Monday, November 30, 2009

RUNNING TO WIN

The apostle Paul understood that priority. His relationship to Christ was the passion of his life: "that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from among the dead" (Phil. 3:10-11). But he was under no illusion that he had achieved anything, and he compared his own pursuit of Christ to that of a runner in a race (vv. 12-16). Your spiritual race must have that same sense of dissatisfaction--without it there's no reason to even run. In fact, there are several principles you need to apply as you pursue Him.

Maximum Effort

Considering who Christ is and what He has done for you, your effort should not be less than Paul's: "I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus" (v. 12). The Greek word translated "press on" was used of a sprinter who ran aggressively. That was the kind of effort Paul exerted--he ran toward Christ with all his might, straining every spiritual muscle to win the prize (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24-27). That ought to be your mindset. There's only one race you ought to be running--and it takes maximum effort using the means of grace God has provided.

No one is going to put forth that kind of effort, however, unless there is some reward at the end. For Paul, and us as well, it is "that for which I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:12). Paul's prize, and ours, is the very purpose God had in saving us: "Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom. 8:29). God saved us so that we might become like Christ, and as a result, that should be our lifelong pursuit.

Focused Concentration

If an athlete competing in a race stands any possibility of winning, he must focus on the finish and ignore the distractions along the track, the other competitors, and even the crowd. Likewise, you must concentrate on attaining the goal of Christlikeness and not get distracted by worldly attractions and temptations. Paul was well aware of those dangers. That's why he said, "I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" (Phil. 3:13).

How do you avoid the distractions of the world?


By developing these two attitudes:

First, forget your past. As a runner approaches the starting line, his past performances have no bearing on the race he is preparing to run. The same thing is true when we run the spiritual race in pursuit of Christ--the past is completely irrelevant. Your successes and failures in the past are insignificant to the present, let alone the future. You can't evaluate your usefulness by your former virtuous deeds and achievements in ministry; neither should you be debilitated by past sins and failures.

Second, reach for the goal. Instead of looking back, a good runner is always "reaching forward to what lies ahead" (Phil. 3:13). The Greek word for "reaching forward" refers to an intense stretching to the limit of one's capacity. To run like that, you must forget the past and concentrate only on the goal ahead. Do you have that kind of concentration in your desire to become like Christ? To effectively pursue Christ, you must focus all your concentration on becoming like Him.

Spiritual Motivation

Paul was highly motivated in his pursuit of Christ: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (v. 14). He was motivated by spiritual matters; he was not caught up in material comforts and worldly pursuits. His goal was to be like Christ, and he would receive his reward when God's upward call came. Christlikeness is both the goal and the prize we pursue.

Remember, this pursuit is objective, not subjective. It is not a mystical experience, but an exposure to the truth about Christ revealed in the Bible. Scripture is the mirror that reflects His glory. And when you gaze at it intently, you become like Him (2 Cor. 3:18).

Divine Assistance

Every believer ought to have the attitude that he or she is not perfect (Phil. 3:15). Those who have that perspective regarding their spirituality will be ready to respond positively to God's correction. But if you have the wrong attitude about your spirituality, if you're content with the current level of your spiritual growth, then God will reveal your true condition. He might do so through chastening (Heb. 12:5-11) or through trials (James 1:2, 4) to build and strengthen your faith and trust in Him.

Consistent Effort

No one can win a race with intermittent effort. Christlikeness cannot be reached with that kind of effort either--it is an ongoing pursuit. So Paul says, "Let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained" (Phil. 3:16). The Greek verb translated "keep living" refers to walking in line. Just as a runner must stay in his lane and keep up the same effort until he reaches the finish, you must stay in line spiritually and keep moving forward toward the goal of Christlikeness.

One summer while visiting Europe, I came across a famous gravestone at the foot of one of those majestic mountains in the Alps. Underneath the individual's name the epitaph reads, "He died climbing." That ought to be your attitude as you pursue Christ. When it's time for the Lord to call you home, you ought to be pursuing Him.

Adapted from First Love by John MacArthur.
© 1995 by John MacArthur Used by permission.


Comment on What you need do to run your race victoriously to the finish line?



Sunday, November 29, 2009

God's Waiting Room

Acts 11:25; 2 Corinthians 12:2–6

If you go back fourteen years from the time Paul wrote the second letter to the believers at Corinth, that places him at the time he was waiting in Tarsus. Quite possibly, during one of his numerous floggings he received in Tarsus, or in an agonizing battle to survive being stoned, he lapsed into a semi-conscious state—something of a trance. Possibly, while in that state of mind, the Lord transported him to Paradise and revealed inexpressible, profound truths to him.

The point I want to make is, even in all that, he refused to boast in his giftedness. Instead, he confessed, "I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me . . . for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). That's true humility. Incredible perspective. He learned to boast in nothing but his own weakness. And, remember, he learned that in the shadows. But nobody knew about it. His transformation never made the headlines.

Your time of God-ordained waiting will never be all that significant in other people's minds. All they may know is that you dropped out of sight. You're gone from the scene. It may begin with a bankruptcy. It may start with a horrible experience you go through, such as a tragic accident or a devastating illness. You may endure the pain of a torn reputation caused by someone who didn't tell the truth. All that devastation has a way of breaking you. The Lord uses the disappointment to lead you to your own Tarsus—otherwise known as His waiting room. There He begins to work deep within your soul until you, like Paul, gain such a renewed perspective, you can honestly confess, "When I am weak, He is strong." When that happens, as it did with Paul, you will be ready to come out of the shadows.

Paul was now ready. Not surprisingly, God moved.

Comment on your time in God's Waiting Room!


God's Waiting Room
by Charles R. Swindoll


I Need You Now by Smokey Norful


Friday, November 27, 2009

HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN?


HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN?

Not by his physical strength or intimidating presence, but by his recognition that his real strength comes only from the Lord!


HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN?
Not by his fame, wealth, or position, but by his willingness to seek first the kingdom of God!


HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN?
Not by how many women he can satisfy, but can he satisfy one woman for a lifetime!


HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN?
Not by how many children he can produce, but can he provide for the children he does produce, and does he point them in the direction of Jesus?


HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN?
Not by how many people serve him, but how willing he is to serve others, before he serves himself!


HOW DOES GOD MEASURE A MAN?
Not by how many obstacles he faces, but by how he stands strong and courageous against those obstacles, and overcomes them in the power of the Lord!


The Ultimate Measure of a Man
is not how he measures against you or me, but How Does He Measure Against Jesus?

FOR OUR CHILDREN’S SAKE!
FOR OUR WOMEN’S SAKE!
FOR OUR COMMUNITIES SAKE!
FOR OUR PEOPLE’S SAKE!
FOR GOD’S SAKE!


WILL THE REAL MEN OF GOD, PLEASE STAND UP!!



His Grace - Spoken Word Presentation

Thursday, November 26, 2009

THE GRACE TO WAIT

Read Psalm 62:1-2

For most of us, waiting in line is pure agony. We arrive at a doctor's appointment on time. But we're forced to sit in the waiting room for what seems like forever. We go to the grocery store for just a few things, and get stuck in a long checkout line. And, then, there's the glacially-paced traffic jam at the bank drive-thru! It seems no one in our culture likes to wait.

When we take something to the Lord in prayer, we bring our human impatience with us. We may make a request and expect an immediate answer. If God doesn't spring into action right away, some people may think prayer doesn't work. They believe God didn't hear them, or He simply wasn't listening.

How tragic! Compare that attitude to King David's. He was only 16 years old when God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint him as king. Yet, 16 more years would pass before that promise was fulfilled. What did David do during that time? Did he moan and groan, shaking his finger at the Lord and demanding his throne now? Not at all. David understood God was trustworthy. He also realized his heavenly Father was not only the God of who and what, but also of when and how. David wanted the kingship only when God was ready for him to have it. So, he waited.

Are you waiting on something today? Will you wait on the Lord like you impatiently wait on a bank teller? Or will you, like King David, trust in God's timing and His provision?

by: Dr. Charles Stanley

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES:

Grandma's rolls
Dinner at my wife's families house
Sherry's sweet potato pies
Monica's sweet potato cheesecake
Pumpkin roll
Mom's juicy turkey
Wife and daughter's mac and cheese
Aunt Faye's Pound cake
Lonely days at Florida State, so far from home
Church folks food (Pastor's privilege)

These were good times. But can you thank God in the bad times? Watch this video...Give God thanks....and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

10 Reasons We Should Be People of Grace

1. GOD HAS ALWAYS SAVED MEN BY GRACE!

Noah found Grace

Genesis 6:8 (NKJV)

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Joseph found Grace

Genesis 39:21 (NKJV)

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor (grace) in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Moses found Grace

Exodus 33:17 (NKJV)

So the Lord said to Moses, "I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name."



2. ISRAEL EXPERIENCED GOD’S GRACE!

Ezra 9:8 (NKJV)

And now for a little while grace has been shown from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage.

Jeremiah 31:2 (NKJV)

Thus says the Lord:

"The people who survived the sword

Found grace in the wilderness--

Israel, when I went to give him rest."

Joel 2:23 (NLT)

Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rains he sends are an expression of his grace. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring.



3. GOD GIVES GRACE TO THOSE WHO WALK WITH HIM!

Psalm 84:11 (NKJV)

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

The Lord will give grace and glory;

No good thing will He withhold

From those who walk uprightly.

Proverbs 3:34 (NKJV)

Surely He scorns the scornful,

But gives grace to the humble.


4. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE!

Ephes. 2:7-8 (NKJV)

that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,



5. WE ARE SUSTAINED BY GRACE!

2 Cor. 12:9 (NKJV)

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.



6. WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY GRACE!

Romans 3:24 (NKJV)

being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,



7. WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE FATHER BY GRACE!

Romans 5:2 (NKJV)

through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.



8. ETERNAL LIFE IS A GIFT OF GRACE!

Romans 5:15 (NKJV)

But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.



9. GRACE SETS US FREE FROM SIN!

Romans 6:14-15 (NLT)

Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace.

15So since God's grace has set us free from the law, does this mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!



10. WE RECEIVE GRACE IN OUR TIME OF NEED!

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need


Saturday, November 21, 2009

WHEN GOD SAYS WAIT

Join Me in the Journey to Encouragement

When God Says Wait was written for one reason alone by Pastor Darryl Harris. It was written to encourage people to wait on the Lord during times of silence, when your prayers seem to be unanswered by God.

In those times of silence many times God is quietly telling us to wait on Him. Of course this is not an easy thing to do, especially when you are not sure...God, what's going on in my relationship, finances, health, and emotions.

This book explains what you should do during those times. Sometimes God does say Yes to your cries. Sometimes Slow. Sometimes Show. Sometimes Yo...I'm trying to get your attention. Sometimes Go. Sometimes No. But many times those moments of silence is when He is whispering to you Wait on Me!

God wants to build your character, develop your courage, and strengthen your Faith. Waiting on Him is always worth the time, no matter how long you wait.

Encourage someone by purchasing this book and sharing it with them during their time of waiting. As a person with MS, money is not my motive because money can't take a way my MS. I want to finish the Christian race strong by helping, and encouraging others to complete their race with endurance for the Lord's glory.

My goal is to reach as many people as possible and bless as many as possible through my church ministry in Cleveland, Abundant Grace Fellowship (www.agfchurch.org) and parachurch ministry, Urban Ambassadors (www.urbanambassadors.org)

Purchasing this book is an investment in the kingdom of God and the lives of people who desperately need encouragement to make it through their difficult time. God has already blessed and encouraged many through this book and I want it to be part of my legacy as a Pastor, Husband, Father, and fellow soldier in this battle to win my race.

You will learn how great God truly is and live each day of your life for His Glory! Join me in the journey and "Experience the Goodness of God" by purchasing When God Says Wait.