Yesterday was one sweet day of worship for me at Hope. John, Cindi, Mike and Rob decided to publically declare their faith in Jesus Christ through baptism! I love baptisms, and the amazing stories of God's grace in people's lives...it is such a thrill to hear how God is STILL moving among people today.
Rob, who was baptized last on Sunday, shared in his testimony a confession of faith written by Rick Warren. Rob desired to make it his statement for his baptism, and I concur with that. I was moved to tears as Rob read these words by Rick Warren describing his commitment to now be a follwer of Jesus Christ:
Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering, I've made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"
by Rick Warren
May God richly bless you John, Cindi, Mike and Rob as you serve, love and enjoy Jesus!
3 comments:
Thanks for putting that up here. I was going to try to ask someone for it, but now I don't have to.
Sorry - I don't know what the problem is. Everytime I try to post a comment here, it ends up being multiple times.
No problem, Laura. I nuked the multiple posts.
Isn't that a great statement! It got me all worked up, that's for sure.
Trike
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