Living in the now is hard for a lot of God’s people …what with our world’s infatuation with gathering and storing and saving for our old age. It seems that hoarding has become part of the standard thinking of the rich and the “wanna be” rich. Now, I for one can empathize with this thought process, being one of the “baby boomers” who has been suckled with the idea that if I am going to live a long and satisfying life, I better stockpile lots of “goodies’ to see me through my senior years.
But, let’s look at this from a Biblical perspective. This life is really just a dress rehearsal for the eternity that I will spend with my Heavenly Father …at home in the New Jerusalem. In fact, my entire purpose for living is to prepare me for eternity …to have me practice on earth what I will perfect in heaven. Now eternity, that’s a LOOOONNGGGG TIME according to 2 Peter 3:8 which says, “But do not overlook this one fact, Beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." God’s calendar is different than yours and mine…I may live to be a hundred here on earth, but I’m going to spend a trillion years in eternity and that requires that I get my eye on the prize while I’m here.
Each of us was made by God….and for God. God did not put us here to make us happy, but to make us HOLY…and that’s the struggle of life. Until we get that thought at the center of our consciousness, we’re probably going to spend our time and efforts in pursuing the wrong things of this world….and those “things” lead to our destruction. Sure, we all want to be successful, fulfilled and comfortable both now and in our “retirement” years; but God is more interested in your CHARACTER than in your comfort.
So, where does that leave us? Do we listen attentively to the noise from the crowd that tells us to “grab all we can” since we only “go around once in life”…or do we heed the Savior’s call to “take up our cross and follow him.” If your life is not facing some sort of difficulty, then maybe it’s time to check your Christian pulse and see if your really have a heartbeat for the Savior? Truly, it’s okay to want to be reasonably happy here on earth; to face a minimal amount of desperation or despair….but, remember, God is more interested in your growth in Christ than the size of your home or the value of your IRA. If you’re working for the Kingdom then trust me, opposition is near-at-hand….but that’s okay! 1 John 4:4 says, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
So start living for the eternity that God has promised you and leave behind the cares and troubles that so easily beset us….Today is the first day of the rest of your eternity ….at home with Jesus and our Father of Love.
Letting go of today…Reaching for eternity,
WPQ
Thought for Today:
God brings life’s struggles not to impair us…but to improve us;
Life’s catastrophes not to impound us…but to EMPOWER us for HIS GLORY!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Living LARGE
Here it is two weeks from my 59th birthday and boy, am I thankful. You see, last week, I got to play golf twice in one week …a real treat for a former golf professional; however, I do remember how sore I was the day after my second round. I mean, even the few hairs on my head where sore and I seemed to ache in places I had forgotten I had.
Now, I am not complaining as I am sometimes prone to do; rather stating fact that as we get older, the things that once we did so easily may cause us some discomfort if we over indulge. Someone once said that “Age is a state of mind” and “You are only as old as you feel”…well, last week, I felt pretty old and my mind seemed to focus on that ….which left me in a pretty sad state.
Until I read a scripture in Psalms 90: verses 10 & 12, “ The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone and we fly away….So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
That’s what we each need as we grow older and our bodies begin to let us down….A HEART OF WISDOM. We need to number our days and make each one count for our Lord. He has set before us a task or a good work that only we can accomplish and we can’t let a failing body or a slowing mind keep us from doing what God has purposed us to accomplish for His Kingdom. So be wise in the way you treat your body….give it good nutrition, plenty of sleep, appropriate exercise and above all, ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
The poem that follows is for all of you that need to keep pushing ahead …..IN SPITE OF what lies ahead or has happened in the past, keep
Living LARGE,
WPQ
IN SPITE OF...
All my life, how I loved to play
I'd be out the door at the break of day;
Goin' fishin' or swimmin' or joggin’ ‘round the track;
I always aimed to get ahead by not lookin' back.
I was smart and eager and always willin' to try
To prove to others I was a really "great guy."
I could leap tall buildings in a single bound;
No nothing in this world was gonna keep me down.
But lately I've noticed I get really short of breath
Walkin' cross the room to turn on the TV set;
And my arms aren't as long as they might need to be
If I want to read the sports page while I watch TV.
Yeah, I used to primp after every morning shower
Combin' and blow dryin’ for nearly half an hour;
But those days are gone; they were really quite a drag;
I accomplish the same thing...but now I use a wash rag.
I used to love to shoot hoops or beat a punchin' bag;
But where I once had muscles; well, it's all turned to flab.
So, I've tried these diets that they say are the rage;
But to keep me from food, you have to lock me in a cage.
My spirit's sturdy and I've still got my nerve,
But where I once had lines, they've all turned to curves;
My hearing's fadin' and my handshake's not as hearty;
I'm just a young man trapped in an old man's body.
So, let me say to you guys who face the ravages of time...
Sit back, relax and with this thought sublime;
Prop up your feet, while you sip your favorite toddy...
BE A YOUNG MAN ALWAYS...in spite of an old man's body.
William Patrick Queen
Copyright 1990
Now, I am not complaining as I am sometimes prone to do; rather stating fact that as we get older, the things that once we did so easily may cause us some discomfort if we over indulge. Someone once said that “Age is a state of mind” and “You are only as old as you feel”…well, last week, I felt pretty old and my mind seemed to focus on that ….which left me in a pretty sad state.
Until I read a scripture in Psalms 90: verses 10 & 12, “ The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone and we fly away….So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
That’s what we each need as we grow older and our bodies begin to let us down….A HEART OF WISDOM. We need to number our days and make each one count for our Lord. He has set before us a task or a good work that only we can accomplish and we can’t let a failing body or a slowing mind keep us from doing what God has purposed us to accomplish for His Kingdom. So be wise in the way you treat your body….give it good nutrition, plenty of sleep, appropriate exercise and above all, ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
The poem that follows is for all of you that need to keep pushing ahead …..IN SPITE OF what lies ahead or has happened in the past, keep
Living LARGE,
WPQ
IN SPITE OF...
All my life, how I loved to play
I'd be out the door at the break of day;
Goin' fishin' or swimmin' or joggin’ ‘round the track;
I always aimed to get ahead by not lookin' back.
I was smart and eager and always willin' to try
To prove to others I was a really "great guy."
I could leap tall buildings in a single bound;
No nothing in this world was gonna keep me down.
But lately I've noticed I get really short of breath
Walkin' cross the room to turn on the TV set;
And my arms aren't as long as they might need to be
If I want to read the sports page while I watch TV.
Yeah, I used to primp after every morning shower
Combin' and blow dryin’ for nearly half an hour;
But those days are gone; they were really quite a drag;
I accomplish the same thing...but now I use a wash rag.
I used to love to shoot hoops or beat a punchin' bag;
But where I once had muscles; well, it's all turned to flab.
So, I've tried these diets that they say are the rage;
But to keep me from food, you have to lock me in a cage.
My spirit's sturdy and I've still got my nerve,
But where I once had lines, they've all turned to curves;
My hearing's fadin' and my handshake's not as hearty;
I'm just a young man trapped in an old man's body.
So, let me say to you guys who face the ravages of time...
Sit back, relax and with this thought sublime;
Prop up your feet, while you sip your favorite toddy...
BE A YOUNG MAN ALWAYS...in spite of an old man's body.
William Patrick Queen
Copyright 1990
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Welcome Home Soldiers
It is not my desire to use this space as a political stump, to voice my political opinions or in any way push my opinion as anything more than that…MY OPINION; but in the next few weeks, during the party conventions, both sides will use our military forces as pawns in their battle for the Presidency. Each side will try to get you to agree with them regarding our presence in foreign countries where our brave soldiers are defending the freedoms that we hold so dear. They will tell you that the job is finished and we should bring them home or that until there is peace and tranquility in that region, we will never be safe from acts of terrorism. Either way, the results is our young men and women are caught in a political crossfire and they will never receive the recognition and gratitude that is due them for their heroic efforts upon the battlefield.
Don’t, I repeat, DON’T let the emotions of a star-studded cast of politicians divert your attention from the great work our military has done during their time in the battlefields of the Middle East. God is at work and we in America have been called to help defend His land, Israel. To be sure that stand will be costly, but God is on our side. HE WILL NOT BE DEFEATED!
Please make this upcoming election about who is on the Lord’s side and who is willing to stand and be counted as a protector of God’s ordained people. He is drawing them unto Himself so that the history of the ages will play out on the stage that God is preparing. We see God proclaim His coming salvation in Psalms 52 and confirm that He will be with His people and that He will be their God in Revelation 21: 3. The time is coming quickly upon us to stand and be counted for the Lord.
But in all of this, please take time to honor our brave men and women as they begin to return home to their families and loved ones. They have sacrificed greatly so that you and I can sleep peacefully each night ….they deserve, no their devotion demands, that we honor them, praise then and thank them for their devotion to duty and to their willingness to stand in harm’s way to protect us and the liberties that have made this country great….all because God’s favor is upon us. Let’s not do anything else that might take the hand of His mercy from our country and plunge us into a season of regret.
To our returning soldiers …GOD BLESS YOU EACH AND EVERY ONE…the poem that follows is for YOU!
Proudly serving … following His orders,
WPQ
WELCOME HOME
Welcome home, soldiers proud
Together, strong we stand
Defending freedom around the world
From this bright and promised land
Called to do your duty
To sacrifice for all
You proudly wear the uniform
For freedom, you stand tall.
You gave upon the battlefield
Your blood, your sweat and tears
And stood against the Evil ones
Who filled our lives with fear?
And now though spent, the battle won
Your respite is close at hand
As you return to freedom’s breast
To this great and glorious land;
We applaud you…we shout with joy
We immortalize this day
Welcome Home… Dear Patriots
To the good old U.S.A.
With Heartfelt Thanks We Salute Those Who Gave Their Best…
May God Bless You Every Day And Grant You His Sweet Rest!!!!!
W. Patrick Queen
February 14, 2005
Don’t, I repeat, DON’T let the emotions of a star-studded cast of politicians divert your attention from the great work our military has done during their time in the battlefields of the Middle East. God is at work and we in America have been called to help defend His land, Israel. To be sure that stand will be costly, but God is on our side. HE WILL NOT BE DEFEATED!
Please make this upcoming election about who is on the Lord’s side and who is willing to stand and be counted as a protector of God’s ordained people. He is drawing them unto Himself so that the history of the ages will play out on the stage that God is preparing. We see God proclaim His coming salvation in Psalms 52 and confirm that He will be with His people and that He will be their God in Revelation 21: 3. The time is coming quickly upon us to stand and be counted for the Lord.
But in all of this, please take time to honor our brave men and women as they begin to return home to their families and loved ones. They have sacrificed greatly so that you and I can sleep peacefully each night ….they deserve, no their devotion demands, that we honor them, praise then and thank them for their devotion to duty and to their willingness to stand in harm’s way to protect us and the liberties that have made this country great….all because God’s favor is upon us. Let’s not do anything else that might take the hand of His mercy from our country and plunge us into a season of regret.
To our returning soldiers …GOD BLESS YOU EACH AND EVERY ONE…the poem that follows is for YOU!
Proudly serving … following His orders,
WPQ
WELCOME HOME
Welcome home, soldiers proud
Together, strong we stand
Defending freedom around the world
From this bright and promised land
Called to do your duty
To sacrifice for all
You proudly wear the uniform
For freedom, you stand tall.
You gave upon the battlefield
Your blood, your sweat and tears
And stood against the Evil ones
Who filled our lives with fear?
And now though spent, the battle won
Your respite is close at hand
As you return to freedom’s breast
To this great and glorious land;
We applaud you…we shout with joy
We immortalize this day
Welcome Home… Dear Patriots
To the good old U.S.A.
With Heartfelt Thanks We Salute Those Who Gave Their Best…
May God Bless You Every Day And Grant You His Sweet Rest!!!!!
W. Patrick Queen
February 14, 2005
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Living Beyond the Pain
“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal” is a quote from the #1 best seller on the New York Times Bestseller List, entitled, THE SHACK, by William P. Young.
Several weeks ago, I came in contact with a woman that was reading this book as she sat in the waiting room at our dentist’s office. She began to share with me the story line of this fictional novel and I must confess it piqued my interest. So, while shopping at Sam’s, I picked the book up and once I began to read it, I could not put it down until I had finished it. It was truly captivating in its subject matter; in fact, the byline after the title is …..WHERE TRAGEDY MEETS ETERNITY. …and that my friend is something we all struggle with…trying to understand why bad things happen to God’s people.
Though a fictional account of a tragic murder of a young girl and the father’s anguish in dealing with this great loss,this story is one that will stir every heart string and touch you in the deep crevasses of your soul. Who, in this great big world, has not been touched by some seemingly senseless tragedy and not ask God….WHY? This book and its story line make a valiant effort to help us understand the heart of God and the work of the Godhead in our lives when we face insurmountable sorrow. Each page seems to offer hope and encouragement that we are not alone in our grief….rather the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit are there to walk with us through the darkest valleys and to love us in the midst of unspeakable horror.
Though this is a work of fiction, the author is solid in his portrayal of a loving God who DOES NOT DO EVIL, BUT WILL USE EVIL FOR HIS (and our) GOOD. Here is a quote from someone who was touched by this little book:
“THE SHACK” is a one of a kind invitation to journey to the heart of God. Through my tears and cheers, I have been transformed by the tender mercy with which Wm. P Young opened the veil that too often separated me from God and from myself. With every page, the complicated do’s and don’ts that distort a relationship into a religion were washed away as I understood the Father, Son and Spirit for the first time in my life.”
Patrick M. Roddy, Emmy Award winning producer for ABC News
The accolades go on and on; but let me say from one who loves to write and adores the written word, this book will have a profound effect on your outlook as well as helping you to trust your UPLOOK…..God is in control ….even if you can’t see His hand at work, trust that He cares for you. You may never understand why bad things happen in this world of sin and strife, but you can always know that God is with you and is working EVERYTHING OUT FOR YOUR GOOD…..HE LOVES YOU AND ME THAT MUCH!!!!!
If you can ….get this book, read it and pass it on. Someone you know needs to know that the God we love and serve is hurting with them. He is waiting to help them to deal with the pain, the grief and the sorrow if they will only do what the Scriptures says….“Casting all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” 2 Peter 5:7
Living in the Healing Arms of God,
WPQ
In The Palm of His Hands
When life's full of disappointments
And no one seems to care,
Just lift your eyes toward heaven
See the Savior waiting there;
To lift your heavy burdens;
To help you bear life's load,
Just place your trust in Jesus
As you travel down life's road.
For He gave up heaven's glory
To become as you and I
To walk this barren, earthly realm
To live...to love...to die.
So no matter what you're feeling...
Be it sorrow, joy or pain,
Just place your trust in Jesus
And heaven you will gain.
For in life's travels you might see
Just one pair of footprints in the sands;
Remember then, He carried you
In the palm of His nail-scarred hands.
Several weeks ago, I came in contact with a woman that was reading this book as she sat in the waiting room at our dentist’s office. She began to share with me the story line of this fictional novel and I must confess it piqued my interest. So, while shopping at Sam’s, I picked the book up and once I began to read it, I could not put it down until I had finished it. It was truly captivating in its subject matter; in fact, the byline after the title is …..WHERE TRAGEDY MEETS ETERNITY. …and that my friend is something we all struggle with…trying to understand why bad things happen to God’s people.
Though a fictional account of a tragic murder of a young girl and the father’s anguish in dealing with this great loss,this story is one that will stir every heart string and touch you in the deep crevasses of your soul. Who, in this great big world, has not been touched by some seemingly senseless tragedy and not ask God….WHY? This book and its story line make a valiant effort to help us understand the heart of God and the work of the Godhead in our lives when we face insurmountable sorrow. Each page seems to offer hope and encouragement that we are not alone in our grief….rather the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit are there to walk with us through the darkest valleys and to love us in the midst of unspeakable horror.
Though this is a work of fiction, the author is solid in his portrayal of a loving God who DOES NOT DO EVIL, BUT WILL USE EVIL FOR HIS (and our) GOOD. Here is a quote from someone who was touched by this little book:
“THE SHACK” is a one of a kind invitation to journey to the heart of God. Through my tears and cheers, I have been transformed by the tender mercy with which Wm. P Young opened the veil that too often separated me from God and from myself. With every page, the complicated do’s and don’ts that distort a relationship into a religion were washed away as I understood the Father, Son and Spirit for the first time in my life.”
Patrick M. Roddy, Emmy Award winning producer for ABC News
The accolades go on and on; but let me say from one who loves to write and adores the written word, this book will have a profound effect on your outlook as well as helping you to trust your UPLOOK…..God is in control ….even if you can’t see His hand at work, trust that He cares for you. You may never understand why bad things happen in this world of sin and strife, but you can always know that God is with you and is working EVERYTHING OUT FOR YOUR GOOD…..HE LOVES YOU AND ME THAT MUCH!!!!!
If you can ….get this book, read it and pass it on. Someone you know needs to know that the God we love and serve is hurting with them. He is waiting to help them to deal with the pain, the grief and the sorrow if they will only do what the Scriptures says….“Casting all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” 2 Peter 5:7
Living in the Healing Arms of God,
WPQ
In The Palm of His Hands
When life's full of disappointments
And no one seems to care,
Just lift your eyes toward heaven
See the Savior waiting there;
To lift your heavy burdens;
To help you bear life's load,
Just place your trust in Jesus
As you travel down life's road.
For He gave up heaven's glory
To become as you and I
To walk this barren, earthly realm
To live...to love...to die.
So no matter what you're feeling...
Be it sorrow, joy or pain,
Just place your trust in Jesus
And heaven you will gain.
For in life's travels you might see
Just one pair of footprints in the sands;
Remember then, He carried you
In the palm of His nail-scarred hands.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thank You, Father
My wife and I attend a wonderful church here in Travelers Rest, S.C., Clearview Baptist Church. It is a wonderfully warm and hospitable fellowship that seeks to honor God and be true to His Great Commission.....but yesterday, by anyone's account, something strange and wonderul happened. In the midst of the morning worship service, a renewal broke out. After the singing of one of the choir's favorite songs,TESTIFY, our worship minister passed the mic through the choir for anyone that wanted to give a word of testimony. Now, we have done this before, but never with the same results. The Holy Spirit swept in and the entire congregation began to share in prayer and song and testimony and this continued the ENTIRE WORSHIP SERVICE....people at the altar praying for their brothers and sisters in Christ ....for healing, troubled homes and marriages, burdens of sorrow and grief and only God knows what else. It was ELECTRIFYING to see the Holy Spirit shower us with His presence and see God at work in our midst. The pastor never even got a chance to deliver his message....God's work was far more important and our pastor led us in a time of consecration and renewal that will and already has had a profound effect on all of us. For that I can only say, "THANK YOU, FATHER."
My prayer for each of you this week is that God will manisfest Himself through the power of the Holy Spirit in your life and you will seek to walk in His ways to bring...
PRAISE AND HONOR AND GLORY TO THE KING OF KINGS!
Blessed and Believing,
WPQ
Thank You Father
Thank you, Father, for the sun and the rain;
Thank you, Father, for life’s joys and its pain.
Thank you, Father that you sent your Son,
Thank you, Father, for the victory won.
The life that was spared on Calvary’s tree
Was a life that was worthless- O’ how you love me.
You send your Son to take my place;
I’m awed and amazed at your saving grace
Thank you, Father for a life that was spent,
Thank you, Father for the time to repent.
Thank you, Father for dying for me;
Thank you, Father, now I am set free!
Free to walk with my head held high,
To claim my mansion in the sweet by and by;
To know your love now fills any soul
You’ve taken me broken and made me whole.
Thank you, Father, what more can I do
Than to show my love in worship of you?
I’ll give my life so others will see
My Christ, My Savior….always living in me!
WPQ Nov. 19, 2007
My prayer for each of you this week is that God will manisfest Himself through the power of the Holy Spirit in your life and you will seek to walk in His ways to bring...
PRAISE AND HONOR AND GLORY TO THE KING OF KINGS!
Blessed and Believing,
WPQ
Thank You Father
Thank you, Father, for the sun and the rain;
Thank you, Father, for life’s joys and its pain.
Thank you, Father that you sent your Son,
Thank you, Father, for the victory won.
The life that was spared on Calvary’s tree
Was a life that was worthless- O’ how you love me.
You send your Son to take my place;
I’m awed and amazed at your saving grace
Thank you, Father for a life that was spent,
Thank you, Father for the time to repent.
Thank you, Father for dying for me;
Thank you, Father, now I am set free!
Free to walk with my head held high,
To claim my mansion in the sweet by and by;
To know your love now fills any soul
You’ve taken me broken and made me whole.
Thank you, Father, what more can I do
Than to show my love in worship of you?
I’ll give my life so others will see
My Christ, My Savior….always living in me!
WPQ Nov. 19, 2007
Thursday, August 21, 2008
RUNNING THE GOOD RACE
My wife and I just finished our study of Philippians and I was once again reminded of “running the good race” In fact, watching the Olympics this last week has definitely reinforced that concept.
Now I, for one, am a great admirer of the young talented sprinters that compete to see who can cross the finish line in the shortest amount of time. As a young child and even into my adult years, I was always considered to be pretty fast for a “white guy with short legs.”….so I love to watch the track portion of the games. In using my keen eye of observation and listening to the commentators, I realized there are three major parts to a race….getting out of the blocks,(the start), running hard through the straight-aways (the middle) and exploding with the “kick” at the finish (the end).\
Paul tells us in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it on my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” It is clear in these few short lines that Paul has set the tone for the race that he calls life.
And……The race begins anew each day…..
Getting out of the blocks is so important for that sets the tone for the rest of the race. For us as Christians that begins by starting the day by communicating with our Heavenly Father…we talk to Him and He, through His ordained word, talks to us. If you want to begin to run the race that presses on to the high calling that God has set before you…you’ve got to get off to a great start each day. Start your daily walk with a time of fellowship with Jesus and you will be out of the blocks with great speed, stamina and serenity.
The next portion of the race is where many falter….Running hard through the straight-aways. Its here, in the trenches, where our enemy lulls us in to thinking we can meet all the demands of home, work, church and life in general on our own. We can and should take care of our problems and only bother God when we can’t seem to handle the matter by ourselves. This kind of thinking will slow you down and cause you to lose valuable time and energy in the race to claim the prize that God has laid before each of us. God wants to be intimately involved in your life, but He will not intrude. Invite him in by talking with Him about all the hopes, dreams, mistakes, failures and everything else that affects your desire to remain close and to follow His leading in you daily activities. He is with you in all things and is cheering you on as you make the turn toward home.
And last, but surely not least is that “Exploding Kick” ….an all out sprint for the finish line and the opportunity to stand on that podium and receive you prize…for an Olympian, a gold medal….for a child of The KING…YOUR CROWN. But that winner’s podium is reserved for those that finish well. Paul says it best when he tells us to “strain forward”, to lean into the finish line of what God has set before you. Too many Christians become complacent with their past accomplishments or too saddened by past failures and they quit …..just short of God’s finish line for their life. Run to the end of the race.
Don’t let your past dictate the outcome of your race ….Run the good race and finish strong for the Lord. Others are watching and many will copy what you do ….so run hard, stay the course and strain for the prize; then you can stand proudly on the podium and hear the cheers of the heavenly throng as you receive you crown and give honor and glory and praise to Him that sits on the throne…the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
Running to win the prize,
WPQ
Now I, for one, am a great admirer of the young talented sprinters that compete to see who can cross the finish line in the shortest amount of time. As a young child and even into my adult years, I was always considered to be pretty fast for a “white guy with short legs.”….so I love to watch the track portion of the games. In using my keen eye of observation and listening to the commentators, I realized there are three major parts to a race….getting out of the blocks,(the start), running hard through the straight-aways (the middle) and exploding with the “kick” at the finish (the end).\
Paul tells us in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it on my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” It is clear in these few short lines that Paul has set the tone for the race that he calls life.
And……The race begins anew each day…..
Getting out of the blocks is so important for that sets the tone for the rest of the race. For us as Christians that begins by starting the day by communicating with our Heavenly Father…we talk to Him and He, through His ordained word, talks to us. If you want to begin to run the race that presses on to the high calling that God has set before you…you’ve got to get off to a great start each day. Start your daily walk with a time of fellowship with Jesus and you will be out of the blocks with great speed, stamina and serenity.
The next portion of the race is where many falter….Running hard through the straight-aways. Its here, in the trenches, where our enemy lulls us in to thinking we can meet all the demands of home, work, church and life in general on our own. We can and should take care of our problems and only bother God when we can’t seem to handle the matter by ourselves. This kind of thinking will slow you down and cause you to lose valuable time and energy in the race to claim the prize that God has laid before each of us. God wants to be intimately involved in your life, but He will not intrude. Invite him in by talking with Him about all the hopes, dreams, mistakes, failures and everything else that affects your desire to remain close and to follow His leading in you daily activities. He is with you in all things and is cheering you on as you make the turn toward home.
And last, but surely not least is that “Exploding Kick” ….an all out sprint for the finish line and the opportunity to stand on that podium and receive you prize…for an Olympian, a gold medal….for a child of The KING…YOUR CROWN. But that winner’s podium is reserved for those that finish well. Paul says it best when he tells us to “strain forward”, to lean into the finish line of what God has set before you. Too many Christians become complacent with their past accomplishments or too saddened by past failures and they quit …..just short of God’s finish line for their life. Run to the end of the race.
Don’t let your past dictate the outcome of your race ….Run the good race and finish strong for the Lord. Others are watching and many will copy what you do ….so run hard, stay the course and strain for the prize; then you can stand proudly on the podium and hear the cheers of the heavenly throng as you receive you crown and give honor and glory and praise to Him that sits on the throne…the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
Running to win the prize,
WPQ
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
A NEW THING
Your memory is a BAD THING….let me explain. For most of us, our memories function relatively well. We remember our first days as a child, trips to the beach or fun parks, care-free summers, our first date or first kiss…and the list goes on. But, for far too many of us, our memories continue to remind us of our past, with all its faults and failures.
In fact, too often it is the weight of our past failures that keep us from moving ahead…or if we have had some measure of success, it is that memory that keeps us anchored to the past with little or no vision for the future. Neither mindset is pleasing to our Lord.
If you have failed miserably, sinned immensely or are just plain tired of carrying around the baggage of your past, GET OVER IT. If, in your past, you have been successful in a venture for the Lord and you are still wrapped up in those “glory days, “ reliving them with the relish of days gone by….DROP THEM LIKE A HOT POTATOE.
IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON …..As scripture points out in Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old…BEHOLD, I AM DOING A NEW THING; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
God is moving forward and He expects you to keep up; however, that will be impossible if every time He moves, you have to stop, pick up your baggage from the past and then follow Him. He has prepared the way…He knows what lies ahead…and even though it is true that we can and should learn from our past successes and failures, we cannot continue to carry so great a burden and expect to be effective for our Lord. LET GO….AND LET GOD should be our mantra as we look forward to the new thing that God has set before us.
For the past 7 weeks, I have been unemployed; but, I can already see that God is preparing to set my feet upon a new path to do a new thing…I have applied to be the women’s softball coach at a nearby Christian university and I covet your prayers that God will bring this to fruition. I can think of nothing greater than to work with young, scholarly women athletes as we train them in their sport and academics, but more importantly, instill in them the desire for a close, radiant walk with Jesus.
And if this is not the path that God has chosen for me, then I patiently await the new thing that will provide a way through the wilderness of my search for a new profession and for the abundance that God has promised to those who are called according to His purpose.
My prayer today for anyone that has been hindered by their past….RELEASE IT….LET IT GO…AND BE BLESSED BY A GOD OF SECOND CHANCES.
Even our Heavenly Father let’s go of the past. For in the scriptures, we are reminded in Lamentations that “His mercies never come to an end, they are NEW ….EVERY MORNING.”
Enjoy the new day by leaving your past were it belongs…..BEHIND YOU! God has and He’s moving on…..don’t keep Him waiting!
Enjoying His Mercies…Taking nothing for granted,
WPQ
In fact, too often it is the weight of our past failures that keep us from moving ahead…or if we have had some measure of success, it is that memory that keeps us anchored to the past with little or no vision for the future. Neither mindset is pleasing to our Lord.
If you have failed miserably, sinned immensely or are just plain tired of carrying around the baggage of your past, GET OVER IT. If, in your past, you have been successful in a venture for the Lord and you are still wrapped up in those “glory days, “ reliving them with the relish of days gone by….DROP THEM LIKE A HOT POTATOE.
IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON …..As scripture points out in Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old…BEHOLD, I AM DOING A NEW THING; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
God is moving forward and He expects you to keep up; however, that will be impossible if every time He moves, you have to stop, pick up your baggage from the past and then follow Him. He has prepared the way…He knows what lies ahead…and even though it is true that we can and should learn from our past successes and failures, we cannot continue to carry so great a burden and expect to be effective for our Lord. LET GO….AND LET GOD should be our mantra as we look forward to the new thing that God has set before us.
For the past 7 weeks, I have been unemployed; but, I can already see that God is preparing to set my feet upon a new path to do a new thing…I have applied to be the women’s softball coach at a nearby Christian university and I covet your prayers that God will bring this to fruition. I can think of nothing greater than to work with young, scholarly women athletes as we train them in their sport and academics, but more importantly, instill in them the desire for a close, radiant walk with Jesus.
And if this is not the path that God has chosen for me, then I patiently await the new thing that will provide a way through the wilderness of my search for a new profession and for the abundance that God has promised to those who are called according to His purpose.
My prayer today for anyone that has been hindered by their past….RELEASE IT….LET IT GO…AND BE BLESSED BY A GOD OF SECOND CHANCES.
Even our Heavenly Father let’s go of the past. For in the scriptures, we are reminded in Lamentations that “His mercies never come to an end, they are NEW ….EVERY MORNING.”
Enjoy the new day by leaving your past were it belongs…..BEHIND YOU! God has and He’s moving on…..don’t keep Him waiting!
Enjoying His Mercies…Taking nothing for granted,
WPQ
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