Finish the Race

Something to think about.

Finish the Race

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of Godʼs grace. Acts 20:24 NIV

As I read this verse, I ask myself, really? Have I repented to the point where I can honestly say that I am completing the task set before me to this degree?  Have I turned away from my sin, so entirely that I can say, I only live to testify "to the good news of Godʼs grace"? No, ashamedly I must confess there are still areas in my life that need to change. The more I know of God, the more I want to be what He created me to be but the battle in me still rages. I know that In Christ I have won the war, but the battles are still being fought. I hope that someday I can say, I solely live "testifying to the good news of Godʼs grace."

Leia Mais…

Overcoming

Something to think about.

Overcoming

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
I John 5:4-5 NKJV

Overcoming the world is more than being victorious in or being successful in your endeavors. It is more than reaching the heights of your profession or garnering accolades, recognition, awards, and trophies. Overcoming may include all of that but it can't be achieved if that hole in your soul is not filled with the spirit of God in you. The way to fill that hole, is faith, faith  that "Jesus is the Son of God."

Leia Mais…

All These Things

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All These Things

³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:30-33  (ESV) 

I need to seek after the kingdom God and His righteousness. We need to take this statement personally. We want so much; we have been educated to think we can bring what we want into existence by our works. So many achievers, after having achieved their dreams are left wanting. We are better off, seeking after the kingdom of God and His righteousness than our dreams. As we walk into Gods kingdom and His righteousness, we are given the desires of our hearts. It is and always will be God First.

Leia Mais…

The Prize

Something to think about.

The Prize

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

We like to quote this scripture, for reasons of inspiration, motivation, and self-assuredness in the righteousness of our work.  But I ask you do you even know what the prize is? It is not salvation, salvation can not be earned, It is not righteousness as "our righteous acts are like filthy rags" it not justification as we are "justified by faith." 

What is it then, what is the prize? The prize is fulfilling the purpose that God created you for. The prize is fulfilling the call of a servant. The prize is hearing God say to you in person well done "good and faithful servant." To be a servant of God, you must forget all of your past, your hurts, victories disappointments, and successes. You must change the paradigm of your life and press forward in the work the Lord has prepared you for. So you can look forward to the prize of  "well done good and faithful servant."   

Leia Mais…

Reaping

Something to think about.

Reaping

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

Verse nine is quoted often in an attempt to encourage us in our times of troubles. It is about doing good, pressing on until you receive the victory of good, hard, and  persistent work. In verse ten is the reason for the blessing of persistence; it is so we can be a blessing to others. We have completed deleted the end of verse ten. We read “do good to everyone” and the verse ends. We Christians need to look at the end of verse ten and amplify as much as possible. We are to especially bless those of the family of God. What would happen to the church, to the family of God if we would take every opportunity to help every brother or sister with the blessing we have received. I am specifically not speaking about money. I am talking about caring and, sharing the wisdom God has given you. Money follows wisdom. Wisdom does not follow money.

Leia Mais…