This weekend I have the honor and privilege of representing CPR-3 and preaching at a friend’s church in Steubenville, Ohio. Excited to expose that local representation of the bride of Christ to what God is doing in and through the CPR-3 Movement. Can’t wait to share with them the concept that CPR-3 wants to be the vehicle for them to drive as they “breathe life and hope” into their world.
I am coming into their church during a time where they are discovering what it means to be “Agents of Reconciliation.” I am week four in this five part series. Sunday we will be looking at the Life of David and his “life sentence”. Did you know that David had a “life sentence”? And you will too? Normally we think of a life sentence in relation to the punishment one might receive for a heinous crime. That is not the one I am referring to. I am referring to the life sentence that people will put on our lives after we are dead and gone. How will your life be summed up in one sentence; your life sentence?
We will be looking at the life of David and how he did not allow bitterness and resentment to destroy the work of God in his life. The main thought for Sunday is “Bitterness and resentment will impede God’s best for our lives“. We will look at all the ways and people that could have caused David’s life and heart to turn from soft to hard, from tender to bitter, and thus impeded the work of God in his life.
In the book of Acts we find David’s life sentence. “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed” (Acts 13:36). Have you thought about your life sentence lately? Though it will not be written till after your death and you will not be the scribe, you are laying the foundation for what others will craft your life sentence to be right now. Each and every decision you make lays the foundation for your life sentence. I cannot think of a more fitting one than the one ascribed to David in Acts 13. “David had served God’s purpose in his own generation.” We also know that he has been referred to as a “Man after God’s own heart.” What do you want your life sentence to be? What are you giving your life to right now? As you look at your calendar today, what does it say about your future life sentence?
My life’s mission statement is to “relentlessly pursue the Holy Spirit’s leading in loving, serving and equipping others”. That is my goal, my passion, my calling. I wonder what life sentence people will put on me?