New Christian T-Shirt Design "Duty is Mine; Results are God's" March 6, 2015 07:44

We are excited to release our newest Christian T-Shirt design.  The T-Shirt features the statement spoken by the sixth President of the United States, John Quincy Adams.  An interesting fact about Adams is that he is the only person to ever run for Congress after serving as President of the United States.  Why would he do this?  He did it simply because he felt an obligation to do what he could to bring an end to slavery in the United States.  His attitude puts me in the mind of Queen Esther.  Though she faced the very real possibility of death, she was willing to do what she could for the good of her people.  President Adams, similar to Queen Esther, made the decision to act, not knowing if his action would bring the sought after result.

Marking Time

In the military, "Marking Time" is when individuals move their legs without making progress.  While "Mark Time" is an actual marching command, it is at time used as slang to describe someone who looks like they are working, but really isn't doing much.  Might you be "Marking Time" in life?  What are the things God has charged you to do but you aren't making progress because of fear of failure?  Who have you hesitated to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with because of the fear of rejection?  What business have you been given gifts and abilities to start but you hesitate to move forward?  What ministry ideas have you been sitting on?  I believe fear of failure is a major reason for why progress is lacking.

Faithfulness to God

Consider the ministry of Jeremiah.  Jeremiah's message (repent or perish) to the people did not change during his 40 year ministry.  He was persecuted, thrown in jail, opposed by the very people he served, and never saw the results he would have liked to have seen.  The people were hard hearted and did not repent.  40 years is quite a long time, especially when Jeremiah didn't see the results he had hoped for.  Why didn't he quit?  I would say that Jeremiah didn't quit because he knew his purpose.  His purpose is clearly stated in Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Was Jeremiah a failure?  Absolutely not!  The people not repenting and eventually being taken into captivity was the result of their sinfulness, not Jeremiah's lack of ability to create success.  Jeremiah's purpose was to be a messenger, the people had the personal responsibility to respond to the message with repentance.

Scriptures for Encouragement

• Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17)
• I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
• So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (1 Cor 3:7)