by George | Nov 16, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
What’s Next?
“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 3:13-14
Watching college football Saturday, I noticed a running back make a great run, and a wide receiver make an amazing one handed catch! In both instances, after they were tackled, they got up and tossed the ball to an official. Then, they immediately looked to the quarterback to see what the next play would be.
Sometimes we are tempted to live in the past. Continually thinking of a “great play” we have made.
Paul would tell us to forget all that, and move forward.
“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 3:13-14
If anybody could have sat down and watched an amazing highlight reel in his mind, it would be Paul.
He was well educated, and if he were alive today, he would probably be known as “Dr. Paul, PHD.”
But, he chooses not to live in the past. Instead, he keeps moving forward.
How do we keep moving forward and not dwell in the past?
First: Paul tells us to let go of the past. “Forgetting those things that are behind…”
Second: Keep moving forward! “reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” The dictionary definition of reach is to “stretch out an arm in a specified direction in order to touch or grasp something.”
It says “specified direction.” (Not aimlessly grabbing at whatever comes along.)
This leads us to the third key. Reach for the goal. Paul said: “… I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul wanted to finish well, and kept his eyes on the goal.
I mentioned earlier that the running back and the wide receiver looked to the quarterback for direction, what the next play would be. In the same manner, let’s keep our eyes fixed on God.
“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
Even if you get tackled today, get up, and look to God for “the next play.”
See you in the end zone!
by George | Nov 12, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
Be Kind… Rewind
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32
Have you seen the yard signs that say “Be Kind”?
When I first saw one, it reminded me of where I first saw the phrase. It was years ago on a VHS tape case. (Long before the DVD and all the digital stuff, this was how we watched movies!)
Rewinding the tape before you returned it was a way to be kind to the clerk at the video store or the next person who rented/ borrowed the tape.
Paul reminds us to be kind to one another. OK, we can do that.
Then he says to be tenderhearted. Let’s show compassion and empathy for folks we come in contact with.
The third part might be the hardest part. “…forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
We shouldn’t hold a grudge. If I’m tempted to, I look in the mirror and remind myself that Christ has forgiven me for a TON of sins. Then, I forgive, and release it to God, and leave the person in God’s hands.
So, maybe the archaic tape label has a new meaning for us today.
When you rewind a tape, you can play it again.
Once you shower someone with an act of kindness, keep doing it. Then, be kind to the next one, even if they don’t deserve it.
Maybe your acts of kindness will inspire others to do the same.
“Be Kind… Rewind.”
by George | Nov 9, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
It’s Not Over Yet
“Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.”
Joshua 14:12
A new walking trail just opened up in my town. Approximately 1.8 miles in length. Blacktop all the way. Really nice!
My third time on the trail, I made it to the 1.8 mile marker. The sign says “Temporary End of Trail.”
That means that one day, brush will be cleared,asphalt will be put down, and the trail lengthened.
Caleb was 85 years old, but he didn’t feel like he was at the end of the trail…
So, he went to see Joshua. It was a reunion of sorts for the two oldest Israelites.
Caleb recalled memories from 45 years ago. He reminisced that he and Joshua were the only two of the 12 spies who went to check out the land of Caanan who brought back a good report.
Caleb reminded Joshua of God’s promise to give him the land. It was a mountainous region, but Caleb was confident, though he was way past retirement age, that the Lord would make him victorious.
“As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.”
Joshua 14:11-12
So Joshua blessed Caleb, and gave him the land.
We see the secret of Caleb’s success a few verses later.
“Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.”
Joshua 14:14
He followed God wholeheartedly!
It doesn’t matter what your age is. Keep moving on the trail of life… Keep following God wholeheartedly. Continue to set goals…
To quote the famous philosopher Yogi Berra: “It ain’t over ’till it’s over!”
