Lake Ida Ministry Declarations

Today I am stepping across the line. I've made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, give as I have prospered, attend faithfully, study studiously, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, stingy giving, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, past remembering, not forgiving, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, SERVE IN MINISTRY, and fulfill my purpose among the membership of the Lake Ida family.

Because this life is just a dressing room for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for my God and my church.

I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Blood-bought, Holy Ghost-filled, and mission focused. So I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will guard my tongue, be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.

To the Lord, I say, "However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."