My Dear Church Family,
As I sit to write this note, I am on vacation visiting Mount Rushmore. This National Park features majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, all carved into the side of a mountain, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of this monument, selected these four presidents because from his perspective, they represented the most important aspects in the history of the United States: George Washington represents the birth of the United States, Thomas Jefferson represents the growth of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt represents the development of the United States, and Abraham Lincoln represents the preservation of the United States. Seeing this monument in person is truly overwhelming and a GREAT REMINDER of whom we are as citizens in these United States of America.
As I ponder these thoughts, I cannot help but also think in these same terms of being a Christian. My New Birth as a Child of God, the growth I have had in my walk with the Lord, the development God has given me in my faith, and lastly, the preservation I have guaranteed through the Holy Spirit. And while it is an honor to be a citizen of these United States, it is so much more a privilege and honor to be a Child of God.
But how can I honor Him? What is my “monument” to the Lord God Almighty? This morning, as I read and studied my Bible, I gazed upon the actions of King David as He praised God in 1 Chronicles 29:10-11 (NKJV)
Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all.
Yes, that is it!! My monument to the Lord is my Praise to Him in my life. My Words, my thoughts, and my actions speak to others of MY New Birth, my growth, my development, and my preservation in Him. As others see my life, perhaps they too will be drawn to Him and want to know Him more deeply and richly. My prayer, therefore each day, is that I live a life in such a way that praises Jesus, so others may be drawn to our wonderful Lord and Savior.
Remember, Jesus Loves You and So Do I!!
Pastor Jeff