This week I am preaching for a dear friend and wonderful pastor in south Florida. Tom Odom pastors the First Baptist Church of Southwest Broward in Cooper City. God is using him and his beautiful family and the work is being especially blessed of God.

One of the joys in the ministry God has given us is in seeing former students and friends from Crown College. I meet them all over the country. This morning as I prayed my heart rejoiced in the fact that so many are staying true to Christ and to God’s Word. Pastor Sexton and a host of other Bible teachers gave us something that does not fade with time: a high view of God and the clear compass of Scripture.

Brother Tom and I were in school together over twenty years ago. He is one of many who have been faithful to the truth and spirit we were exposed to. In a day of change it is refreshing to be around people who are growing but not changing.

In the beginning we all launched out by faith. Through the years the winds of change have driven some in another direction. A few have decided to chart a new course for themselves. But there are those who by God’s grace have battled the winds, fought the tide, and stayed the course. Thank God for them.

It is always easier to drift. It is tempting to change. But God who gave us the truth to carry, and who will meet us on the other shore, expects us to keep moving forward on the same course He set long ago. He is the Captain and the ship is His to steer.

Lord, help all of the deck hands to do their part and let you alone lead. Keep us from running aground in shallow water, keep us from making shipwreck, keep us on the straight course until we get to your port.

Many start well. Few finish that way. Take time today to thank the Lord for those who gave you the truth and those who have been faithful to live it. And let’s pray for one another that God will help all of us stay the course. Jesus is coming. The shore is in sight. This is no time to change.

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:23-24).