First Baptist Church of Beltsville
Finding Peace with God on the Hilltop of Beltsville
Have you ever felt as if you were turning a corner in life? I have been feeling that very thing lately, and not just in one aspect of life. Selah and Micah are making some of those life transitions from which there will be no return. In a sense it is sad; however we are raising responsible adults, not children who will remain children. Selah is finding fulfillment and satisfaction apart from mom and dad, and she is remaining focused on extracurricular activities that she has chosen for herself. Currently she is into figure skating, although I must confess that I was hopeful she would lace up some hockey blades and crash the boys into the boards! Micah is sampling sports and spends far less time with little boy activities. It will be sad to take down the little play set and the sand box, but the corner has been turned—there is no turning back.
In a very similar way, I feel as if the church has turned an important corner. Our interest of missions is turning to passion; our sense of duty for the Great Commission has become an earnest desire to fulfill the Great Commission; our willingness to participate in outreach and missions has given way to an eagerness to participate. Praise the Lord! While I type this article, we are on the verge of a very large-scale community outreach project. At the same time, we have been challenged to support foreign missions by setting a very high goal for our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Finally, I am prayerfully considering a 2012 mission trip overseas.
Consider the words of Jesus, as we stand on the other side of the corner. "But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’" - (Luke 9:62 NKJV) We have waded more deeply into the harvest fields; we have placed our hands upon the plow to see the Lord of the Harvest increase His kingdom. Let us not look back longingly, let us not consider our own levels of comfort or ease; much rather, let us stride forward, shoulder to shoulder, into the white and ripe harvest field of the Great Commission!