Encounter the Word:
I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it. –Philippians 3:12-16 [Message]
None of us are perfect. We all have our flaws, even while
focused on GOD, buttons that can be pressed that eventually cause us to lose
focus. Paul, a great leader and devoted follower of Christ, recognized that
even he still had room to grow in Christ. He knew that he wasn't perfect and
when people tried to make him their source of strength he always pointed back
towards GOD.
GOD’s working on you, cleaning out all the dead weight holding you down, and He's fitting you with the lightness of His love and grace. This takes time and patience on our part because for most of us it isn't a snap of the fingers and we're pure. But GOD sees your desire to improve your life, to shed the stuff that has been holding you back, and He is constantly at work on your heart, opening your eyes to the areas you need growth. He works at a pace we can keep up with and by staying focused on Him, we will receive the ultimate transformation.
Each year on New Years Day we're supposed to evaluate the previous year and set new goals, goals that are supposed to last more than a couple of weeks, but most don't hold to those goals because it requires effort, sacrifice, and change. Being a follower of Christ requires goals and those goals need to be evaluated more than once a year, more than once a month, but every day. Being a follower of Jesus isn't for the lazy. It's not a choice you make once and you're instantly an exceptional spiritual athlete, but it's a constant daily decision to stay focused on Him.
GOD’s working on you, cleaning out all the dead weight holding you down, and He's fitting you with the lightness of His love and grace. This takes time and patience on our part because for most of us it isn't a snap of the fingers and we're pure. But GOD sees your desire to improve your life, to shed the stuff that has been holding you back, and He is constantly at work on your heart, opening your eyes to the areas you need growth. He works at a pace we can keep up with and by staying focused on Him, we will receive the ultimate transformation.
Each year on New Years Day we're supposed to evaluate the previous year and set new goals, goals that are supposed to last more than a couple of weeks, but most don't hold to those goals because it requires effort, sacrifice, and change. Being a follower of Christ requires goals and those goals need to be evaluated more than once a year, more than once a month, but every day. Being a follower of Jesus isn't for the lazy. It's not a choice you make once and you're instantly an exceptional spiritual athlete, but it's a constant daily decision to stay focused on Him.
"Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites." –Philippians 3:17-19 [Message]
It's so easy to get distracted by any number of things, but by staying focused
on GOD we won't get caught up with those who are diverging in their course.
Christianity isn't about being focused on your pastor, the coworker who brought
you to church, or the fellow student who shared GOD's love with you. It's
completely about Christ and His love He offers and freely gives to those who
answer His calling. It's about living in the moment, here and now, and trusting
that He'll take care of you in the future. GOD knows what's best for you and
the proper time for things to happen. He'll see you through the obstacles of
life and when you reach the end, He will welcome you with open arms and a smile
of pure love and joy.
Encounter Prayer:
Press toward the goal for the
prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. . . For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly
wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who
will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body,
according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to
Himself. Amen. –Philippians 3:14,
20-21
Encounter:
- What goals have you set for your relationship with Christ? What is distracting you from your focus?
- How are the people around you helping or hindering your progress? Who are you comparing yourself to?
- What obstacles are you meeting up with today? How might you surrender these challenges over to Christ Jesus? Will you let Him transform you? Today?
Devotional by Robert Dickerson of Younger Generation Church. Posted by A. Allan Martin by permission.
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