Webster defines purpose as “something set up as an object or end to be attained; resolution, determination.”

      To purpose requires us to make up our mind as to how one will be perceived. To purpose couples our physical response to our inward desire. Even to the point as to be thought of as a vow like those repeated during a wedding ceremony.

If that should be the case, how important is it to keep our vows? Often, it seems our resolve to live a separated life for Christ is pushed aside for us to fit in with the world around us.

      While reading the Bible, I came across individuals who are good examples of being sold out to Jesus and one’s Christian walk. While there are multitudes of such examples in the Bible, a couple stand out to me:

         • Daniel — He was taken captive and was living in a foreign land, in a godless society and, most likely, thankful to be alive. When his walk with God was threated, he responded in a God-honoring fashion. We are told in Dan. 1:8 that Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. He would not partake of the king’s meat and alcohol. Neither would have killed him physically, but it would have destroyed his witness and testimony, which is really all we have to give to God. Like the spouse who is found unfaithful one time may find forgiveness for their sin, yet such an event leaves lasting scars, tremendous pain and reminders of one’s lack of godly purpose.

         • Job — While struggling to understand the why of things, he had purposed to remain loyal to his God. While his wife encouraged him to curse God and die, he rather praised God and lived, and still today stands as a mighty witness of our promise-keeping God.

      How about you? Are there places you won’t go or activities you will not participate in? Can a person discern that you are a child of God just by witnessing your actions and by knowing you for a short time? We are told to let our yes be yes and our no be no. Why do so many people feel having a purpose and being purposed is not important? As we start off on another new year, may we purpose to not only honor God with our mouths but also with our actions.

From Our Missionaries

         Misión Creciendo en Cristo (Growing in Christ), North Little Rock: Juan Carlos Posadas writes, “We began the year with prayer meetings and fasting. From Jan. 3-5, a group of brothers and sisters met to pray in the temple from 7:30-9 p.m.

We prayed for personal requests, for the health of people we know, the plans God has for each member of the church, the church corporately, Hispanic congregations at the national level, our association and for missionary work in Romania with Cristian Martinez and his family and the missionary work in Mexico City with our German Galindo.

      “We began the series of studies on the book of Revelation on Sunday. We consider it very timely considering the world crisis we are experiencing. Furthermore, with this book we will finish studying chronologically the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles.

      “On Dec. 30, we celebrated Sayra’s birthday. The church met and ate pupusas, had fun and thanked God for the life and ministry God has allowed her to develop with women, children and the Assistance Program community.

      “We are very grateful to God for allowing us to conclude another year of service to Him in this work. We are ready, with enthusiasm, to carry out what God has prepared for us in the year 2024. To Him be the glory and honor!”

      Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “Thank God, we started the New Year 2024 well. Our attendance returned to normal after two Sundays with low attendance. During the holiday season many people went out — for the Hispanic community, days like Dec. 24 and 31 are days of many preparations in the kitchen and with family.

      “It has been a blessing to start the year as is our custom in Ebenezer. We paused all activities during the week and, as pastor, I went from home to home to pray, bless and dedicate each man, who is the family leader. The commitment is that the man (the leader) will pray and bless the rest of his family. Last week, we prayed for three families.

      “At the end of December, a young man from Ecuador started to attend and I gave him his first Bible lesson. We agreed that, every Monday afternoon, we will have our meeting to study the Bible together. Be praying for Henry Muñoz, that God will touch his heart and he will surrender his life to Christ. The enemy has hindered his attendance at church because he has been working on Sundays.

      “Thank you, brothers, for your support. Happy New Year, and may God be glorified in 2024.”

         Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “Happy New Year from Faith Chapel! It has been such a busy time for us, as I know it has been for everyone. We had a wonderful Christmas, both at home and at the mission. We had a lot of visitors over the past few weeks, met a lot of new people and it has been a joyous time for us.

      “Last week, we had a great number at worship, but this week the number was down with several families out sick. There is another bug making its way around the community. But what we lacked in number, we made up for in zeal and it was a wonderful time of worship together!

      “I have been telling you for a few weeks that we are waiting on the drywall contractors to come and do their part. They are extremely busy, as we all are. Well, praise God, they came last week and measured and ordered all the sheetrock. It will be stocked soon, and they will work us in as soon as possible! This is a major milestone for us, as we once again can see some progress! Thank You, Lord, for your provision for us!

      “We also thank you for your prayers and support, and for allowing the Lord to work through you in helping us so we all may further His kingdom and glorify Him.”

         Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “The new year has come in with blessings already! We were able to celebrate our daughter’s engagement this week with family and friends. We are so grateful and excited to join our two families and watch as the Lord’s hand is upon this beautiful couple as they begin their journey toward a happy marriage.

      “We are starting this year with a study on the book of Acts. We look forward to what the Scripture teaches from this new verse by verse study.

      “Please be in prayer for a few of the families at Faith Journey. We have several who are having health related challenges and family related issues. We believe in the power of prayer and hold on to the promises that God is sovereign over all.”

         Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Happy New Year 2024 to all. We are very excited about the challenges that are presented to us in this new year. The goal was to consolidate our mission in the last service of the 2023. We were meditating on Hag. 1:5, ‘Consider His Ways.’ The Lord reminded us what our priority should be for this new year as believers and as a church — He should be our priority, and we should continue in prayer, evangelism and discipleship.

      “Yesterday we had our first service of 2024. We had a beautiful time of corporate worship. We started Sunday School with 11 children. Patty, my wife is training two volunteers to help her.

      “This week we start again our Grace Groups in the cities of Pea Ridge, Springdale and Rogers. Please continue to pray our mission.”

Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “You might have caught that I was a little down with how November and the first of December went for us in Pea Ridge, but I’m excited about the coming new year. How 2023 ended and 2024 has started has been a big part of that. Our last two Connection Groups to end 2023 both had first-time guests.

        We did a combined Connection Group at our house to end the year, and we had four new visitors representing three households. They were back for the first Garfield Connection Group this year. That meeting was the largest for Garfield, which quadrupled their average over November and December. Our last Preview Connection Group also produced a first-time visitor. This week, all our Connection Groups will be back in action, and Sunday will be our monthly Collective Gathering.

      “I’m also excited about partnering with a new sending church. South City in Little Rock has extended a hand to serve in that role. Though I hate we’ve had to make a change, as you know my heart is definitely in Epic Church in Springdale, but this partnership with South City is going to be incredible. They are trying some of the same methodology we’re using in Pea Ridge, so we will have the chance to learn from each other. This weekend, Amanda and I are joining the city group leaders of South City for training. We’re excited to learn and fellowship with them. Pray for us as we have something working behind the scenes I’m excited about!”

      El Faro #2 Hispanic Mission, Cabot/Jacksonville: Michael Hight writes, “This weekend was a good one. We confirmed with the people a time for our first home Bible study. This is fruit from our outreach we did on Dec. 17.

      “Please pray for our temporary meeting place and that more people would open their hearts and doors.”