to build a bond of kinship with one another. And, God blessed them.
     But, as time passed, we are told, that the zeal and desire to follow the Lord faded. The Lord tells Jeremiah of several areas where the Israelites were in contempt of the ways of God. He said they had followed idols and become idolaters. He said: “those who handle the law did not know Me; the rulers also transgressed against Me; the prophets prophesied by Baal, principal male god of the Phoenicians, and they walked after things that do not profit.”
     The Lord told Jeremiah: “My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.”
     As I watch the news and read the papers, I can’t help but believe – history is in the process of repeating itself!  I believe we as a country and as the Body of Christ have, like the Israelites, become cocky, comfortable, and careless.
     Oh sure, we love to hear the touchy, feel-good messages that tell us of God’s goodness and how much He is going to bless us. We want to hear about the glory and the goodies – but we don’t like hearing about our responsibilities. We love the conferment’s and candy, but when it comes to the commandments, well, the news and the pews speak for themselves.
     I’ve heard many of you tell of how this church used to be full. You have told stories about when the Lord and matters of faith were held in high regard, and folks came hand in foot to praise and worship God.
     How many of you remember when the morals and ethics taught by God’s Word were respected, honored – and followed? When God was given His rightful place – in our country, our church, and in our lives?
     God sent the prophets to Israel, He sent Disciples to the multitudes , and He sent Jesus to the us. In Luke 12:54-56 Jesus asks: “When you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but you can't interpret these present times.”
     I believe we need to be asking our selves, ‘Where are we?’ Are we cocky, full of pride and other little gods, or just full of ourselves and don’t think we need God? Is it all about me and what I want?
     Are we comfortable. You know, I’m set so I don’t need to go any further in my faith. Everything is OK just as it is. I get a little preachin’ from the radio or TV and I’m fine.
     Are we careless? Do we just accept any ol thing that comes down the pike in the name of religion. As long as it sounds good, it must be good, right? Have we lost our care for the Lord and His Word and ways to the point where we will let the naysayers, the agnostics, atheists and everyone else who doesn’t care about the Lord, control how, where and when we may pray and worship? How long do we allow them to set the legal, moral and ethical codes of our society?
     Where are we? I know this is a tough question, and this is a tough message. But sometimes we need to ask tough questions, especially now as we see the spiritual backbone of our country and the church deteriorate and disintegrate right before our very eyes.
     To put it another way, how we answer the question, “Where are we?” not only effects how we live in the Lord, it also has a direct effect on the lives of other people, and – and where they may be, now and forever.
     Where are we? Are we merely complacent Christians coasting along till the end of the ride? Or, are we going to answer the call of the Lord to Jeremiah to: “Go and shout this in the city streets: The Lord says, I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago and how you loved me and followed me even through the barren deserts.”
     Let us remember also the call of Christ to: To love the Lord and to love one another, to obey His commandments, and to walk in His ways – now and forever.
     Where we are, as a country and as the church – begins right here. Where we are, and where we will be – begins with you. May you know where you are in the Lord, and apply it unto His Kingdom. Amen.
Pastor Eldon