I have Decided To Follow Jesus 

I am resolved. This day I establish, or reestablish, my commitment to serve 

God. My destination is heaven, and every step I take should be in that di- 

rection. My ultimate goal is to spend eternity in the presence of My Crea- 

tor. And every intermediate goal I set should be a stepping stone to that 

end. Each day I will affirm my identity as being created in the image of God. 

That assures me that I am of value and that my behavior is significant. I re- 

solve today, henceforth, there will be no turning back! 

Luke 9:62 “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is 

fit for the kingdom of God.” 

Sourced from “Right Angels” by Ralph Bryant a longtime Christian minister 

and author; Ralph currently serves as the preaching minister and an elder 

for the Abell Street Church of Christ in Wharton, Texas. He is a good friend 

to the Fulshear Church of Christ. 

We cannot change the past.  Good or bad, what happened in the past is what it is. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 7:10 that it is unwise to long for “the good old days,” and Jesus said in Luke 9:62 that “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.”   Perhaps this is why the Hebrew writer quoted Jeremiah 31:34 saying that God “will forgive their wickedness and will never remember their sins.” 

We can, however, change the future.  Holding a grudge about our sins and the sins of others against us can rob both of peace.  Unforgiveness leaves us full of bitterness and rage.  Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” 

As we approach this season when much of the world pauses to remember the birth of the One who came to bring forgiveness and peace, remember your ability to change the future by seeking forgiveness, for yourself and others. 

Blessings! 

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

In our busy world, it can be difficult to recognize God’s presence in our daily lives. With the pressures of work, family, and personal responsibilities, we may feel distant from God, unsure of where He is. However, Scripture encourages us to seek Him continually, reminding us that God is always near, waiting to be found by those who earnestly seek Him.

Focusing on God requires a deliberate effort to slow down and create space for Him in our lives. It could be a few moments of quiet prayer in the morning, a short walk in nature, or reading Scripture before bed. These moments help us recalibrate our hearts, allowing us to see God’s hand at work.

When we pause to focus, we begin to notice God’s presence in the small things—a kind word, the beauty of creation, or a moment of peace. God is not just present in grand gestures but in everyday blessings.

By seeking Him with intention, we learn to trust that He is guiding and loving us every step of the way, even in the ordinary moments.

-Brent Seifert
 

Any good baseball player knows the value of forethought. He decides before the pitch what he will do if the ball comes his way. Then, if he must make a play, he won’t waste time making a decision. The split-second save may be the difference between a successful play and an unsuccessful one. 

Jesus was well fortified with forethought. When He faced temptation in the desert, He responded with words learned long before His trial. He acted with speed. He wasted no time in making the crucial decision! 

I Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” 

Taken from the book “Right Angels” by Ralph Bryant. Ralph is an elder and the preaching minister for the Abell Street Church of Christ in Wharton, Texas.  

It seems more and more that people are getting entangled in all kinds of disagreements. Whereas agreements used to take place quietly behind closed doors, now they are taking place on social media in view of the entire world. As Christians we are called to be different than the world around us (I John 2:15), thus we should not participate in arguments like those outside of Christ do, but unfortunately, we still find ourselves involved in arguments. The Philippian letter helps us end arguments.  

Philippians 4:2 

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 

Agree in the name of the Lord instead of arguing. 

Philippians 4:4 

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Rejoice in the Lord instead of wasting time arguing. 

Philippians 4:8-9  

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

Focus on these things instead of arguing. 

 
If you find yourself in an argument just look to Philippians and you will find a way out. 

Be Strong and Courageous, 
Paul