Message from Pastor Leo

June 1, 2008

Ever since we went on the radio telling people that we have chosen to read our Bible an hour every day, we've been getting responses from across America and around the world.  People are writing to say, “I've started reading my Bible an hour a day.  I'm with you guys!”  But there are others who’ve written to say, “Wow Pastor Leo, that's an awful lot to ask of people.”

Really?  Giving an hour a day to God is a lot to ask?  The TV asks for and gets several hours a day.  The internet gets a hunk of your time.  Your friends, your family, your work - they all get some of your time.  Everybody’s asking for something, and so you need to pray and ask God, “What’s the best use of my time?  What would be the best for me and my house?  What would have a dramatic, positive impact in my life?” 

I believe Jesus gave us a clue when He asked the disciples, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” Matthew 26:40

Of course, the flesh brings in all sorts of distractions and the world brings in all sorts of excuses.  It’s a constant battle.  Galatians 5:17 in The New Living Translation says, “The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants.  And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires.  These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.” 

So what would have such an impact in my life and my heart that it would motivate me to read my Bible every day?  How about the love of a Father that would send His only Son to die in our place and to redeem our souls from the Lake of Fire?  Or how about the love of a Son that would willingly lay down His life for you and me, and knowing of the suffering that lay ahead of Him, still say “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” John17:24

How do you respond?  What do you give to Him in return?  You give Him your life.  Surrender your life to Jesus.  Don’t live your life in vain believing the lies of the world and chasing after the things of this world.  That’s all going to burn anyway.  This life isn’t all that God’s got planned for you.  The connection between you and God is supposed to be all-consuming.

Don’t have a “Sunday-only” relationship with God.  Fall in love with Him and surrender all of your life to Him because of what He has done for you.  Remember, any relationship worth having takes commitment; you have to plan and spend consistent, intentional time with the person you’re trying to get close to:  “I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek Me will find Me.” Proverbs 8:17 “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13

Are you building your relationship with God, with Jesus, with your Creator, Savior, and Lord?  Have you sought after God today?  Have you read your Bible today? 

Read your Bible.  Read it every day and get to know God.

May the Lord Jesus Christ Be Magnified!

Pastor Leo A. Giovinetti