Deadlines
For those who have to pay and have waited, today is the last day to file your income tax return without a penalty. I have passed a couple of places where they fill out people’s taxes and they have people dressed up in silly costumes walking up and down the sidewalk trying to get people to come in before the day is over. One place has a guy dressed up like an M&M. Every time I see him I just want to stop and ask for my free pack of peanut M&Ms.
I don’t know if people wait until the last day because of simple procrastination or because they owe money to the IRS and don’t won’t to pay up until the last day! What we do know is that this date comes exactly three months and 15 days into the New Year every year! It’s not like it should surprise us or anything. Meeting deadlines is a huge part of our lives. And, it seems that no matter how much advance notice we have, the DEADLINE still seems to sneak up on us!
As I saw one man dressed in some kind of “Liberty” costume running up and down the sidewalk holding his sign up for every driver and passenger to see that said: “Today is the last day to file your taxes!” (duh) I wondered how much more effective we could be in helping others come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior if we were that passionate and intentional? I’m sure the guy gets some kind of a commission for every person he can get to walk in the door of the tax preparer. The question on my mind is this: What reward would it take for us to eagerly and enthusiastically share with others How Great IS Our God?!
We have stated without apology that we are going to “DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO REACH WHOEVER WE CAN WITH THE HOPE FOUND IN CHRIST.” I thought today how difficult it is try new and innovative methods to reach people for Christ if we lose sight of WHY we must be creative and flexible. The bottom line is this: People NEED JESUS! Whether they realize it or not, they NEED HIM! It is imperative for us to take a PRO-Active stance in getting the story of Christ to those who need it most.
In our current Sermon Series we are focusing on the Motivation for being innovative and culturally relevant. We can’t afford to forget that we all have a much greater DEADLINE than April 15 (i.e. Tax day). We all have an appointment with death that we will have to keep. Every day we cross paths with people whose DEADLINE may be closer than they think. So, don’t let opportunities pass you by. Be alert, Be enthusiastic, Be ALIVE with God’s Power for others to see.
Dear Pastor Bridges,
You don’t know me, we have never met. However you have affected my life greatly. Let me take a moment to introduce myself to you. My name is Melissa Velino; I am Natasha & TJ Spearman’s mother and mother-in-law. I have prayed all of Natasha’s life that she would meet the person the Lord had for her to serve him with. I must admit that at times my faith has faulted in this area through TJ and Natasha’s marriage. I have even been so filled with pride to ask the Lord “WHY” things were not happening the way I thought they should be happening. The Lord has since taught me a very hard but now a life long lesson in this area of my walk with him, but that is a whole other story.
I want to thank you for your guidance and leadership in their lives. In the past months I must tell you that I have wittiness a miracle being accomplished in TJ & Natasha’s life. When I go to their home I’m blessed by both TJ & Natasha. I have seen changes in both their lives such as happiness, gratefulness, and true fellowship with the Lord. As a parent I don’t think there is a bigger blessing the Lord has for us but to see our children saved and have a desirer to live for him.
In closing, again I want you to know I’m thankful and very grateful to you and Washington Avenue Church for taking the time to minister to my family.
In Christ’s love and mercy,
Melissa Velino