By Tom Pool, Lynnville Heart of Worship pastor
Have you ever made a vow or pledge where you promised your dedication to someone or something? We can think of hundreds of opportunities of commitment where we promise to fulfill to the best of our ability. What are your goals for 2016? Whatever it may be, the bar has been raised for that challenge. How we respond and finish what we have started falls directly upon our shoulders.
After working with teenagers most of my life, I’ve tried to challenge them above their own capabilities. The key has been to make the challenge obtainable and reasonable to complete. It has been so rewarding to see the special measure of work and sacrifice these young students have obtained to become successful.
In Ephesians 1:14, the Word of God tells us about the inheritance we have through Jesus Christ. It is promised and guaranteed, and we only need to accept it. I Cor. 1:22 says that God’s ID is branded and sealed in us by His Holy Spirit living in our hearts. What is the cost for us? Simply praise Him. Praise is not just lifting up our voices in song. Praise is living, seeking, and trusting God no matter the circumstances, even when we do not feel like it. The Psalms tell us it must be a priority as we renew and refresh ourselves in the knowledge. It must be daily and continually. Our sacrifice of praise is what brings His glory, peace, and comfort into our lives!
This should be the testimony of a devout believer in a world that is self-absorbed and cynical. God’s ways are not our ways. Let’s dedicate ourselves to live in such a way that we would be an open book read by all men, and God would be glorified! Let me challenge you in 2016. Let the scriptures confirm to you God has made the ultimate pledge to us. He is waiting to bless you, just praise Him! Believe and receive.
