God Will Always Finish What He Starts

Still feeling the same spirit as Easter we began with a beautiful song from Brother Carl Wayne Cartwright. Some of the words were so striking to the soul of God’s People. One line was that, “I’ve been through the water and I am a new creature.”

Then to acknowledge that when we accept Christ we are not the same, this line blew me away. “You don’t wear old shoes on your brand new feet.” In other words, your new feet will not go where they used to go, you will be on a new path as you follow the Lord.

There is just not enough time for us on one Sunday service to cover the joys of a risen Savior. Pastor Bob Cartwright began by explaining that the dogwood flower is very close to the cross. Why? Because if you look very closely you will see that there is a small dot of red in each very white petal. This could be a symbol of the places where Jesus was nailed, by his hands and feet, to the cross.

We too often forget the pain he suffered for each of us. His precious body was wounded for our transgressions. He told that he would be taken by the unbelievers who would try to take his life, but he would rise again on the third day. He never started anything that he would not finish.

In Philippians 1:6 we read that we can be confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. We should never tire of hearing this blessed promise. God will never let you down if you follow his instructions and ask in an unselfish way.

In 2 Timothy 1:12 we read again that he will care for those who believe and are not ashamed of the gospel. We are to thank him always for counting us faithful to be called one of the family of God. If we stray from the path of righteousness we cannot blame others.

In Galatians chapter 3 we read that some were bewitched and they failed to obey the truth. We can never be a follower of the world for this is the way to destruction. We have to stand with those on the Lord’s side. We can only reach this through faith and Hebrews 11:6 makes it plain that without faith it is impossible to please our heavenly Father who is the rewarder of them who diligently seek him.

In the 12th chapter of that book we find that we have to lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us and run the race that is set before us. In order to obtain this we trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding. In all ways we are to acknowledge him, and he shall direct our paths.

In Hebrews 12:11, 12 we are instructed that we are not to despise the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction. For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father does his son in whom he delighteth. We don’t have to come to this new life and just guess what to do next, we are blessed by the Holy Word that lights our path.

In closing Pastor read from the Book of Isaiah 40:28-29. In these scriptures we are told again that God never leaves work undone. He is the Creator and he fainteth not neither is he weary. He is always on the lookout for those of us who might be going through a trial and needs extra strength. Thank God he is forever caring for us.

So when you see a dogwood tree stop and think of the sacrifice made by a loving Savior and give him praise for all his goodness.

God bless you and please don’t forget to attend the church of your choice in reverence to the one who hung on that cross for you. Come see us at the Cove any time. You will be made welcome by a loving church family.