DO-RIGHT!

 

Do you remember DUDLEY DO-RIGHT? He was kind of a bumbling kind of guy, but his intentions were always clean and pure. I just recently found out he was pulled from TV for 44 years because he poked fun of SMOKEY BEAR in one of his episodes. The Forest Service was a little upset about it. So, I guess Dudley Do-right is not always doing right.

AS a Senior Pastor for all of NINE MONTHS, I have not been involved with any CHURCH FIGHTS. I am so thankful for a congregation that loves each other and loves the Lord. They all show an extraordinary love for each other. It is not cliche to say they are already my family. Even in families, though, there will be SQUABBLES. I would love to say I am ready for them, but I am not really sure what that means. As I continue to lead the congregation at SMDCOG two things are true. I LOVE GOD more today than ever in my life. I have a more active prayer life and life of study than ever before. I seek God's will continuously throughout the day. (that's one! LOL!) AND I LOVE my CHURCH. My heart is with GOD first and GOD'S PEOPLE second. I am bound to make mistakes, but my heart is to do GOD'S WILL, PERIOD! I love this scripture in FIRST PETER and as I was reading it this morning, I thought about congregational SPATS!

"Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ." (1 Peter 3:13-16, NLT)

I certainly am eager to do good for the Lord and for his church. Those two things cannot be separated. I pray no one ever has a doubt about my desire to DO RIGHT and to DO GOD'S WILL. Will I make mistakes? YES, most assuredly. I truly believe God blesses our mistakes if they are done with the motive to do right and to do God's will. Obviously, there is a limit to those mistakes. But, if you are truly seeking God's will and wanting to follow him, GOD will bless you for it, even in our own weakness. 

I can honestly say my conscience is clear. But, just like there is a gentle and respectful way about us when we encounter a non-believer, we should also be gentle and respectful when people disagree with us. If someone does not agree with my definition of RIGHT, my definition of the right thing to do, it is ok. I will love you just the same and maybe more, especially when we disagree. If I suffer because I believe I am doing right and doing good, it's ok. Peter said that same thing later in 1 Peter 3.  We need to be patient, kind, and loving to those we disagree with. 

Heavenly Father, I praise you for the flock under my watchful eye at SMDCOG. I pray your blessing upon them as they constantly seek to do what is right. I ask you constant guidance as I continue to make decisions leading this church. I wholeheartedly desire only to do your will. Please, Lord, help us all to continue to draw together in unity, Show each other YOUR kind of love and to treasure each other. I praise you for all you have done in the life of this congregation, all you are presently doing, and all that you are about to do! In the name of the LORD JESUS I pray. Amen!

DO RIGHT! 

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!