Wish List
I received this e-mail this week from our pastor, Scott McFarland and I have decided that if I had but one wish, it would be, "I wish each Christian would adopt this Covenant with God."
Friends,
Whether you're a fan of the work Rick Warren has been doing for the Kingdom or not, the covenant he shares below is right on track with our calling in life as followers of Jesus Christ. I'm sharing it with you to consider and challenge us in our own journey with the Lord.
God bless you! Your friend,
-Scott
-----------------------------------------------------The Purpose Driven Covenant
by Rick Warren
On April 17, more than 30,000 members of the Saddleback Family gathered in Angel Stadium to celebrate our congregation's 25th anniversary. But we did more than just rejoice in the way God fulfilled the original vision he gave me for the congregation in 1980. I also shared a new vision God has placed on my heart, one for mobilizing all God's people -- all over the world -- to tackle the giant obstacles that keep people in spiritual darkness.
At the end of the celebration, we all stood together and read the following declaration that I wrote to help us express our radical commitment to this global spiritual revolution. Please encourage your church members to share this declaration with their friends.
THE ANGEL STADIUM DECLARATION
April 17, 2005
Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling, and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"
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