On Sunday we introduced a lesson entitled: “My Heart’s Desire – God” by laying a foundation of simple truths. We desire to have obedient, respectful, children who come to know Christ and put Him on in baptism -- children that grow up to have an impact on our community and in our world for Christ.   To  expect such  without  “bringing them  up in the way they should go…in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord” (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4) is to expect the impossible. We desire to have a faithful, happy marriage until death do us part -- a marriage that is fulfilling in every  way bringing glory to God.   To expect such a marriage without “being in subjection to your husband…loving your wife as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:22, 25), without understanding the will of God in marriage (1 Corinthians 7) is to expect the impossible. We desire to have a long, fulfilling, significant career, one that yields enough income for our needs now and into the future -- enough  to support our family, the church, and those we have an opportunity to assist.  To expect such without diligent and persistent effort, without planning, without faith in God (1 Timothy 6:17-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15) is to expect the impossible. We desire  to have a  relationship with  God that brings  happiness, hope, and in the end, heaven.  To expect to have that kind of relationship with God without following the “straight and narrow path…doing the will of the Father which is in heaven…hearing and doing the words of Jesus” (Matthew 7:13-14; 21; 24-27) is to expect the impossible. This coming Sunday we will “build a house” on this foundation as we focus on a pattern of life that seeks God -- not the blessings of God -- not what God has -- or even what He has planned for us in heaven -- but God, Himself. Growth, numbers, the lost to be saved, and the saved to be edified requires diligence.  To expect growth without diligence is to expect the impossible. At the same time, diligence -- people working in unity, praying, giving, sacrificing their time, talents, and treasures -- requires loyalty, commitment, dedication, and sincere love.  To expect diligence without love is to expect the impossible. Additionally, love, real love, requires the knowledge and appreciation of God -- obedience to God.  To expect love without the knowledge of God is to expect the impossible. We will show that the key to prosperity in our  Christian life -- and thus in the church -- lies in our knowing God.  When we determine to know God, to earnestly desire Him in our lives, love will come forth  from our lives  motivating us to greater  diligence than  ever before in the service of Christ.  Through our diligence spiritual fruit will spring up in the form of numerical and spiritual growth, individually in our Christian life, and in the church. Remember Jesus’ prayer in John 17?  “And this is eternal life, THAT THEY MAY KNOW YOU, THE ONLY TRUE GOD, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (verse 3). Do you remember Jesus’ statement in His sermon on the mount in Matthew 6?  “But seek first the  kingdom  of God  and His righteousness,  and all  these  things  shall  be  added  to you” (verse 33). I look forward to sharing these thoughts with you on the Lord’s Day, Sunday, when we all gather together to worship God in spirit and in truth.