Finish The Race

This morning I was reading in the Acts chapter 20 and I came to the Apostle Paul's writing about his call from God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his aim in life to complete the call that God had given to him.

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Notice that Paul, himself, was not making the plan to go into hostile areas to preach a message that the people opposed of. No, it was the Holy Spirit of God that was compelling him to go and to preach the Gospel message. Likewise, Paul was confident that he would be arrested, persecuted, or even killed for preaching the message of Jesus - and yet he still went freely. 

I am reminded of many Christian brothers and sisters that face a similar struggle to fulfill that call that God has placed on them. Knowing that hardships and persecutions await, they freely go and fulfill this call. 

Whatever the call is that God has placed on your life, you are to complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to you - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. 

As I considered this passage, I was reminded of the inaugural women's marathon in the 1984 summer Olympic games held in Los Angles. This video of Gabriela Andersen finishing the marathon reminds me of our call to finish the race, whatever the cost.

Sheep, Leadership, and Love

Reading from Mark 6:34 this morning; When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

It reminded me of a conversation I recently had with a friend and the thoughts I came to following this conversation.

If sheep do not have a shepherd they will get lost.

If sheep are not led by their shepherd they will seek another flock.

If sheep do not feel loved by their shepherd they will not trust his care.

If sheep are injured by their shepherd they will bite back.

Reading in my devotions this morning; The sheep were dependent on the shepherd for the opportunity and direction to find food and shelter. Jesus knew that what people needed then, and still need today, are compassionate leaders who will provide selfless direction for the people near them.

Which brings me to this thought for the day; "Am I loving the people that God is placing before me today?"

This includes my wife, my children, my friends, my church, and every stranger that I encounter. Am I love the people that God is placing before me today?

One Year Ago

I sit here this morning - praying - reflecting - praising God for His hand at work. 

One year ago the Free Methodist Church in Robinson, Illinois celebrated its 60th anniversary. I had the privilege of pastoring the church at the time and I remember my sermon that morning; "A Hope and A Future". 

I preached from Jeremiah 10 that morning;

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord..."

A hope and a future! 

My message to the people that morning was that 60 years is something to be celebrated, however God was just getting started. 

In March of this year the Free Methodist Church in Robinson sent out one of their own and planted a Free Methodist Church in Charleston, Illinois. New Hope Worship Center is taking off and making an impact in the name of Christ in this new city. Although New Hope was not even a concept a year ago, God led us to this and is still leading in this today. 

A hope and a future!

This morning the Free Methodist Church in Robinson welcomes a new pastor to take leadership. As I pray for the Free Methodist Church in Robinson, I am confident that God has a great future in store in them and through them. 

A hope and a future!

God is good...all the time!