Getting Back on Track

by Bruce Zimmerman

The start of a new year is a great time to reflect, pray, evaluate and plan for the next year. Most commonly on a personal level, some will decide 2014 is the time to lose weight or start an exercise program. Some will decide this is the year to get their finances in order and pay down their debt. Some will look at 2014 and decide it is time to go back to school, start a new career, or a new job. For some, it will be a time to make a move, remodel a room, or get their first home. Some others will focus on deepening relationships or looking for new relationships. Some are looking for ways to make a difference in our community.

I would like to challenge you to consider moving into some new areas for 2014 in your spiritual life. Perhaps it is time to join a new Sunday School class or community group. Perhaps it is time to start a regular commitment to giving. Perhaps it is time to start a new habit of reading God’s Word on a daily basis or even reading through the Bible this year. Perhaps it is time to go on a mission trip that will stretch you in ways that you have never imagined. How about starting a new ministry or community group? It can be exciting and challenging at the same time. The staff and elders of WBC are ready to assist and help you make 2014 truly a new year spiritually for you.

For others, 2014 is a time to get things back on track where they once were. The last year or years have taken a toll upon certain areas of our lives and they need a redirection, a refreshment, a renewal, a resurgence of energy and attention. Things may have been headed in the wrong direction and need to be corrected. This is not seeking after that which is new, but rather to restore that which once was. In spiritual terms, this might be indicated by the term repentance. It is turning away from the sinful and damaging activities that have come into our lives and hearts. Perhaps we have grown cold to the Lord over some time and it is time to, “return to our first love.” The church of Ephesus was challenged in Revelation 2:5 to remember from where they had fallen, to repent of their sin and to return to the things they used to do. Sounds like a good plan for things that have gotten off track.

Remember
Repent
Return

Our sermon series through January and February will focus on “Back on Track!” I will be teaching again from the book of I Kings, picking up where we left off before the holidays in chapter 12. Our study will take us through the rest of the book as God gives the nation of Israel the opportunity to get “Back on Track.” The chapters cover the fascinating ministry of Elijah and Elisha, calling down fire from heaven, being fed miraculously by the ravens, and raising up of a child from the dead. It also covers the despicable leadership of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel and the many antics they participated in during their lives. The power of God is displayed,

His heart for justice and righteousness, and yet His incredible grace that surprises me again and again. This series will guide us from an OT perspective to getting not only a nation back on track, but our church, our families and our personal lives. Join us Sunday mornings in both services for “Back on Track!” starting January 12th.