came back to worship.

What happened to the other nine lepers? They may have been healed physically, but it seems their hearts were unchanged. When the heart truly commits to following the Lord, the spirit and body are affected (Luke 17:13-19).

Do you think the nine lepers who didn't return fit the words Jesus spoke about those who look back (stroking Egypt) lack full commitment to follow him? Remember these words, "The cross before me, the world behind me."

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62 KJV). What does Jesus want from us? Total dedication, not halfhearted commitment. 

[The church must count the cost and be willing to abandon everything else that has given us security, without looking back. With our focus on Jesus, we should allow nothing to distract us from following him.]

The defined definition of making a commitment involves dedicating yourself to something, a person or a cause. Before you make a commitment, think carefully. A commitment obligates you to do something.

God will only except full commitment to his gospel plan (Luke 18:20-24). This man in Luke 18 did not understand that he would be even more secure if he followed Jesus than he was with all his wealth. No amount of money can provide lasting satisfaction or eternal life.

He had a world commitment and a religious commitment. You cannot serve God and wealth at the same time. (Luke 16:13). Yes, you can be wealthy from the blessing of God, and still place him first in your life.

In evaluating your commitment to God, examine your heart when finances are involved. Money does have the power to take God’s place in your life, if you allow it. Yes, it can become your master and cloud your commitments.

Our relationship in the body of Christ can go through the same indecisive roadblocks that seem to blunt our commitment to finish the course God has laid out for the church.

Our commitment to God involves being fully committed to one another in the church. Please read aloud to those whom you fellowship with these powerful words Paul spoke to those in the church at Ephesus.

1} "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2} With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3} Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4} There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5} One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6} One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7} But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." (Ephesians 4:1-7 KJV).

Many times, the church can go through in-house petty debates and disagreements. But the leadership should never lose sight of the Kingdom goal God has set before them. That is to go out and make disciples.

Minor differences in doctrine can be discussed, but always with peaceful outcomes. Remember my brothers and sisters, the devil is waiting and watching to poke through that difference and cause division and havoc in your midst.

[Paul here shows the areas where Christians must agree to attain true unity. When believers have this unity of spirit, petty differences should never be allowed to dissolve it.]

Today's message is fully for the church so it can ready itself for the increased persecution that is coming. But it is also centered on being encouraged and recommitting our lives to our first love. Prayer is our foundational cover.

Commitments are lived out every day in our lives. Some commitments are large, like marriage. Those vows are binding and lifelong. If you have cold feet about your upcoming marital event, you may want to consider the cost if you are not fully committed. Gauge your heart.

When you take a job, you're making a commitment to show up and do the job according to its description. When you do it well, and your employer makes a commitment to pay you. Jesus consistently called people to increase their commitments to him.

"He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." (Matthew 12:30 KJV). Jesus left us no middle ground. We're either moving forward with him or we're moving in the opposite direction.

Everything we do as a church and our personal walk with the Lord, should be done wholeheartedly as to the Lord. (Colossians 3:23-24). Commit everything you do to the Lord” (Psalm 37:5).

Every alternative we make involves making a decision. When we fully commit to God's guidance, we commit our hearts, minds, and bodies by faith. It has been said that faith devoid of commitment is dead.

Before we close for the day, here are some words of encouragement to add strength to your driven commitment to your church and body of believers. Commitment is knowing;

1) God will lead you to his will for your life. It is the satisfying and fulfilling goal for which he has created you (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 61:1-5).

2) God is committed to watching out for you and caring for you (1 Peter 5:7).

3) God is committed to his friendship with you (John 15:15).

4) God is forever loyal to his children. A loyal person doesn’t abandon a relationship when things get tough (Lamentations 3:22-23; Proverbs 11:3; 17:17).

🗣📢 Last words: Commitment for any church you attend this week is  being willing to accept the sometimes painful consequences of obedience to God. Following God faithfully can sometimes cause others to step away.

When your church is committed to God, there will always be those committed to opposing you and all you stand for. This is the essence of spiritual warfare, and in any battle, there will be some wounds. Putting God first allows his light to shine.

Loving God and his creation places the church in a powerful position where God will move mountains and the obstacles the enemy has placed, out of our way. Greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4; Isaiah 40:3-5).

Here are some valuable seed nuggets to plant in your heart as you further commit to following him.

A) Lord, I believe in you and give praise (Psalm 150:6).

B) Lord, I put my full trust in you (Proverbs 3:5-6).

C) Lord, I love you with all my heart (John 14:21; 1 John 4:6-8).

D) Lord, I need your grace, mercy, healing, wisdom, and power (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 106:1; Exodus 15:26; James 1:5-8; Acts 1:8).

E) Lord, you are everything to me (Ephesians 1:18-23; Philippians 3:7-8).

F) Lord, cleanse me from all sin and fill me with your Spirit (Psalm 51:2,10; John 7:37-39; 2 Timothy 1:7; Galatians 5:22-26).

G) Lord, use me for your glory. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 10:31; Isaiah 43:7; Matthew 5:16; Colossians 1:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

All of us may have failed or broken commitments in our lifetime. Commitment is never easy. But God has the power to restore any broken church or reconcile relationships in his family. (1 John 1:9; Galatians 6:1-2; Matthew 18:15).

Prayer without ceasing is the first step in encouraging the leadership in your church to commit to the direction and the vision the Holy Spirit is guiding the church. A church that allows division, cliques, and separation is not a Spirit led church.

Remember beloved friends, God is fully committed to bringing wholeness and unity among leadership and the congregation. (Isaiah 40:31; 46:4; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 3:14).

The Spirit filled committed church stays on the straight and narrow road (Matthew 7:13-20). The body of Christ never has to copy anything from the world to reach the lost. It only needs courageous perseverance.

Everything we do should glorify God. So, stay strong, run from evil, pursue godliness, and a strong desire to serve God. Remember, commitment is a consistent act, not just a word.

Empty yourself on the altar of service. Get busy giving your all! The reward of seeing Jesus face-to-face and living forever with him will be worth it all!

 

🛐 Here’s a prayer you and your church can pray to go with a deeper commitment to God. "Heavenly Father, I feel like my life has been vacillating with you. Every day I step towards another commitment.

But then I find myself keeping one eye on Egypt. Lord, help me (us) to grow in the awareness that you are really our sustenance and nobody else. Help me (us) to continuously increase in following you with all our hearts.

Only you can make me (us) become somebody in life. Help me (us) to rest in your strength as I (we)realize that I (we) are sometimes weak in the flesh. As I (we) cry at your alter of cleansing, make the vision clearer for me (the church) to see.

Lord, help me (us) to focus on your objectives for the ministry as church workers. Lord, help me (us) to sacrifice our all for your kingdom. Help me (us) to stay fully committed to the task before us. Father, thank you for the grace to be enlisted as soldiers.

Lord, help me (us) to focus on your objectives for the ministry as a church. Lord, help me (us)to sacrifice my (our) all for your kingdom. Let me (us) start well with you in the work of the ministry. Please give me (us) an excellent spirit.

Father, give me (us) grace for exploits in the work of the ministry. Jesus, give me (us) the consciousness not to run the race halfway, but to run with the end in mind.

Father, continue to teach me (us ) that the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation is for those that believe, shall remain effectual in my (our) lives and hands in Jesus’ name, Amen."

 

❤ "If you would like to know Jesus as your Savior, please read the drop-down page entitled "How to know Jesus."


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🙏 Please remember to pray for the people in Israel. They are God's people because of his covenant promises to them. (Genesis 12:1-3; Numbers 6:22-27; 24:8-9). ✝️

 

*New announcement: Hey "TRY JESUS" members and all newcomers. Beginning on May 12th, "Worship Center Ministry" is intermingling with Try Jesus. The new Chyron you see at the bottom of every page will now say, "Try Jesus Ministry."

This title ministry name will also appear after sermon videos. Other videos will be changed also at the appropriate time. I will also have new gloss ministry cards made up for those in Pittsburgh, PA.

If you would like some ministry cards delivered (free of charge) to your state please leave your mailing information. Thanks everyone! God bless you! Keep loving Jesus!


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