EXCERPTS FROM "LOOKING BACK AT WHAT COST?"

A few weeks have passed since we participated in and witnessed a spirit-filled Women's Day Conference. Thanks to the Conference Chairperson and her committee, every "T" was crossed, every "I" was dotted, and we had an awesome experience in the Name of the Lord. Each class was facilitated by such phenomenal, Godly women who unselfishly shared with us their expertise on their respective topics. And, our Guest Speaker for the Sunday Morning Worship Service just put the icing on the cake. I applaud all of you who planned these events, our guests, and everyone who participated. Further, I trust that with all of the excitement, tears of joy, and having such a mountaintop experience, that our lives were impacted so that it brought about a sense of spiritual renewal within us.

The scriptures referenced for Women's Day 2008, Genesis 19:17-26 and Galatians 5:1, from man's enslavement to his freedom, led to the theme, "Looking Back at What Cost?" This theme served as a warning to us of the consequences we face when we continuously look back, taking our eyes off the cross. Thus, this particular scripture also speaks of God's warning Lot by sending two angels to Sodom to compel him to get himself and his family out of that city. ". . . because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it." (Genesis 19:13) Lot was told to escape for his life, where to go, and to not look back, lest thou be consumed. But, Lot's wife, for whatever reasons, looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Why did Lot's wife look back? Why are you looking back? "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-15). Also, in Luke 9:62, Jesus again warns us that, ". . . no man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God." Therefore, if Jesus is not in our front view, then we are looking in the wrong direction.

So, let me introduce you to my Guide, my bike partner, who is reliable and He makes sure that my mission is clear. He is the One who brought us from slavery to freedom by the shedding of His precious blood on Calvary's cross. Come on; get on the bike with Jesus and me. We don't have to do all of the peddling; He will change places with us when we get tired. There is no need to fear. He knows the route well, and He is the only one who can help us reach out destination, Heaven. However, one very important prerequisite is that we must have been on the bike long enough to get to know Jesus personally.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. AMEN.