Preaching Tomorrow

So I am excited to have the opportunity in Pasco to share with a congregration! This is the third time that I'll speak at the church, and tomorrow I am planning to share the first of a two-part message regarding my resolution (that I think is applicable for all believers).

It reads like this:

I resolve to be a mission-minded person, empowered and led by the Holy Spirit, whose transforming life demonstrates the good news of the Kingdom of God in the midst of the darkness.

For the next few days I'll share snatches of what I think this means and why I think that we all need to be running in this direction. I shared many of these thoughts with the Bethel High School students about a year and a half or so ago.

The first point is that we must be resolved. Think unswerving pursuit of something. I liken this to a bloodhound that catches the scent of an intended target and then doggedly pursues the scent until he arrives! Nothing is going to deter him or cause him to turn to the right or the left. Not that I think I've arrived (or may ever in this life), so each day I want to avoid distractions that will sidetrack me from living missionally (more about missional tomorrow). What distractions have I seen in my own life recently? Too much "zoning" on the computer, listening to inane talk radio in the car that really doesn't feed me spiritually, and using my words in a harsh or discouraging manner. These are habits that I am asking the Lord to change in me so that I can doggedly pursue both Him and the mission He has given me on this earth. I am resolved to do this.

For more great reading on this topic, check out Jonathan Edwards' resolutions (70 of them total -- I'm doing well with one). You may not agree with all of them, but they will make you think and perhaps even evaluate your current spiritual condition! You can read them here.