January Beacon

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.  You need milk, not solid food!”  Hebrews 5:12

Will it be milk or solid food for you in 2010?  Maybe you are not only a consumer, but also a provider for others.  Will you be serving them milk or solid food?  What are your plans for the year?  How much are you willing to invest in the spiritual life of yourself and of others?

Did you know that the cost of  making ‘one’s true love’ happy rose from the previous year?  The latest cost analysis of the items in the carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas,’ went up $794 or a little less than 1% over last year.  This is the smallest increase since 2002, when the cost actually decreased.

The five gold rings increased from $150 to $500.  The seven swans a-swimming are the most volatile because of supply and demand.  They head the list as the most expensive  items at $525o.

I want you to consider another list of twelve that may involve an even greater expense or output.  The list I am referring to may already be already in your heart and mind.  I will suggest a few ideas that may serve to ‘jog’ your own, more applicable list.

What could you and/or your family focus on each month to enhance your spiritual growth?  What if you took a project a month to invest in each month for the purpose of spiritual growth!  Here are some ideas of what may contribute to your spiritual growth each month:  Memorize the Ten Commandments; Memorize the books of the Bible; Become proficient in a Gospel presentation; Be able to explain various ‘End Times’ positions; Write a theology paper on basic doctrines; Prepare to teach a Bible lesson or preach a sermon; Fast and Pray for a week; Memorize the names of God; Spend a month in Romans 12; Memorize a Bible verse or chapter or book; Study the Feasts and Holidays of the Bible; and finally…..bless someone or some ministry with a sacrificial act of service.

When Moses was leading God’s people he recounted in Exodus 33:12 how God said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’  Then Moses said in verse 13, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.’

Although none of us are Moses, we can share in his desire to be taught by the One we claim to know and want to have find favor in us.

In the introduction to his workbook entitled, Fundamentals of the Faith, John MacArthur said, ‘What you believe matters, and it matters eternally.  Wrong beliefs about God lead people to hell.’  He based this on the words of Jesus found in Matthew 7:22-23. ‘Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers.”

Consider what you are willing to invest in the spiritual growth you are responsible for in 2010.

Pastor Lerud