| A Message "How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:103 -105 |
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Don't Stop Running! The race ain't over 'til you cross the finish line. Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. I know that I almost lost half of you muscleheads on account of the running/aerobic reference so let's move past it quickly. What thing might have moved Paul? Let's take a look. Acts 20:22-23 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. Chains, tribulations past and present and impending doom might have moved him but they didn't. Sometimes it seems like all is lost. Something happens to you that you believe is the final straw, the thing you won't recover from. We've all said, "I've finally blown it, the fat lady sang and walked off stage." Have you been there? Are you there now? Devistating life-changing illness, divorce that has leveled your life and finances, a situation or relationship that pummels you at every turn, they overwhelm you and convince you that you won't recover. We can't let them move us. We cannot be convinced by them. We have to hear the other voice and listen to His directions. He tells us to finish the race, receive the ministry He has given us and testify of the gospel of the grace (undeserved favor) of God. Let's go back to military terms. Don't be distracted by the birage of gunfire and artillary shells, remember your objective, the mission you were given. What is that mission? Your ministry. What is your ministry? It's the same for everyone though it may appear different. Whether you are a midwife in Asia, a pastor of a church, a friend to the poor or the prison-bound, it's all the same. Testify of the gospel of grace of God. Go out, be yourself, and tell everyone who will listen of the undeserved favor God has given you. You did not deserve forgiveness but it was given to you. You did not deserve unconditional love but it has always been there for you. You did not deserve to be called a son or daughter but He adopted you into his family and made you one of His own. |