I have heard people talking about things that have happened to them when they would add, “I went on and never looked back.” An example is when a quarterback throws an interception. I am convinced that they were attempting to stress that they did not let past events deter or limit the future for them. But I want to deal with this attitude to remind everyone that it is important to look back.

Oh, I know what Jesus said about looking back. Luke 9:62 “And Jesus said unto him, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” The words of Jesus are always correct. Once a person has accepted Jesus Christ they should focus on Him and not turn back to the wrongs of the past. Having been forgiven of one’s sins the person should live without the feeling of guilt.

One aspect of looking back is the practice of remembering what has happened in the past. Deuteronomy 32:7 “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.”

There is still the need of looking back while going forward. Surely you have heard the warning, “History repeats itself.” The deal is simply that we must learn from past errors or mistakes. The only way we can learn from the past is to review actions of yesterday to determine what steps could be taken to avoid the failure in the future.

Recalling the past can enhance one’s appreciation and thankfulness for what God has done for you. Moses stressed the need look back at how God delivered His people form Egypt. Exodus 13:3 “And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.”

We need to remember the pleasant things of years gone by. Numbers 11:5, “We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick.” It is good to recognize that all goods things come from God. We must realize that we cannot remain in the past nor even in today but must seek to continually be in God’s will knowing that how God provided for us in the past He will continue to take care of us.

As we rejoice in the blessings of God we must also consider that wrath of God is a reality and a certainty. Deuteronomy 9:7 “Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD.” Our need is to keep the commandments of God and strive to become more like Christ.

Jesus made it very clear that His followers are to love God and love their neighbor. Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Jesus called upon His followers to remember His crucifixion through the Lord’s Supper. Luke 22:19 “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” We are to look back to see the price God paid to save us from our sin.

At the beginning of a new year is an appropriate time to look back and consider how we have been living. I am not talking about loosing focus of the task God has assigned you. I am stressing the obligation we have of remembering all that God has done for us. We must recognize the errors of our past and ponder on steps we can take to improve our lives.

 Our objective for the new years should be to follow the example of Paul and be able to say with Paul. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

I pray that you may have a good new year in obedience to God’s will. Look back to see how God has blessed you. Look back to see the errors of your past. Take hold of the ploy and go forward to live a Christ filled life.

As we begin the Fourth of July celebrations and remembrances, our nation needs to consider what freedom is and how we must enjoy our God given freedom within God’s directions. According to Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation, freedom is “ability to act freely: a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restraints or restrictions.”

 I visited a program on my computer and found some interesting illustrations from Tan, P. L. (1996, c1979). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: A Treasure of illustrations, antidotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX. Bible Communications.

 The commandments and directions from God the Almighty never burdens humanity. God desires for all of humanity to live in joy and peace. I certainly agree with Horace Greeley when he said, “It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom.”

 The laws of men introduce problems. Too often the laws of men have been written and then interpreted to mean an absolutely different purpose. Currently there are frightening decisions by the Supreme Court which negate the intention of our Founding Fathers who wrote the Constitution.

 The misinterpretation of words alters the definition and opens the doors to unintended consequences. Christian have faced persecution in the past and can be assured that more is to come through the coming unjust laws of the land. A clear example is Law No. 153/190, Article 1-D, that forbid Rumanian citizens from “coming together to play cards, drink alcohol, or waste time.” For Rumanians to assemble for worship or prayer or Christian fellowship is, by atheistic Communist standards, “a waste of time.”

 The actions of others may hinder our obedience to God; however, we must stand true to what we believe and know is true. Before World War II, Nora Waln wrote a book exposing Hitler and his Nazi plotters. The manuscript was intercepted in the German mails on its way to an American publisher. She fled to London, rewrote the book and sent copies to Heinrich Himmler, the Nazi hangman. He took vengeance by imprisoning seven of the author’s anti-Nazi friends. Miss Waln came back to Germany in 1939 and offered her life for the freedom of her friends. Himmler offered to empty a whole prison if she would write the book to make Hitler appear good. In refusing she said, “I am willing to forfeit my life, but not my beliefs.”

The separation of the state and religion does not ever put limitations or restrictions on either unit but can provide a working relationship that can strengthen both. I appreciated worthy words of Napoleon Bonaparte on religious freedom. “I wish it to be understood that my intention and my firm determination are to maintain liberty of worship. The empire of the law ends where the empire of the conscience begins. Neither the law nor the prince must infringe upon this empire.” —H. C. Fish

 God has provided mankind the freedom of abundant dimensions. The Reverend Patricia Budd Kepler explained, “Eve’s eating of the apple in the garden of Eden was the first free act of the human race. We ought to recognize that act. We ought to celebrate Eve. She began the process of freedom.” Reverend Kepler said that the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise into reality was God’s way of giving birth to people. The minister went on to say that this made sin possible “because sin comes with freedom and choice.”

We must practice the God given freedom in obedience to God’s will. Mankind’s determination to be free from God’s control brings disaster and condemnation. An illustration is revealed from Stockholm, Sweden where it long ago arrived at complete sexual freedom and liberty. Old-fashioned fornication is quite accepted by parents as normal for their youngsters. It is reported that only 5% of the girls and 2% of the boys go with their purity to the marriage altar. Is this moral deterioration reflected in Sweden’s having the highest percentage of suicides of any country of the world?

Bernard M. Baruch has been quoted as saying, “The greatest freedom man has is the freedom to discipline himself.” We can and must enjoy our freedom by disciplining ourselves in obedience to the Laws of God.

James C. Halley told of the “Freedom Lady” which stands atop the United States Capitol dome in Washington, almost 20 feet high. The sculptured Freedom Lady was brought from Rome during a fierce storm, and the captain ordered some cargo thrown overboard. The sailors wanted to include the heavy statue, but the captain refused, shouting above the wind, “No! Never! We’ll flounder before we throw “Freedom” away.” It is necessary that we do not throw our freedom away.

Our nation needs to sing of the freedom we enjoy as Samuel Francis Smith put so beautifully in his hymn, “America.”   

Our country, tis of thee

Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing:

Land where my fathers died, 

Land of the pilgrims’ pride,

From every mountain side

Let freedom ring.”

The Friendship Baptist Church faced the need of having a revival. (Romans 10:13-15) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Whenever such an event is planned there are many questions to be considered. The first may be classified as the mechanics. Included in the planning was the setting of the date and time for the meetings. Possible speakers had to be considered. The subject of music includes the choice of special music, instrumentalist, song leader, and congregational singing. Since the members find eating a necessary link with church meetings the ladies were asked to decide about the food.

It was necessary to develop means to advertise the meetings. The first step was to place an announcement in the church bulletin and then to announce the plans during the church service. An advertisement in the local news paper seemed appropriate. Letters telling of the revival would be sent to every household of members.

At an associational Men’s Ministry gathering I had the opportunity to hear two gentlemen I had enjoying hearing before; but this time there was something different. Surely, I saw a spiritual opportunity as I was impressed by what I now recognize as the hand of the Holy Spirit. These two men had been led of God to proclaim the gospel truth; thus, I wondered about the possibility of having them come to Friendship for a revival.

　The chairman of deacons was in agreement when he heard this idea. Next, after praying, I had to contact them and present the idea to them. Speaking to each of them at different times I was able to observe their individual response. Each of them immediately said that they wanted to do whatever God would have them to do. (Romans 1:15) So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Both of them expressed their limited experience and capability but neither was reluctant to agree to come. (Isaiah 6:8) Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

What really happened was that separately each one made it very clear that he had been praying for opportunities to share the Gospel message. Wholeheartedly they committed themselves to pray and make preparations to do God’s will.

The revival services are set to begin at 11:00 am, Sunday, June 13. The evening meetings will be at 7:00 pm on Sunday through Wednesday. Dr. Jimmy Clanton will be the predominate speaker. Mr. Jeff Willis will lead the music and provide special music. Together they will share the message God has laid on their hearts.

Many people of Thomas County know Jimmy and Jeff. I invite and encourage all who will to come worship with us. I am impressed with the testimonies of these two men. (Act 4:20) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

They appear to be thrilled by the realization that God can use them. Come, I plead with you, not just to hear them, but to receive the gospel they will present. (Luke 19:10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Pray for Jimmy and Jeff and others like them. (Jonah 3:9-10) Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? 10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Pray for those who need to hear the gospel during these meeting. (1Timothy 2:1) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.

Pray that many will accept God’s offers of salvation through the blood of Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:3-4) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Tell everyone you can about the revival services and encourage them to attend. (Matthew 9:37-38) Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Pray that you and the members of the Friendship Baptist Church will experience the call from God to yield their lives to God’s will just as Jimmy and Jeff are doing. (1 John 4:4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Believers, please submit yourself to be used of God. (Acts 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Pray that Metcalfe, Thomas County, and our nation would experience God’s healing through His Son Jesus Christ. (2 Chronicles 7:14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

In the book of Revelation we read of many terrifying events to come during the Great Tribulation. At different times 7000 people are killed, a third of the world is destroyed, a third of the ships sink, and a third of the creatures in the seas die. The judgments from God appear catastrophic and indeed they are.

At the same time, it is frightening to consider the horrifying nature of current episodes. The news media reported about a car bomb that was discovered sitting in New York City. The news told of a mother deserting her husband and infant child. The newspaper related the story of a man who shot and killed his neighbor. Repeated reports have come about some bullies in school causing their victims to commit suicide.

There is a tremendous difference in these two categories. The death and destruction brought by God’s judgment will be against sin to punish the guilty. God as the Creator and the Almighty is justified in the judgments and punishments He declares. The happenings reported in the news media are sin instrumented by the evil hearts of human beings. Such sinful deeds are against the will of God and against God’s plan for humanity.

The other day, during an informal discussion between a group of ministers, one preacher related a question he had been pondering. First, he referred to all the distress about and the pain people were suffering. Then, his question was. “What am I to do?” It was clear to realize that he wanted things to be different, to turn around. He recognized the great need for repentance on every hand. He seemed to feel that God wanted him to take part in the solution.

Each of us need to ask the question of himself or herself. “What am I to do?“ The fact that the coming events prophesied by John in Revelation will come to pass should generate concern in our hearts for the lost. There is no way that as an individual you or I can set all things right. God has the power, Jesus has the authority, and the Holy Spirit has the availability to use us to accomplish God’s plan of salvation. We can not personally force people around us to change but we can reach out and alter their concept of life by sharing Christ with them.

God would not have any one perish. Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

 Gloom is all around us. News report headlines most often announce disasters, immoral activities, and frightening situations. The television programs highlight crime, immoral practices, and vulgar language. The reports on political individuals stress their evil lives and illegal steps. Schools are constantly presented as having failing in grades and in moral conduct among pupils, teachers, and administrators. All of these things come from one source an evil heart.

Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Dishonesty controls the advertising industry. Slogans such as, “If you bought somewhere else you paid too much,” most often have no validity.

Superlatives such as, “most effective” or “cheapest,” are over used. Absurd guarantees such as a “Statement of authenticity” which are simply letters written by the vender.

Proverbs 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

As the psalmist we should meditate on God’s Word. Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

We should call upon God to be taught His way so that we came walk in truth and fear God’s name. Psalm 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

We must attune our hearts and souls with God in love. Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

We must pray for others. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

We must judge our own actions to assure that we do not hinder anyone else.

Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.

We must live humbly in a holy manner. Romans 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

We need to give glory to God now because of His power. Jeremiah 13:16 Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.

We can thank God for the victory in the name of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

We must put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-19 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.

 Psalm 130:1 “Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. 2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”

The psalmist cried out to God from the depths of sin and sorrow. He recognizing that his only hope was in God, pled with God to hear his voice and to respond in mercy. He lamented his sin and expressed confidence that God’s forgiving nature would remove the sin and redeem him as God has always done in the past for the whole nation.

We have sinned as the psalmist. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The psalmist asked as did Malachi 3:2, “Who can stand when he appears?” Because of our sin we cannot stand before God on our own merit. We can be thankful that God does not keep a record of sins to be used for assigning punishment for us.

God is always aware of our sins; however, He makes a conscious choice to disregard those sins that are confessed. To forgive is not to experience amnesia, but to set aside anger and malice towards those who have committed wrong. He makes a conscious choice to tear up official records and to never bring up our sins again. It is only God’s forgiveness and mercy that permits us to stand before Him. God is capable of dealing with our sins and restoring us to righteousness and will provide forgiveness.

God’s immense power would cause anyone to cower in fear, but God’s love would cause one to be aghast in utter admiration and awe. As we recognize God’s forgiveness we enter a spiritual state where we can fear or reverence Him. Reverence is the human response to His felt presence.

Sometimes, the only things we can do is wait for God, trusting in His Word to find hope. A person standing guard duty at night waits anxiously for the morning. When the morning comes, he can sleep. Until the morning comes he must stay awake and pay attention. No matter how long the night seems and how long the watchman looks for the dawn, he knows the dawn will come.

To serve God we must stay awake, waiting for God to answer our cry, so that when that answer comes, we can find rest. Our waiting on God is not passive, we are to be attentive as we look for the answer from God. It is not a do nothing approach, but a watchful, active approach to finding the answer God has for us.

When trusting God, our hearts are moved to encourage others to place their hope in God as well. The psalmist encourages the nation of Israel, his own people, to put their hope in God along with him. He reminds them that God’s love never fails. He encourages them to recognize that God does not only partially forgive but He offers full or abundant redemption. We cannot explain why God is the way He is, but we can better understand ourselves when we see ourselves in the light of the way He is and we have hope.

God has excellent hearing and can hear a cry for help, no matter how faint or far off. God immediately forgives the sincere petitioner. His forgiveness evokes reverence and awe. As God waits to be asked and for his presence to be recognized, so His children wait for signs assuring them He is there or near or coming.

There are many pits and pitfalls during a lifetime which vary in degrees of seriousness and consequences. They all have one thing in common. They are all potential barriers to the vision to see the eternal light and barriers to hearing.. They plunge us into darkness and submerge us beneath the atmosphere where sound travels and cut off, if only and hopefully temporarily, from the light and sounds of the Word of God.

Each new day we can cry out to the Lord to remove the barriers to His presence and turn the mountains of injustice into steps, steps leading into his full and fuller presence. Each step we take moves us further from the pits and pitfalls of life. Into God’s presence. Some Jews, living far away from Mt. Zion only made the trip to the Temple once in a lifetime. It is our privilege to enter into God’s presence every day, throughout the daytime, all the days of our lives. We can reverently live in God’s forgiveness.

This month, on February 14, there will be the exchanging of candy, flowers, gifts, and cards between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Today, St. Valentine’s Day contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different martyred saints named Valentine.According to one legend, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families; thus, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine defied Claudius and continued secretly to perform marriages for young lovers. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.