Looking forward to new opportunities

Run the race before us

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before," (Philippians 3:13)

I have a shelf full of bibles. Multiple translations, some more than one of the same translation, but from different publishers, because the foot notes are different. But I have one bible that stands our for different reasons. It is a King James Version bible with a red leather cover that is held together by duct tape. The pages on the inside are worn and tattered, and some of the pages are soaked with tears of sorrow, conviction, joy and triumph. When this bible is laid on the desk and you look at it from the side, it doesn't take long to notice that while the whole bible is worn, the New Testament is much more so. The reason is simple; I've spent a whole lot of time in the New Testament, and while I believe every word to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, the New Testament speaks to my heart, notably the Apostle Paul's writings.

The Scripture I've chosen to share with you today, is one of those that has meant so much to me over the years. Paul, directing the church to stop focusing so much on the past and look forward to the future. To quit living with the memories of tough times, heartbreak and anxiety and begin to look forward to a bright tomorrow. Yes, it is important to remember the past in the context of lessons learned, but to be so focused on our past, we will never see our future.

2015 had its own set of unique challenges for all of us, but with the passing of the calendar month, we are empowered to put our eyes to the road in front of us and move with purpose. There is no challenge too large for those who choose the intentional visionary path. Together, we will do great things in 2016, by the help of the Lord.

Comments

Come Down From That Ivory Tower

Hebrews 11 has become known as the "Hall of Faith." The reason is quite simple. The writer spends a great deal of time giving a role call of the heroes of the faith. After all, this chapter is about faith, and what better way to teach faith than to illustrate with some real-life examples. Mos of the people in this chapter are well-known, at least by anyone who spent time squirming in a Sunday School class as a small child, or who watched the late-night movies on the local channels featuring their stories. Who were they? Abel, Enoch and Noah. Abel pleased God with his excellent offering, Enoch was so close to God that he actually walked with God to the point that one evening, while walking God said to Enoch, "we are closer to my house than we are yours, so why don't you just go home with me?" Of course, Noah built an ark (according to God's instructions) that saved mankind from total destruction. Then there was Abraham...the father of the faithful. He...

A question about your church...

This last few days I have been in the State of Kentucky. I came here with my wife, whose father was having medical tests as of the results of a probable heart attack. He seems to be doing well (as of tonight) and is scheduled for one more test, then hopefully he will be released and further treatments to bring him to health. While this is a scary moment for my wife's family it has also been a time to step away from the daily work and observe others around us. Since Debra's father is a pastor (Church of God of Prophecy, Central City, KY) there have been visits from the State Presiding Bishop, Scott Gillum, area pastors and of course some of his church members. It is heartening to watch the love and concern that is show by those visiting. There has also been quite a few of Debra's extended family here, along with her younger brother and his family. I've watch the nurses and technicians at the Owensboro Medical Center demonstrate concern and what seems to be good care...

On my way to a resurrection

Someone asked, "Are you on your way to another funeral?" My answer was, "No, I am on my way to a resurrection." Tonight, after having preached my sister's funeral, two church members funerals and visiting a friend whose brother had passed away, I had a little quiet time in my home office. As I often do, I reach for an old book I've found that some books written long ago can speak to my heart. This time, it was a book published in 1946. This passage from J.B. Chapman touched my heart, hope it does yours too. Victor Hugo exclaimed, "The frosts of seventy winters are on my head, but the springtime of eternal youth is in my heart." "Sometimes we look at the gray hair of a ripening saint, and say, "Old man, the frosts of many winters are on your head." But he answers, "That is not frost. I am getting ready to wear the crown of life, and my hair is taking on tint agreeable to the color scheme." We say, "Ol...

Voice of Hope

Search This Blog