AMessagefromthePastor - Baltimore County Baptist Church

PASTOR'S PEN

February 2008

Would you feel better about a person who was moved by opinion or conviction? And what if that conviction was practiced by principle? It's fair to say that we all have opinions. But what are they based on and what is our experience that formulates such a view?

Let me encourage and challenge you to go forward this year by conviction and principle. And if your convictions are based on the Word of God, then the principles you practice in life will not only be a blessing to yourself and others but also pleasing to God.

Opinions are easily formulated by our changing culture. Biblical convictions are grounded in the unchanging character of a loving and holy God.

The result of a life of biblical conviction is seen in the life of the Hebrew boy Daniel, who, after being taken captive to Babylon from Israel, made a decision, based on conviction, not to defile himself with the king's food or the king's gods. The king's edict made it unlawful to make a petition to any god or man besides the gods and kings of Babylon (Daniel 1:8; 6:7). Daniel's convictions molded his life principles that made decision-making easier in a foreign culture. The end of the story shows Daniel being blessed of God, protected by God and experiencing the life-saving power of God (Daniel 6:13-22).

In order for you and I to experience God's faithfulness and personal love, mercy and grace, it is a must that we know Him through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:9) and live our lives in a way that honors Him (Psalm 1:1-3).

I wish God's best for you as you experience His love and grace and then share it with others this year.