John 1:6-9 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

John received a sacred assignment for a divine appointment: to serve as God's messenger, to prepare the way for Messiah, Lamb of God. How many of us understand and accept our commission from Christ to share his love and grace with a lost world? As foundational people, others depend on us as we depend upon Christ, our Rock. If our lives lack consistency or a vigorous faith, will people want what we have or believe they can rely upon us? If we fail to fulfill the truth of Jesus' victory over sin and death, others may end up helping us more than we help them. Some Christians posses a long history as believers, yet they remain weak and complaining, tossed about by life's storms, failing to lead or help those who do not know Jesus as Lord. Hebrews proclaims: Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! (Hebrews 5:12) Lacking growth in God's plans, such people often expect others to bolster their faith or to rescue them from disappointment or dysfunction. When life turns into a pity party or a "woe is me" gripe session, even our children cannot depend on our faith. We wonder why they stray, yet we fail to reflect the kindness of the Lord and the transforming power of the cross. Cut loose from their moorings, children from some "Christian" families go astray, having not seen much at home to help build a solid foundation in the Lord.

We are a royal priesthood, a mighty force for God because He sent his son to pay the price for us to become soldiers of the cross with hearts and minds ablaze in expectation of victory. If we fail to live by faith in word and deed, not allowing the Holy Spirit to perfect and conform us into the image of Christ, we may fail to reach our closest relatives and friends. God sent you and me to proclaim the release of captives from bondage as surely as He established John to set the stage for Christ's earthly ministry. Our words may sound spiritual to our ears, our lectures or preaching might even attract or hold others for a while, but true ambassadorship requires reflecting Jesus in season and out of season, in good times and in bad, in plenty and in want. Sounds like a wedding, does it not? It is! John prepared the way for the marriage of believers with Christ. He told others to repent, to prepare their lives in readiness for Jesus: Redeemer, Savior, King.

Brothers and sisters, listen to the Spirit through the written word and God's devoted messengers. He says be strong in the Lord and his mighty power and run the race with endurance, so the lost are found and the captives are set free. When we straddle the fence in uncertainly with one foot in the world and the other in Christ's kingdom, we exhibit a double-minded approach to living for Christ. God gives mercy to sinners, grace to those who fail, but He expects obedience: the putting away of anger, malice, greed, unbelief, and all manner of evil, so we might shine for him and attract needy onlookers who question the validity of our beliefs. They may well ask: Is my neighbor or my relative who professes Christ any different from everyone else or is he or she a member of yet another club, with a lifestyle no more satisfying or life-changing than mine? An uncertain trumpet call fails to rally the troops around a cause. Inconsistent living will not persuade others to find hope and peace in Christ. Consequently, stand tall in the joy of the Lord with the richness of Christ's teaching flowing from your soul. Lay all else aside as you ask God's help in leading people to our blessed Lord. John's whole demeanor, from his shaggy hair to his unusual clothing choices, revealed a life sold out to God. Our actions and lifestyle should confirm our hope in Christ.

When you pave the way for others to see the light and love of Christ, the devil will attack you. Inactive and woebegone, you do not pose much of a threat, but alive in the Spirit and functioning according to God's plan, you become Satan's primary foe. Expect attack: put on the full armor of God and stand firm in your freedom. But do not stand alone: you need your brethren, the love, prayers, and encouragement of the family of God. The body will support you, believe for God's best for you, and carry you when you truly need a hand. You also need to hear the Holy Spirit's confirmation that you are a son or daughter of the Most High and can do all things through the Christ. Nothing can substitute for heeding the voice of God. He will lift you up while reminding you that He prepared you for such a time as this. When you are most weak, Christ in you is most strong. He will provide sustenance and make your life worth living. Do not turn back, do not hide in doubt and fear, confessing all your weaknesses. Through faith in God, face the devil and remind him he is a defeated foe. Go forth in joy, singing the songs of Zion, for your name is written in the Lamb's book of life. The battle is over; Christ has won. Because He lives, we live also with the power and the authority to usher in the year of the Lord's favor. Love, Dad (Cliff)