For more than 2-1/2 hours this week, I sat idly at my computer trying to figure out what my subject would be for this week’s WP blog post.  I questioned the whereabouts of the Holy Spirit.  I begged God to unleash his creative writing geniuses on me.  But he did not answer.  At least I thought he did not answer.

Then, suddenly, I remembered.  The Holy Spirit had told me last week to begin thinking about my 2023 New Year’s resolution proclamation.  I had also been warned by my colleagues not to rest on my 2022 laurels.  For surely, more than ever before, my lifestyle, disposition, prayers, praises unto the Lord, philanthropy contributions for benevolence, personal health successes and many more blessings had flooded my total being during the past 365 days.

So, I began to feel some relief in my amnesia predicament, and prayed a quick prayer of thanksgiving and submission and vowed with the help of the Lord to do even more in the coming year.  Then, ‘voila!’ (*).  The Holy Spirit reminded me of a seminar I had facilitated over 40 years ago for a group of Deaconess women entitled, “Faith Without Works Is Dead” (**).

Note: (*) Pronounced ‘Wah-Lah!’

Note: (**) Following is a reprint and revised version of “Faith Without Works Is Dead” by S. Fowler

(To my readers, use the following new title for your 2023 New Year's Resolution:  "Learning New Ways To Fortify My Faith With Measurable Works")

"Good evening my fellow workers in the service of the Lord.  You are knowingly partakers of a Heavenly Calling to become Faith Enthusiasts within this earthly environment, in the likeness of the Apostle and High Priest of our Profession, namely, our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.   

I greet you this day in harmony, knowing that there is a better way; that faith without works is dead; and that faith without hope is like a hot coal being removed from the fire, placed on the hearth and watching its glow go out.  For we cannot continue to grow in this Christian life alone.  We need the warmth and fellowship of each other.

So, let us allow our Profession in Christ to be exercised, which is our faith.  Also, let us begin to receive our compensation and fringe benefits as well as bonuses that God has in store for many of us.

HOW CAN THIS BE ACCOMPLISHED?

1.  First, know your job description.  Moses is our example.  He received the Law on a Tablet.  It was a blueprint of what to do.

2.  Know who your Supervisor is.  Moses, along with all the Israelites knew who wrote those laws and who was their "Boss".

3.  Know what company policies are.  However, the Company of God, Inc., began to realize that the people could not follow the rules and regulations on a consistent basis.  The Company also realized that the consequences and penalties were too sever.

4.  Know what the consequences are if you do not perform.  So, a new policy was initiated -- A BETTER WAY -- and the only requirement printed in the job description was...YOU MUST HAVE FAITH!...and be able to exercise it!

5.  Know what your limits are and be willing and ready to accept change.  Because some of the Ole Timers were so set in their ways and thought that the "Better Way" policy was so easy that there must be a fly in the ointment somewhere, they resigned and went to work in their same capacity at another firm.  But the younger people accepted the challenge based on the promises of the Employer...that he would put the Son in charge.  And all that the people had to do was to accept Him as the Supervisor, form a union (the Church) and begin to study the By-Laws (The Holy Bible).

You know the rest of the story.  How Jesus Christ has set an example that no man can top.  How He did not just sit in His Father's office, but came down among the workers. How He demonstrated His love and dedication by giving Himself so that we all could receive life-long benefits.

Nothing less is expected of us, Dear Partakers of this Heavenly Calling, if we are to continue to be in the employ of this Company.  We must begin to exercise our faith by releasing it to others and depending upon our Faithful Father/Supervisor to keep His promise and make everything alright.

Our 2023 New Year's Resolution is:  Lord, please help me to turn mustard seed faith into monumental works.  Amen!

My faith looks up to Thee – YouTube

https://www.youtube.com › watch

2:50

Classic hymn sung by the Dallas Christian adult concert choir.

Scripture Lesson:  "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:2

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