Miracles

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30-31 (NIV)

I enjoy etymology, the history of words. I was researching the word miracle this past week and discovered its origin comes from the Latin miraculum, “a wonder, marvel, to wonder at.” There is no doubt that the supernatural work of God in our lives is something to marvel or wonder at.

When was the last time you marveled or wondered at the work of God in your life? It’s good to take time to review God’s work in your life. It’s better to take it one step further and share a testimony with a friend of what God has done in your life. This remembering and telling not only increases our thankfulness it also increases our faith.

In our passage above John tells us that he wrote about the miracles of Jesus so ”that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Miracles are meant to bring belief and life in Christ. It cannot be overstated that miracles are an important part of our Christian life.

I expect God to do miracles. It’s what He does. I believe that God works supernaturally in our lives to show the world who He is and by our testimony there will be belief and new life in Christ.

Da Bears

Hey sports fans Sunday is the big day. The Bears will be playing their first playoff game. As many of you know, I’m a big fan. The question is will the Bears be able to go on to the NFC Championship game or will this be another early exit from the playoffs? I’ve been listening to the experts talk about the keys to the big game. Some of the points they mention include…

• Preparation
• Every player playing their best
• Potent offense
• Tough defense
• Coaching
• Minimize the turnovers
• Will to win

And the list goes on. A lot of the same things are the key to a successful Christian Life.

It is interesting how many times Paul uses sporting images as illustrations of the Christian life. Whether it is running, wrestling, boxing each provide insight. Here are just a few…

• Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight (box) like a man beating the air. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26
• For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12-13
• If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 2 Timothy 2:5

And never forget, in Christ we always win! But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Don't Look Back...Look Ahead

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, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul – Philippians 3:13, 14

It’s the first weekend of the New Year. 2007 is a year full of possibility and opportunity. We each have 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8760 hours, 525, 600 minutes, and 31,536,000 seconds. What will you do with all this time?

Paul’s letter to the Philippians offers some good advice. First, forget what is behind. Paul is talking about forgetting what is behind in such a way as to not jeopardize his present and future spiritual growth.

Paul is forgetting both the good and the bad of the past. He forgets the wrongs of the past that could paralyze him with guilt and shame. He also wants to forget about the achievements of the past that could cause him to slow down or coast along in his spiritual development.

Paul is interested in one thing: to strain toward what is ahead. Like a runner in a race Paul didn’t want to look back to see where he had been he was concentrating on where he is going. Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Nothing short of God’s good and perfect will, nothing short of reaching his destiny, nothing short of spiritual victory would have satisfied Paul. What about you?

No doubt you have some goals for 2007. It is good to have goals. Goals are necessary in order to measure success in our lives. Take time at the beginning of this New Year to spend time with God, seek His will for you and your family this year, and discover God’s very best for your life.