At every wedding ceremony I officiate, I remind the bride and groom that love at its core is commitment. Feelings fluctuate, but commitment is what goes the distance. That’s why the vows include: “for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do we part.” Vows add meaning to life. Many professions require them because it calls people to a higher standard. Some people live by them; unfortunately others do not. When vows are broken - in marriage – or other areas, people always get hurt. Thank God we have a Promise-Keeping God. He does not break the vows He establishes with His people. Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for each of us is a constant reminder of His great love – commitment – to each of us.

November is a month of giving “thanks” and a month to remember those who have and are suffering for their faith. We recognized our veterans and active military in worship last Sunday as we celebrated Veteran’s Day weekend and their sacrifices. Christians around the world are suffering every day. In November we recognize “The Persecuted Church” – not an actual church, but all our Christian brothers and sisters
who are being persecuted because of their vow to follow Christ with all they are and all they have. We’re reminded in II Timothy 3:12, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” Jesus also tells us, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”(Matthew 5:10).

The following is a note found on the cot of an African Christian after he was killed for his Christian faith.

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die is cast, I have stepped over the line; the decision has been made; I’m a disciple of His; I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or sit still. My past is forgiven, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight-walking, small-planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, mundane talking, “chincy giving” and dwarfed goals. I no longer need prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by Grace, walk by Faith, learn by Patience, lift by Prayer, and labor by His Power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my Guide reliable, and my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or ponder at the pool of popularity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of my Lord Jesus. I am a disciple of His. I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till he stops me. And when he comes for His own, I don’t want him to have any trouble recognizing me ... I want my colors to be clear!

What a powerful, passionate vow. He paid the ultimate price in this life and received the ultimate gift in the next! This week is Commitment Sunday at First Church. What does that mean? We’ll get to respond in a very practical and personal way to the vow we each made when we joined First Church. “Will you be loyal to Jesus Christ as expressed through First Church and uphold it with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness?” As you offer your commitment card on the altar this week, I pray you will sense God’s great love and commitment to you and yours, as you demonstrate your renewed love and commitment to Him.

It’s a joy to serve as your Pastor and fellow pilgrim on this incredible journey of faith with Jesus and each other. Blessings!

Your Brother in Christ,

Mark

PS – Praise God for the Ladies Prayer Time last Sunday morning and for a great Stewardship Banquet last night! God is good!