Pastor’s NewsViews 01/07/2014
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
On 1st Thursday of 2014, approximately 500 deeply concerned citizens gathered at First Baptist Church Highlands in response to the crime and safety concerns for the Highlands area. These citizens, Sherriff Adrian Garcia, Constable Ken Jones, and several other Harris County officers are to be commended for their attendance. Highlands resident and event organizer Mike James is living proof that one person can make a difference for good. It is imperative that this January 2nd meeting is the beginning of a movement, and not just a one-time gathering. Over 300 persons put their name on the dotted line to register for the Highlands Crime Watch Program. These are the people who are committed to taking action and making a difference.
One recurrent theme that was expressed during the Thursday night meeting is the need for prayer for our community. God’s Power and Peace is stronger than any evil. Christ-followers and churches are challenged to pray for the men and women who daily stand to protect us in their Law Enforcement roles. Intercede for the safety of the men, women, and families in our homes and businesses. Prayer is greater than one more New Year resolution- prayer is a lifestyle of faith and trust expressed in continual submission to God and His Will. Although it is appropriate to voice specific requests to God, the true spirit of prayer is not just to talk to God because we have troubles. Prayer is intimacy in a love relationship with God. Christ-followers who love truth will pray directly and specifically for physical safety but will also talk to God regarding His Will. Christ-followers are under authority- the authority of God’s Word. The demand is that we be hearers and doers of the Word. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves James 1:22 As doers of the Word, get involved in making a spiritual difference and in combating crime.
Commitment and organization are essential for a Crime Watch to protect our homes and businesses. Commitment and organization is demanded by God Himself for Christ-followers to have a supernatural impact in the lives of people. If we keep doing the same things, we will keep getting the same results. That is a truism physically and spiritually. There is a direct correlation between hearing and obeying God’s Word and whether an area is victimized by evil. Highlands and this area will change as individual hearts change. God’s Word and His grace transforms hearts. Make a difference by a lifestyle that honors God. As you hear and do God’s Word, Highlands will not be the same. Love Truth! If Christ-followers dare to ask God to bless and protect our community, we must first commit to obey God’s Word.
Community transformation is all about taking action. Get involved with the Crime Watch. Be vigilant in protecting your home or business without being a vigilante. Commit to hear and obey God’s Word by personal study and church involvement. Love truth and live truth day by day in 2014!
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