Tag: press on

Better Things Ahead

“There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” -C.S. Lewis-

                As the new year (& new decade) approaches, it’s time to shift into a new gear—a gear that propels us onward, as we set our sights upward. In the big picture of things better things are ahead. That outlook may be challenging though, especially if the new year is bringing forth new trying circumstances and/or the gap that losses of loved ones are leaving behind. God knows that it’s not always easy and effortless. His only begotten Son endured the cross, while focusing on the joy that was to come (Heb. 12:2, Phil. 2:6-11, Ps. 16:8-11).

Whether you’re stuck in traffic, taking an unexpected detour, or in the lane of grief and suffering, here are some travel tips to help you stay on your route in this journey called life:

· BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TRAVEL GUIDE AND KEEP IT HANDY.  Man cannot live (or travel) by bread alone (Deut. 8:3). God’s given all we need to help us navigate through our journey in this present fallen world in His Word, the Bible. We can only see part of the route at a time. God sees the whole route (hazards included), so reliance on His direction is imperative (2 Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 4:12, Prov. 3:5-6, Ps. 18:30, 2 Cor. 4:18, 5:7).

· WEAR THE PROPER ROAD GEAR (including the helmet).  Our struggles along the way are spiritual so we need to wear the proper gear to stay safely on the road (Eph. 6:13-17, 4:24, Col. 3:10, 12-14, Rom. 13:14).

· TRAVEL LIGHTLY.  Don’t over-pack. The Travel Guide and a crate of fruit (Gal. 5:22-23) are necessary, but leave the extra ‘baggage’ behind.  It’s human nature to be tempted to hold tightly to things (people, past hurts, and disappointments). Releasing these and any other sin or weight that bogs us down is necessary to patiently persevere in the race that’s set before us (1 Tim. 6:7, Heb. 12:1, Matt. 6:19-21, 11:28-30, Ps. 55:22). And by the way, even though we still carry our ‘old nature’ with us, we need to remember to ‘leave it in the trunk’ as we’ll veer off-course when it’s in the driver’s seat (Rom. 13:14, Gal. 5:17, 24, Eph. 4:22).

· KEEP YOUR TANK FULL WITH GOD’S PURE, UNLIMITED SUPPLY OF INSEPARABLE LOVE (Rom. 8:31-39).

· LOW GEAR IS THE BEST WAY TO DRIVE. You’ll get more torque (which will get you through the rough roads) when you stay in ‘low’ by humbly allowing God to be the strength and power for your engine. Striving in your own strength will get you nowhere (Prov. 13:10, Phil. 4:13, 19, Eph. 6:10, 2 Cor. 4:7, 12:19-20, 1 Peter 5:5).

· STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT’S BEFORE YOU. Our mind should always be locked into “things above” so that the present things we may be facing are put into proper perspective and viewed in light of eternity (2 Cor. 4:17-18, Col. 3:1-3). That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be present to the things and people here. When we’re present in the moment and the task at hand rather than thinking of our problems, dreams, and desires, we avoid making careless mistakes such as going through a stop sign or rear-ending someone.

· FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD. God’s Word takes preeminence (Col. 1:18), but as we live in this world we must obey the earthly rules of the road (as long as they don’t contradict with God’s) (Matt. 22:17-21, 1 Tim. 1:8, Rom. 13:13).

· DON’T PARK IN THE PAST.  It’s hard to reach your destination when you’re stuck in ‘reverse’. It’s okay to visit the past to be reminded of lessons learned, special times with loved ones that we miss, and gratitude for God’s faithfulness along our way. Our mind, whether in the past or present, should focus on Paul’s words in Phil. 4:8, the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy.

· DON’T GET SIDETRACKED OR STUCK IN NEUTRAL.  God has a plan for your life that He’s mapped out in advance. Don’t let lesser things (or discouraging travelers) take you away from the course He’s set before you (Phil. 2:13, Eph. 2:10, 1 John 2:15-17).

· TAKE TIME TO REST & REFUEL.  God’s creation is still beautiful even though it’s marred by the fall.  Make time to stop and smell the roses, bask in the sun, and enjoy the sunsets and sensory beauty of God’s handiwork.

· SELECT YOUR TRAVEL COMPANIONS WISELY. Follow those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart rather than those who will corrupt you. Steer clear of any travelers that give you bad directions (1 Cor. 15:33, 2 Tim. 2:22, 3:2-7).

· TREAT THOSE WHO ARE LOST ALONG THE WAY WITH CARE (2 Tim. 2:24-26, 1 Peter 3:15, Col. 4:5-6).

·  LIFE’S SHORT—MAKE THE MOST OF IT (Ps. 144:5, 1 Tim. 6:6, Eph. 5:16).

· STAY ON COURSE BY KEEPING YOUR SIGHTS ON THE FINISH LINE. This journey of life is hard and discouragement is par for the course. Don’t allow disappointments and setbacks keep you from ‘keepin on’. God’s grace is sufficient and His mercies are new each day (2 Cor. 12:9, Lam. 3:22-23). Stay on the route. Finish the race and keep the faith. You’ll be rewarded when you reach your final destination (Ps. 37:5, Phil. 1:6, 3:20, 1 Tim. 6:12, 2 Tim. 4:7-8).

Laura

by Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

BECOMING UPWARDLY MOBILE

Rock that is Higher
Rock that is Higher by Laura Kestly

The Christian life, like mountain climbing, is all about challenge and perseverance–not everyone will reach the summit. It’s akin to a mountaineering expedition that many are content with staying at a low altitude. It’s a wonderful (or as my Grandma would say, “Marvelous”) thing to be saved purely by grace from a loving & merciful God for all that receive it by faith. Thankfully, salvation does come by grace rather than by our works of any kind & we can feel secure that it won’t be taken away (It’s a sealed deal-Eph. 2:8-9, 1:13). Sadly many Christians stop here (at the base) and set up camp. They never desire ‘things above’ or to become “upwardly” mobile (Col. 3:1-2). Some seem content as the Israelites were with their captivity in Egypt. The hazards of “falling rocks” & “avalanches” in their lives keep them at base camp rather than ascending toward the summit.

                To know and be secure in one’s salvation is a glorious thing and it should propel the believer toward good works. After all we are God’s workmanship & He even prepared ahead of time what our good works will be. He’s just waiting for us to walk in them (Eph. 2:10). Even though God has equipped us with all the proper gear that’s needed for our climb, we need to be willing to ‘work out’ what He’s already ‘worked in’–doing so with fear & trembling as a prize awaits to be won & a crown to be gained–but no man is crowned unless he strives within the rules (Phil. 2:12-13, 1 Cor. 9:24-27, 2 Tim. 2:5). The outworking comes as the hideousness of sin is exposed and the mind is renewed & understands what the good, acceptable & perfect will of God is (Rom. 12:2). All these the Lord uses to influence those willing to ascend to a Rock that is Higher (Ps. 61:2).

            BEWARE: LET NO ONE CHEAT YOU OF YOUR REWARD

            It isn’t just the obvious hazards of the climb that keep believers camped out. Satan doesn’t need to waste his time & energy in trying to deprive the believer of his acceptance in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6) as his life is ‘hid with Christ in God’–in the shadow of His wings (Col. 3:3, Ps. 91:1-2, 4). So Satan invests his time in trying to deceive the believer to turn away from the fullness of Christ—causing him to release his grip from the ‘Head’ (like gear protection from falling). The enemy accomplishes this through diversion–tricking the believer to be occupied with the philosophy & empty deceit of men & the basic principles of the world. This includes deluding the believer to delight in false humility, the worship of angels & be brainwashed into obeying the regulations according to the commandments & doctrines of men. These are only a facade of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, & neglect of the body, but are worthless protection against the indulgence of the flesh. Thus the devil’s scheme has effectively dishonored the believer and cheated them out of their reward. Their prize is lost & above all the Savior robbed–for what is a crown to the believer but an added crown to Him?” (Col. 2:1-10, 16-23). It’s not surprising that many have fallen off course in a society where instant gratification is promulgated whereas the reward in God’s economy goes to those who patiently suffer (Phil. 3:19, Heb. 12:1-2).

FOCUS on Upward Mobility. Avoid falling back. Look to the Rock that is Higher than you–where your true citizenship is (Ps. 61:2, Col. 3:2-3, Phil. 3:20-21). Be like the apostle Paul who desired to know what it was like ‘to walk in Christ’s shoes’ which involved a deep, personal relationship that was willing to partake of Christ’s suffering & shame–a fellowship & conformity that knew that the prize, reward and crown were worth the steep climb! So forget those things which are behind & reach forward to those things which are ahead–Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14)! If we endure, we will also reign with Him (2 Tim. 2:12). You can do all things through Christ who will strengthen you (Phi. 4:13)–So Ascend!      Laura

by Tags: , , , , , , , , 3 Comments