Incredible Committment, Inspiring!!

[Taylor]

I found this online this morning.

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, Pastor of the Saddle Back Church, Author of the Purpose Driven Life

[bevin]

Sigh - it looks so cute, until you realize that it simply doesn't address life's gray areas.

Quote:

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!

Unfortunately God does not send exact instructions with impecable credentials. Instead He puts us in a complex world with ambiguous situations.

/Bevin

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Sigh - it looks so cute, until you realize that it simply doesn't address life's gray areas.

Quote:

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!

Unfortunately God does not send exact instructions with impecable credentials. Instead He puts us in a complex world with ambiguous situations.

/Bevin

I agree with Bevin.

[Amelia]

Quote:

Instead He puts us in a complex world with ambiguous situations.

No, God put us in a perfect world. Unruly man made it complex.

[Taylor]

Well I found it inspirational to have that kind of committment towards God, His word, and what he asks us to do. Thankfully we have a God who does give us much clear guidance, and puts up with our mistakes and helps us move on. Committing one's life to God in this way means that one is no longer in the driver's seat but is doing their best to follow God's leading for their lives. This does not mean we are robots, because we can choose to take over the driving at any time. It means we submit to the authority of God knowing that not only does he know what is best for our lives but he loves us so much he would never do anything unless it was for our best. And when the devil throws curve balls at us, God gives us strength to handle the tough situations in our lives, friends that can help us through those tough times, and promises of a heaven where everything will eventually be made right.

Anyway, that kind of committment to God, I found refreshing, especially since it isn't from an SDA church.

[olger]

Hi Taylor: It reminds me of a note scrawled by an Adventist missionary before his death. The Review printed a copy of it back around 2000.

rejoice always,

olger

[Taylor]

Yes I have read that before. Do you have a copy you can post here? I would love to have that.

[olger]

Library | The Fellowship

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made - I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions are few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me... my banner will be clear!"

[Taylor]

Oooh that's it!!! Thanks so much Olger!

[Dr. Shane]

Some of the things Rick Warren writes can be picked apart as being shallow but he meets a lot of people's needs. He is a tremendous asset to his community and to the Christian faith. He is this generation's Billy Graham.

I am not much of a fan of his literature but I admire the work God has done through him.

[Taylor]

Well I don't agree with everything he wrote either but I liked this statement!

[Dr. Shane]

Thanks for sharing it with us. That is one of the things this forum is for - to share with other the things that touch us.

[LifeHiscost]

I found this online this morning.

By Rick Warren, Pastor of the Saddle Back Church, Author of the Purpose Driven Life

It's always inspiring to see the idealist's visions coming to pass as a result of the Lord's grace performed through them. However, as a realist, I have a feeling more people will be brought to the foot of the cross through these disciple's experiences.

"Peter said to Him, "Even if all men are ashamed of You and leave You, I never will." Jesus said to him, "For sure, I tell you, that today, even tonight, before a rooster crows two times, you will say three times you do not know Me." Peter spoke with strong words, "Even if I have to die with You, I will never say that I do not know You." All the followers said the same thing. "

Blessings!!

[Taylor]

I should have posted that this statment of committment by Rick Warren is apparently used for believers when they are baptized, as a covenant they sign or something at the time of their baptism. No doubt they have already been brought to the foot of the cross and that is why this document says what their heart feels.

Just my 2 cents. Appreciated your comment.

[LifeHiscost]

I should have posted that this statment of committment by Rick Warren is apparently used for believers when they are baptized, as a covenant they sign or something at the time of their baptism. No doubt they have already been brought to the foot of the cross and that is why this document says what their heart feels.

Just my 2 cents. Appreciated your comment.

Thank you for your response, Taylor. I recall a comment from a Christian author I believe you're familiar with, in which she said we need to come to the foot of the cross on a daily basis. And there is no doubt in my mind this will continue to bring individuals to a place where they will be motivated to aspire to the words you have penned, along with Rick Warren.

Keep looking up!