by George | Jul 8, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
Keep Your Eyes on the Goal
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18
I met a man named David today. He has a tumor on his esophagus and is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for it. He can’t swallow. A feeding tube is the only way for him to get nutrition.
But, he said he’s near the end of his treatments. David has a simple goal once this is over. To eat a tomato sandwich.
He has his mind fixed on the goal. Throughout this ordeal, I’m sure he’s had times when he felt like quitting. But he hasn’t.
David continues to imagine how delicious that tomato sandwich will taste.
Paul didn’t keep his eyes on his present sufferings which included beatings, imprisonment etc. He kept his eyes on Jesus, who patiently endured His suffering.
“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2
“For the joy that was set before Him…”
Jesus stayed focused on the goal of being reunited with the Father, and the inexpressible joy that awaited Him.
Paul also kept this in mind.
“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.””
I Corinthians 2:9
One day these sufferings will be over. Though we can’t fully comprehend how wonderful it will be, it helps to keep your mind focused On Jesus and on eternity with God.
Don’t give up.
Keep your eyes on the goal!
by George | Jul 1, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
In the Morning
“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.”
Psalms 5:3
There’s something to be said of rising early, while it’s quiet, before everyone else gets up.
If I linger in bed, and wait for the absolute last minute to get up, I risk not having time for the most important thing. Being quiet, and listening to God’s still small voice.
My personal preference is to start out with the Lord’s prayer. Not merely repeating the words, but trying to make it heartfelt. It focuses my attention on God.
Remember the first part?
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9-10
We are praising God, putting Him first. Then we say in essence, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
Like you, I struggle to get out of bed sometimes, but I firmly believe that if we put God first, He will bless our efforts.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
Give it a try!
by George | Jun 22, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12-14
I started using a step tracker app to keep up with how far I walk, i.e. exercise.
It also keeps up with how long I walk and the calories. It has some built in daily “goals.”
After a couple of days, the app noticed I hadn’t reached the calorie burning goal. ( I guess I wasn’t working hard enough!)
The app asked me if I wanted to “adjust” the goal. Make it more attainable.
At first it was tempting. “Maybe I can settle for an easier goal and SOMEDAY reach the higher goal.”
There was also this thought that I was failing. (That’s not a good feeling!)
Ultimately, I decided to keep the goal. I can’t say that I have attained it yet, but I’m going to keep pressing on. A little at a time.
What if Paul had just “settled” for an ordinary life? Just getting by. Lowered his goal.
Where would be our inspiration to keep running the race? Let’s keep our goal just like Paul.
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10-11
Sure, we are going to stumble sometimes, but if you keep your eyes on Jesus, and commit your life fully to Him, you will reach the goal. —
Blessings!Pastor George Nix
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