Goodbye

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

This weekend we say good-bye to an important couple here at Christian Life Church. Ralph & Pat Wendland have been a part of our church family since the mid 1980’s and now they are moving into the next phase of their retirement in the Indianapolis area. They have been heavily involved in life and ministry at CLC over the years. Beyond Ralph’s role as an elder, Ralph and Pat have ministered to the lives of many from children through seniors.

As I thought about their impact in our church over the years I recalled seeing them in a variety of different situations. I’ve see them working hard on different projects, having fun with the SAGEr’s, being up front with the choir, being behind the scenes with our children’s ministry, always ready to offer help or encouragement to anybody who needed it. I can’t tell how much their encouragement to me personally has meant over the years. Ralph and Pat truly represent Christ-like ministry to the church.

All of us are called to live beyond ourselves. The Gospel saves us and then calls us to a life of service. In what ways is God calling you to serve in your world? Whose life are you touching? How are you serving His Body, the church? Don’t get so caught up with the busyness of life that you miss your call to serve.

At our good-bye dinner for the Wendland’s, Ralph shared this verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Thank you Ralph & Pat! We love you and will miss you and will look forward to your visits.

Abraham & Isaac

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
Hebrews 11:17-19

In our sermon study this weekend we will be examining one of the most interesting passages in the Bible, Abraham offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Would God really ask someone to do something like this? After all God in His Law said that the Children of Israel were not to partake in the heathen practice of human sacrifice. In fact, the Israelites were commanded to not even associate with the pagan people groups who participated in the immoral practice.

So why would God ask Abraham to do such a thing? Well, in the big picture, this story is a living depiction or type of the ultimate sacrifice God, the Father, would make with His one and only Son, Jesus. But it is also a test God uses to increase Abraham’s faith. The word test means “to qualify through a thorough examination.” God gives tests to strengthen and approve us – to test us to see if our faith is genuine and to humble us and bring us under His care.

God did this to test Abraham and Abraham passed the test. Abraham had so much faith that he believed God would raise Isaac from the dead. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he (God) said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Genesis 22:12

There is a blessing when we pass God’s tests. Genesis 22:16-18 says, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

What are some of the tests you are going through right now? How’s your faith? Are you passing the tests? Don’t forget you can listen to our sermons online at www.christianlifechurch.org.

Founding Fathers Quotes

When you study history there is no doubt that our Founding Fathers believed that our freedom came from God Himself. These men were devoutly Christian. They based their lives, their decisions, their principles on what God said in His Word. Examine these quotes:

God who gave us life, gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the God of God?
Thomas Jefferson

Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings, which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.
Patrick Henry

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government and the principles of Christianity.
John Quincy Adams

That book (the Bible), Sir, is the Rock upon which our Republic rests.
Andrew Jackson

We have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being, whose power regulates the destiny of nations.
James Madison

Let me conclude with a prayer from George Washington…

And now, Almighty Father, if it is Thy holy will that we shall obtain a place and name among the nations of the earth, grant that we may be enabled to show our gratitude for Thy goodness by our endeavors to fear and obey Thee.

Children

You must teach these commandments to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk, at bedtime and the first thing in the morning.
Deuteronomy 6:7

We usually hear about parents having to “drag” their kids to church. This weekend at Christian Life Church we are “Dragging Our Parents To Church.” We are going to have a blast during our weekend services as we worship the Lord as our children do each week in kid’s church.

Our verse in Deuteronomy tells us parents that we are responsible to continually teach our children about God. Basically, we are all called to be missionaries to our children. No matter their age we are called to reach our children for Christ. A missionary’s purpose is to evangelize and disciple a people group. As parents we are to evangelize and disciple our children.

Evangelization and discipleship don’t just happen. It takes a plan, diligent effort, and a lot of prayer. The enemy is working hard using the things of this world to distract our children from the most important relationship in their lives: their relationship with God. We can’t let the enemy steal our children. We must turn their hearts toward their Father in Heaven. Don’t doubt your ability to do this as a parent. God called you, He will equip you.

Summer & Weddings

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6


June marks the beginning of the summer wedding season. Summer weddings are beautiful. In fact this weekend Leslie and I are attending Jonathan and Rebecca’s wedding in Ohio. We couldn’t be happier for them. Last week Leslie and I celebrated our thirteenth wedding anniversary. Thirteen years and three boys later we spent the day reminiscing about the good, the bad, the ugly and how faithful God is through it all.

Weddings are wonderful but they are just the beginning. After the couple says “I do” real life begins. Perhaps you have heard it said, “We spend too much time planning the wedding and too little time preparing for marriage.” Those of us who are married can attest to the truth of that statement. Beginnings are important but tell you very little about the future. As in life, marriage cannot be measured on how well you start; it is all about the lifelong journey.

In the marriage vows are the words “to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.” You are saying to the other person that I am entering into a life covenant with you that no matter what life brings our way we will be and grow together.

What do you think God wants to begin in you this summer? What has he already begun in your life? Remember, it’s not about the launch, it’s about the journey. And unlike our sometimes frail human relationships God will never leave us or forsake us (Deut. 3:8). We don’t have to worry He is always there and what He begins in us, He will complete.

Holy Spirit

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4

This is Pentecost weekend, the seventh Sunday after Easter. Pentecost was originally an Old Testament celebration called the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot. Shavuot was an agricultural celebration where the people gave thanks to God by bringing their first fruits of the Spring harvest as offerings to the Lord (Leviticus 23). As time has passed and we have moved from an agricultural society, the Feast of Weeks has become a time to commemorate the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai.

One year during the first century, after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, God birthed His Church on the Day Pentecost. Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. It was on that day, when Jews from around the world were in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5-12), that God filled the 120 with the Holy Spirit and they were given power to be God’s witnesses (Acts 1:8). On that day 3000 became believers and many of them took the message of the Gospel back to their hometown, and the church had begun worldwide.

We believe that the same promise of Jesus is for believers today. Acts 1:8 says, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” We need the baptism of the Holy Spirit to be the church and witnesses He has called us to be. Ephesians 5:18 tells us to be continually filled with the Sprit. We need a fresh infilling of the Spirit on a daily basis. On this, the birthday of the church, let’s celebrate by receiving a fresh God’s gift of the Holy Spirit!

Why Do You Go To Church?

A Gallup Poll used the following scale to measure church attendance: How often do you attend church or synagogue — At least once a week, almost every week, about once a month, seldom or never? The breakdown of responses to this question for all of 2006 were 31 percent reporting attending once a week, 12 percent almost every week, 15 percent once a month, 28 percent seldom and 14 percent never.

Those who reported attending at least once a month — 58 percent of the current sample — were asked why they attend. The reasons were:
For spiritual growth and guidance (23%)
Keeps me grounded/inspired (20%)
It's my faith (15%)
To worship God (15%)
The fellowship of other members/The community (13%)
Belief in God/Belief in religion (12%)
Brought up that way/A family value/Tradition (12%)
Other (4%)
No reason in particular (1%)
The complete survey can be found at GallupPoll.com.

In Matthew 16, Jesus asked His disciples who people thought He was. He then challenged the disciples to answer the question for themselves. “Who do you say that I am?” So let me get personal with you today, “Why do you go to church?” I know there are a lot of reasons. A lot of good reasons. We enjoy the worship, the Word, seeing our friends, being with our family, being encouraged, connecting with God. God even tells us in His Word that we are not to neglect going to church (Hebrews 10:25).

Take time to examine why you go to church. I believe there are things God can only do in our life when we gather together. He wants us to experience His presence in our celebration of worship. He wants to touch our lives and change us when we gather together. Let there be no more church as usual. Come expecting to meet God and be changed by Him!

Mother's Day

Mother’s Day has become a major holiday. Hallmark estimates that 150 million Mother's Day cards will be sent this year making Mother's Day the third largest greeting card holiday of the year. U.S. Americans spend an average of $105 on Mother's Day gifts. The phone rings more often on Mother's Day than any other day of the year, though Father's Day will have more collect calls. The busiest day of the year at car washes is the Saturday before Mother's Day. I guess what mom thinks still matters.

I have been blessed to have strong women and moms in my life. I have a wonderful mother who many know as Mrs. Merrill who has taught our children Sunday School for the past fifty years. I have had two godly grandmas Mary Merrill, who went to be with the Lord, and Ella Meade who I admire. I have a great sister, Jodi Bechtold, who impresses me with her mothering skills as her family continually grows. I have a wonderful and beautiful wife and mother of our boys, Leslie, who I grow to love more each day as I watch her love and care for our family no matter how complicated life becomes. I even have a terrific mother-in-law.

I am blessed to have these women in my life. I wondered if there was a common thread to their greatness. When I began to think about it, I realized how different these women all were. They all have very different personalities and temperaments. Some had small families, others large. Some worked outside of the home, others were homemakers. In all of their differences, however, there was one consistent trait: each of these women puts God first in their life. They embody Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Life is hard. Family life can be very hard. That’s why our priorities need to be in proper order so that no matter what comes our way we can handle it because God is with us. Today I honor the moms in my life. I love you all. Your faithful and genuine relationship with the Lord has and will bless generations.

Mowing The Lawn

Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

This week our eldest son Luke mowed our lawn for the first time. I have to admit I couldn’t be more excited. I have waited for this day since he was born. I believe it is one of the reasons you have children. ;-) You see, I have been mowing lawns since I was young and I now have someone who will take over. I am ready to retire from my weekly summer ritual.

The funny thing is that as excited I was to turn our lawnmower over to Luke, he was equally excited to take on the new responsibility. He sees it as a right of passage into young adulthood. He now asks everyday if he can mow the lawn. Perhaps it’s the $5 he earns, perhaps he feels more grown up, or perhaps it’s the feeling he gets from knowing he is doing something significant for me and our family.

I didn’t just hand him the lawnmower and a gas can and say, “Go at it.” There was training involved. We talked about the lawn mower, how to cut the lawn, and the various important safety concerns. All of these things are second nature to a veteran lawn guy like me, but to someone who is beginning, all of this is very important. I cut the first track around the yard. I helped Luke cut around his first couple of trees. I then watched carefully, helping when needed, as took on his new grown up task. The rows weren’t always even. He missed a couple of spots. But he had a great first outing.

When I was watching Luke I thought about God watching us as we take on new callings in life. I like the thought that God is always there watching. He never leaves us alone. He is always there to help. And as we get good at one task, He gives us a bigger one to tackle. Remember the words of Jesus this week as you live out your calling, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

Biblical Confessions

I thoroughly enjoyed Steve Sampson ministering in our services last weekend. Along with specific words of knowledge Steve spoke a powerful word to our entire congregation about our identity and influence in God. The enemy is out to destroy our identity and influence and the Holy Spirit is there to increase our understanding of both. We need to stop believing what the enemy, the world, and everybody else says about us and believe God. Sometimes we are our own worst critics. We put ourselves down and sabotage our influence. What God says about us is true! I like what Steve Sampson always say, “God thinks He’s right.” And He is!

Take time this week to declare these biblical confessions. Stand on His word and let the Holy Spirit increase the understanding of your identity and influence.

• I am a child of God (1 John 3:2)
  
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
  
• The joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10)
  
• I have the peace of God (Philippians 4:11)
  
• I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)
  
• My tongue is God’s property (James 3:2)
  
• I speak with authority (Luke 10:19)
  
• I love the Word of God (Psalm 119:162)
  
• God will supply all of my needs (Philippians 4:19)
  
• I walk by the Spirit ( Galatians 5:16)
  
• I have the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
  
• I am free from fear and worry ( 1 Peter 5:7)
  
• I am a joint-heir with Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:6)
  
• I am the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)
  
• God loves me (John 15:9)
  
• I am a new creation - a new person altogether in Christ Jesus. Old things have passed away; all things have become fresh and new! ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jehovah Shalom

So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace.
Judges 6:24a

For to us a child is born… And he will be called… Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

This has been a difficult week for our nation. As if we needed a reminder, the Virginia Tech Massacre has reminded us that we live in a fallen and evil world. It seems as though the more our questions about this tragedy are answered, deeper questions about the human condition arise. There is unrest in our souls as we ponder the tragedies of this life.

One of the names for God in the Bible is Jehovah Shalom, The Lord is peace. Peace is an attribute of God. In the uproar of our world God remains steady and calm. Don’t think this means God is aloof and indifferent to our plight. The Bible teaches us that God grieves, gets angry, is afflicted, feels our sorrow, but none of these things disturb His steady peace. When this world blows up, God is steady, undisturbed. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the Rock.

It is easy to have peace when things are good in our lives. But storms do come. God offers a peace that passes understanding. When there is no reason to have peace, we can have peace in God because He is Jehovah Shalom. He is our rock in the shifting sands of life. When God rules our lives, His Prince of Peace, who lives in us, gives us a peace that passes understanding. Pray for that peace in your life and share it with those around you. Today, as we worship, celebrate our Jehovah Shalom who is our steady peace no matter what we are going through.

Ascension Convention Continues On...

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13

We are week past the Ascension Convention and good reports of what God did in the lives of students continue to come in from across the country. God touched the lives of thousands of students. I listened this past Wednesday night as our students from Christian Life shared their testimonies of what God. It was awesome! Keep our young people in your prayers as God continues His work in their lives.

What amazed me was the response of the young people during each service. No matter the speaker, no matter the topic, students responded each and every time a call was given. Whether for salvation, consecration, overcoming addictions, suicidal thoughts, etc. students came forward desiring God to change their hearts and lives. Powerful ministry took place around a makeshift altar at the O’Hare Hyatt Grand Ballroom.

This response at the Ascension Convention reveals two things. First, young people around the country are hungry for God’s power and work in their lives. They desire a real and lasting work… a true life changing work. Simply stated, young people are open to God. Second, seeing young people respond at the altar for things such as suicide and addictions reveals the satan’s plan to destroy this generation.

Our response must be prayer! There is a spiritual war going on for the lives of our young people. We need to pray that the revival fires continue to burn in their lives. We must also pray that God protects them from the schemes of the enemy. Let’s stand strong in prayer for our young people so that the next generation of the church is stronger than it than it has ever been before.

Serving Well

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit…
Philippians 2:3a

There are three things that last forever: the Word of God, the Kingdom of God, and the souls of men. It is awesome to think that in a weekend service at church we can impact eternity as we take in the Word, see people give their lives to Christ, and sow seed into God’s Kingdom work at home and around the world. This coming weekend in the life of our church we are looking to make a significant impact in eternity.

This week we have the opportunity to eternally influence the lives of thousands of teenagers at the Ascension Convention. The Ascension Convention was birthed by President Schmidt and the college and for over twenty years our church has teamed up with the college to touch the lives of tens of thousands of students. Each year testimonies come in of lives radically changed by this annual weekend event.

As your pastor, I want to thank you for each year investing your Easter weekend in the lives of countless teenagers. As a former youth pastor I know the power and influence these types of events have on students. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to decorate, monitor, usher, make CD’s, set up, tear down, etc. This convention is too big to go on without you. Each person and their giftings are necessary to make this event a success.

There is no doubt we will work hard, but without God it will be impossible. Pray with me that as we serve together God shows up in a big way in each student’s life. After this Sunday’s service there will be an Ascension Convention volunteers meeting in the sanctuary. Even if you haven’t signed up yet, come and see where you can be involved. See Pastor Jon, give him a call or send him and email and let him know you want to invest in eternity this week.

Cowboy Ten Commandments

If only Moses was a cowboy. ;-) Got this from a good friend, great pastor, with an awesome blog. http://jawboneofapastor.blogspot.com Enjoy!

Ten Commandments for Cowboys
1. Just one God
2. Honor yer Ma & Pa
3. No telling tales or gossipin’
4. Git yourself to Sunday meeting
5. Put nothin’ before God
6. No foolin’ around with another fellow’s gal
7. No killin’
8. Watch yer mout
9. Don’t take what ain’t yers
10. Don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddy’s stuff.

Yep, that's purty much it!

If you want to read the Ten Commandments in their entirety and the events surrounding them check out Exodus 20.

President Abraham Lincoln

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

The Christian Life Church Book Club is reading the book Lincoln’s Melancholy. Our 16th president had a fascinating journey to becoming one of nations most beloved and respected presidents.

Did you know that within days of taking the office of president that?

• His predecessor, James Buchanan, openly declared that Lincoln would destroy the nation.
• Seven stated seceded from the Union.
• The U.S. House of Representatives refused Lincoln’s plea to enlarge the military.
• The Senate passed a resolution demanding the War Department reduce military spending.
• Rumors ran rampant that Lincoln would be shot at his inaugural and Washington DC would be burned to the ground.

Think you got troubles? To make matters worse the New York and Washington papers viciously attacked Lincoln calling him a “third rate country lawyer, a dictator, an ape, a buffoon.”

How was Lincoln able to succeed with so much against him? He was a leader who always chose to what was right. He was also a leader who surrounded himself with the right people to help him succeed. His decisions weren’t based on what was popular or convenient. Lincoln simply chose what was right.

How do you handle the critics, disappointments, and struggles of life? Do you look for the easy way out? Do you seek the approval of others? I encourage to always choose to do what is right. Seek God’s counsel and follow His ways. It may not be popular. It may not be easy. But it will be right and will lead to ultimate success.

Fatih

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

I heard a great thought on faith this week. I was listening to the Morning Ministries with Roger Plummer on WYLL 1160AM and heard someone on one of the programs preaching on faith. I didn’t have anything to take notes, so to the best of my memory, here are some of the powerful principles I gleaned on faith this morning.

Faith is not…wishing really hard that something will happen.

Faith is not…accomplishing certain results that others cannot.

Faith is not…just believe until you get it.

Faith is…getting out of the way so God can do His good and perfect will and purpose in our life.

Faith is about God and His way not us and our way. John the Baptist said it this way, “He must increase…I must decrease.” John 3:30-31 (NKJV)

I have thoroughly enjoyed preparing our sermons this year on Getting To Know God. The more you study about how God has revealed Himself the more powerful and awesome He gets. His plans and His ways are far beyond mine. God has so much more for us! He wants to do more in our lives than we could ever imagine. The Apostle Paul states, “By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.” Eph 3:20 (NLT)

Increase your faith this week…get out of the way, seek God and His ways, and watch what He will do!

Authentic Self Esteem

And since we are his children, we will share his treasures — for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too.
Romans 8:17a (NLT)

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about building authentic self esteem in children. As parents, we do our best to show our children unconditional love. However, we’re not perfect, and no matter how hard we try there are times we fall short in this difficult task.

In our fallen state we often adopt unhealthy ways of finding our self worth. Most of the time we work to earn the love, respect, attention from others. Somewhere along the way as children we learn we have to perform to be accepted and loved. This continues into adulthood and into our relationship with God. But with God, He is perfect, and His love is unconditional.

God loves you with a 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love. Love is patient, love is kind…it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs…It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God loves you perfectly.

God loves you because you are his child and He is your perfect Heavenly Father. True self esteem comes from knowing our identity and inherent worth as children of God. God has adopted you into his family. You are a joint heir with Jesus sharing in all of the treasures and promises of God! This week stop trying to perform for God and instead rest and enjoy His love. His love is perfect!

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.