As many of you know, I have been completing seminary classes during my tenure here at Trinity Baptist Church.  It has dramatically increased my workload, but I have found it to be very beneficial.   My current class is Old Testament 1 (Genesis - Esther), I have been doing a lot of Old Testament reading in texts that I do not regularly read from.  What I have been reminded of through my reading is of God's faithfulness to the Israelites despite their constant rebellion.

It makes me think, why were they rebellious?  Well, there are many reasons.  First off, all the countries surrounding them had been following after pagan gods and doing what was only right in their own eyes.  Secondly, following God's will takes an extra effort and devotion that many were simply not willing to put in.  We see this today; we see this on a secular level where devotion in intimate relationships is lacking.  Unfortunately, the divorce rates are on the rise with kids being born out of covenant marriage relationship.  

Even within the church, we have almost made following the Lord as a spectator sport.  We ask God to do great things and simply sit back, do nothing, just hope that He answers.  When it does not happen, we get mad at God as if God has let us down.  At the same time, we refuse to be faithful to do the Lord's work.  Also, often times we make going to church as if it is something to check off of a proverbial "to do" list or even attend with no response at all.  

Devotion across all generations is lacking.  This is not a problem of a specific generation, but all generations.  The older generations need to be that example worth following for the younger generation.   The younger generations need to quit expecting the older generations to carry the complete responsibilities of the church.  God does not value either role differently, he wants us all.  He wants our devotion.  

Easter is just around the corner.  How are you going to be devoted to the Lord this year that will look different than the previous years?  Don't come to church alone.  Bring someone to church with you.  Think about, how can you commit to God this year?

On a different note, as many of you know, one of our greatest outreach events each year is our Easter Egg Hunt.  This will be on March 30, 2024, this year.  More information coming soon.  We need your help!  This is a great way to pour into families.  At the very least, if you cannot commit to helping on the day of the easter egg hunt, we would love your help with either providing candy or stuffing eggs in the weeks to come.  

-Andy Doonan