Are You Ready To Go The Distance?
Good Morning Friends,
When we experience the true purpose of Lent we will keep focused on the goal and the hope of an astounding victory. People walking around the church last night with ashes on their foreheads had that kind of solemn focus. For the reality is that we will be tested like Jesus was during His 40 days and nights in the desert. There is drama in the journey. And there will be a testing of the cross to reveal our hearts. But friends, that is not the end. Press on to the end zone…reach for the goal line. Believe, and persevere. Do not lose heart. The celebration is coming. Are You Ready To Go The Distance?
Scripture: Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NRSV)
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this 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 heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-16 (NRSV)
Message: God made each one of us for a purpose and wants to use each one of us in the game. He wishes to weave us into His plan of redemption. He wants us to live victorious lives. Sometimes the journey is very humble and at other times, very sensational. Regardless we are to have the heart of a champion reaching for the goal but knowing it takes practice and stamina. God does so want us to be determined to win. But to gain the prize we must be dissatisfied when it comes to our own spiritual condition…we must be humble before we can win the real prize. We must submit to a life of being sanctified….submit to continual improvement… We must not become satisfied and content nor debilitated with the past. We are not to compare ourselves to other Christians…we are to conform to God’s glorious image. This drama…this journey is both humbling and sensational. This winning attitude requires devotion. It requires a clear, focused direction. So be determined. Do not quit. Do not turn back. Do not give in. Do not slow down. Press on to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Be disciplined…Do not lose heart. Never…never…never give up.
Pray that in the race we look to the goal with faith. Pray we be without fear. Pray we believe Jesus is with us. Pray we not be dismayed or discouraged. Pray God will put all of our problems into a new perspective… that God will make our relationship with Jesus personal. Pray that Jesus will help us. Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal the game plan to us. Pray we never forget that Jesus died on the cross, was resurrected and promises to never leave us alone. Pray we have a winning attitude. Pray we claim the prize of Jesus’ promise. Pray we have strength on the journey to take us the distance.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 