Graining down toward December 31st..

Wow! It's really hard to believe that 2007 is almost over and 2008 is near, Lord willing! As 2008 approaches, I have a couple of thoughts, though this may sound like a New Year's resolution but it is not:

1. We'll enter our 9th year serving the Lord here at Fairfax!!
2. It's 8 years after the Y2K scare.
3. It will be 7 years after the 9/11 disaster.
4. Fairfax Deaf Ministry sent 2 deaf families to Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI; www.sibi.cc)

Many great blessings have happened during the year of 2007. A very special thanks to our elders and the congregation for allowing us to enhance the deaf worship room adding to 50" LCD televisions and getting rid of the big 32 inch television that hogs over the middle of the congregants. Now, we have a computer monitor on the pulpit stand.

As the sand in 2007 Hour Glass grains down, we have two wonderful events to close out the year. Tomorrow is the ASLexpo where thousands of deaf will be in Frederick, MD to greet one another, learn what is available in the ASL world and have fun! We have a booth and it's in 14A, section 212. Look for us. The second and final event will be our annual Christmas banquet. We have invited a few whom have not committed their lives to the Lord.

Of course, you know that our goal for the Lord is to bring each and every soul to Jesus. It is our prayer that we will bring 10 more souls to Christ next year. This may appear unrealistic but with the Lord, anything is possible. We live among people who have became so entwined with time and materialism. Every Christian must daily repent of their sins. It would be good to get down on your knees and pray to the Lord asking for His forgiveness. 1 John 1:7 states that as we walk in the light, he is in the light, the blood of Jesus covers our everyday sins. Here are a couple of things we ought to do:

1. Commit to weekly deaf worship services and bible studies (Sundays and Wednesdays)
2. Read the Bible daily for 15 minutes.
3. Reach out to one soul (friend, co-worker, boss or family) and bring them to Jesus.
4. Invite a friend over for dinner.
5. Invite a fellow Christian (single or couple or family) for dinner.
6. Develop a ministry that gives God the glory.
7. Be an example of Jesus.
8. Avoid following bad examples/bad habits of others (warn them of their lacking).
9. Consider what you, as a Christian, can do better than the year before.
10. Glorify God in all you do for Him!

You know what?? If you have read this, it is easy to move on with life without even thinking what you can do for the Lord. That's exactly what Satan wants you to do. He wants you to live a compartmentalize life. He wants you to be busy for him and for the world. When that happens, self and souls are neglected. The glory isn't given to God but to yourselves.

Now, I pray that we will turn to the Lord and pour our hearts out! Take a moment right now and ask what the Lord wants you to do and what you can do for the Lord!