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February HeartBeat

By JAY Wilber

new year means another article for the HeartBeat. You might think that after ten years, writing these would come easily. People often say it’ s like riding a bike— once you learn, it’ s simple. But it’ s never really easy. The only way I know what God wants me to share is by turning to His Word and seeing what He asks of us.

“ For we are God’ s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago”( Ephesians 2:10, NLT).

As I said earlier, Jane and I have been Evangelists for 10 years. As we reflect on our time traveling in the North Central Region, I often ask myself, are we just busy, or are we doing the good things God has created us for? We have been busy traveling for about 30 weeks this past year. Still, I keep asking if we are really doing the good things God has planned for us? I often ask myself if we are just doing busy work or truly doing God’ s work. James reminds us that we must be doers of the Word.

“ But don’ t just listen to God’ s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves”( James 1:22, NLT).

So, are we really doing what God has called us to do, or are we just

convincing ourselves that we are?

As CMA members, it’ s easy to get caught up in things like parking cars, working the gates, or picking up trash. There’ s nothing wrong with these jobs, but is this really why God made us? Where is our focus? Are we working as free labor, or are we spending our time internally? If we spent our time just working rather than praying with people, what would we be accomplishing? Or, as a chapter, are we spending time in fellowship just to have fun? Do we spend time in discipleship and prayer? One easy way to really get a good look at what we are doing is either as a chapter reviewing your reports or as an individual reflecting on our priorities. Paul said it best in Romans.

“ My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else”( Romans 15:20, NLT).

I’ m not saying we’ re doing anything wrong, but as we begin a new chapter in CMA’ s ministry and look ahead to the next 50 years, we need to refocus on what God has called us to do. Will we only spend time together when everyone is at an event, or will we follow

the example of Paul and Herb and simply go? Go to places where the Gospel isn’ t known or where Jesus said the sick and sinners are. Serve, love, share the Good News, and tell people about Jesus— not to promote the ministry, but to be a servant.

A Call to Love and Obedience“ And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the Lord’ s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good”( Deuteronomy 10:12- 13, NLT).

As we get ready for the new year, keep your focus on God’ s will for your life and your calling. CMA

Jay and Jane Wilber oversee the North Central Region as National Evangelist.