CLOSING REMARKS

By Pastor Bob DeKlavon

Exactly 3 months ago today—I wrote my first blog.

My thoughts about writing were as follows:

    One—for a couple of weeks, we would not connect formally so I wanted to connect this way.

            Who knew that 3 months would pass?

    Two—since I did not have as many meetings—I wanted to do something to fill in some time.

            Now, things have changed and meetings ‘abound.’

    Three—we just did not see each other so this was a way to reach as many as possible.

            Now, we DO have the ability to get together and that should increase over time.

    Four—I enjoy writing—so this gave me a chance to convey on paper things I wanted to share.

            This has not changed—just timing and ‘other things’ have come in the way.

SO—with all that said—this will be my last blog for awhile.

I have so enjoyed sharing in this way and appreciate those who have taken time to read.

Thanks, too, for the comments passed along as well.

Now—I was thinking of the topic “closing remarks” and I was struck by 4 other “closings.”

MOST notably would be the challenge of Joshua to the people of Israel.

He talks about the choices each one has to make and then declares:

            {Paraphrasing}  “You choose what you are going to do in relation to serving ‘gods;’

                        As for me and my house—we will serve the Lord.”

Jesus to the disciples in Acts 1:8 offers a ‘truism’ related to following Him:

            “And you WILL be my witnesses {the key here is what kind of witness will we be??}…

                BOTH in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”

This parallels what Matthew has in the 28th chapter of his book where Jesus says:

            “In your going…make disciples.” {Thethought being that we do this wherever we are}.

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy he talks about “fighting the good fight.”

            “He has kept the faith.”

As I put just those 4 thoughts together, here is the conclusion for our lives:

            ONE—choose whether or not you are going to serve the Lord completely

            TWO—your life is a reflection of the Lord you say you follow—what do people know of Him through you?

            THREE—we are ‘never not’ reflecting Christ.  Wherever you go—what do people see of Him through you?

            FOUR—do not give up your walk until you DO reach your ‘final’ closing remarks!