Monday Reflections on Sunday's Sermon

     This Sunday was a full one. From looking into the church's past with Darwin, to looking at the possibility of taking on the Manuelito Project as a missions organization that we regularly support, to looking out for our own future by setting our hearts on obeying the Word. Past, Present, and Future... all represent an important piece in the life of a Christian. We can learn and be inspired by the past efforts of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (sort of like the fellowship and teaching that Darwin shared, or like how 3 families from this church have retired recently from 50+ years of missionary service). In the present, we look to see how we might serve God and be a blessing to those in need (as in the Manuelito Project, or our other new missionary family- The Jacksons, or filling Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes). Sometimes it is easy to get wrapped up in those two frames of mind, because the future is ambiguous; it is not promised; "each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matt 6:34). However, being prepared for the future is also an important step for a Christian. I would remind you to set your hearts on following what the Bible has to say now, before things get squirrely. It is when we commit to being Christ-like during times of blessing, we need to take steps to ensure ourselves that it isn't with some half-hearted effort.
     We are to love the Word; it is to be sweet to us; and we are to be obedient to what it has to say. When things get difficult in our lives, first and foremost it will test our character, our spiritual maturity. How will you respond to the darkness of the world (a world that is a blessing from the Lord, but man has taken advantage of)? How will you respond when the Word points out some dark corner of your own heart? It is in these times, that we will need to test the resolve of the setting of our hearts. Were our words empty or will we stand up for the Lord and His faithfulness to see us through what He has given us to deal with?
     It is my hope that you will be found faithful and fruitful, fulfilling the good work He has set out for you to do.
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Psalm 119:112 My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end.
Questions for you:
1) What does it mean to "set your heart" on something? 
2) What do you put in place to help you remember that something is important to you? That you have already chosen how to respond to a particular situation?
3) When your resolve falters, what do you do to get back up, dust yourself off, and get going again?

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