Greetings to you all
A sharp focus on a goal that has significant personal meaning is one of the benefits of these first days of January. The famous Latin phrase “Carpe Diem” captures the challenge so well: “Seize the day”!
We all know, also, that the opposite instinct that is to simply wait for life to happen to us.
A leaf fallen from an oak tree, lazily floating in a stream maybe appealing image for a nature photograph. But it’s exactly the wrong image for the way God designed human beings to live.
From the Garden of Eden to the mission fields of the world, the Designer of all things put a drive for achievement in each human soul.
Creating things. Changing habits. Curing diseases. Conquering evil. Communicating well. Cleaning up messes. Correcting errors. Cultivating relationships. Choosing a new strategy when the familiar path is not effective. In these and so many other ways, action is required.
An example that caught my eye was advice I’m trying to put to better use. It’s from Dr. Richard Swensen in a great book entitled: Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives
He writes: “100 percent of people who exercise to the point of cardio-respiratory fitness will experience an increased sense of well-being.” Backing that up with an insight from Dr. Kenneth Cooper, an aerobics expert, makes it even more urgent for everyone: Cooper says “Exercise isn’t just for the physically unfit. It’s for the mentally unfit, too. I can recommend it for anyone who is depressed. Exercise not only benefits the body; it can do wonders for the mind.”
What is true for the way God designed the body is also true in so many other areas of life. Taking action for a good goal, a goal chosen and renewed at the start of a new year, is in sync with the promise Jesus gave all the redeemed: “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full!” (John 10:10b NIV)
Another absolutely great reason to awaken each morning ready to “seize the day” for His glory!
⛪ Membership Updates 🎏
[Thanks to each of you whose forms were received during the Christmas season. Whether this is your first few weeks at Liberty Church or longer, we are deeply grateful for all the good responses you have shared with us!]
Join us in helping to renew the membership vision for strengthening our shared sense of mission in the Body of Christ.
A new church family roster of active members will be available in January 2026 as a reference point for contacts, fellowship, prayer and encouragement of one another. Membership brochures and the Essentials statement of faith booklet are available on the Connections table. Take one and let us know if you have any question. Reply to this email or contact us via text or phone @ 410.857.4313. It’s our joy to stand with you by faith in your walk with Christ and to lift you in prayer for any need or concern on your heart.
Livestream and Online Links ~ a Warm Welcome to Our Online Guests!
Here are the links to be with us on Sundays @ 10:15 AM Eastern Time or at a time that works well for you to watch. We love to hear your thoughts and lift your prayer requests. Comment in the Facebook Live feed, text the church @ 410.857.4313 or reply to this email anytime.
It’s a joy to hear from you at pastoralcare@libertychurchlive.com
- Live-stream via our Live page
- Live-stream via our Facebook Live page
- Past services on our YouTube channel
- Audio podcasts
“Come and see what God has done,
his awesome deeds for mankind!
He turned the sea into dry land so his people
could pass through the waters on foot!
Come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power;
His eyes watch the nations – let not the rebellious
rise up against him.”
(Psalm 66:5-7 NIV)
In his love,
Pastor Joe