pursue

I noticed something in the gym yesterday. I am on a team that is going to walk on the eliptical walkers a distance equivalent to walking from Denver City to Galveston. We don't officially start for about another month, but I am trying to build up so I can carry my part of the responsibility.

Here's what I noticed. I walk different on the "walker" than I do normally. I get on the "walker" and really get after it. I rarely, interpret that NEVER, walk at that pace any other time. This morning I was wondering what the difference is.

I think it makes a big difference when I am doing something on purpose. It is hard to forget why I am on the "walker." Can you think of times when the same principle applies to in life?

What about your walk with Jesus? Paul urged Timothy to flee from some things and to pursue some things. Not to walk casually in a general direction, but to get his eyes on the goal and to run with great intensity away from things that kill our spirits, and to run with great intensity towards righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

How intense are you in your walk?

flashback...

I just had a flashback. I was reading in Ezekiel 22 where God says "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap..." and all of the sudden I was in High School again... my grandfather, who was very sick at the time and had just gotten out of a stay in the hospital, has just walked in the side door of the auditorium in our little church building. The preacher has just started a sermon on this passage... the introduction was almost complete when he said, "the sermon I was going to preach today has just been preached." Papa and Mama walked in... and just his presence preached a sermon.

I'm sure you won't be surprised... at least not if you have been around many preachers... he went ahead and preached his sermon on people standing in the gap... but it came after Papa lived his sermon of standing in the gap.

Before we lived in Seagraves... Mama and Papa would come for visits... I can only remember them going to church with us one time... Papa was an elder and he thought it was important for him to be home on Sunday. That's just one way he stood in the gap. It would not have meant much if he was not the kind of man who was always building up... and standing up.

There is much said about principles, ethics and integrity these days. Could it be that much is said because so few are living those sermons?

Today... build up the walls - be a source of encouragement and help.

Today... stand in the gap.

God sent me ahead...

It is easy to forget... but it is so important that we do... or at least that I remember. I was reading about Joseph this morning and he once again impressed me. Can you imagine what it would have been like. It seems that Joseph was raised to have an easy life... he is his father's favorite son - remember the coat of many colors? He seems to be given special treatment - the others are out doing the hard work of shepherding while he is at home.

ALL THAT CHANGED. How would you have responded if your family sold you into slavery... your master's wife lied about you and had you thrown into prison... you helped powerful people and asked for them to remember and they forgot? This would be a story for Oprah or Dr. Phil - my life is ruined... I am terrible... I have hurt so many people because of my brothers and the way they treated me.

Not Joseph. The whole way through - captured - slave - prisoner - he is above it. I wonder if it was as easy as it seemed - either way Joseph is blessed by God - recognized by those over him - promoted by those in charge of him.

When he reveals himself to his brothers - imagine how terrified they are. Joseph makes an incredible statement - don't be afraid, I fear God. God sent me ahead to save many lives.

Instead of seeking revenge Joseph extends mercy. How could he do it? Joseph was able to view his life - all of it - in the hands of God. He knew that no matter where he was... or what was going on... how it looked... or how it felt - God was working. He can take the very worst and hardest and use it for His purposes and for His glory.

Today... if you are struggling with where you are, or what is going on, remember "God sent me ahead."

Today... focus on how you can serve God where you are.

Today... look past the clouds and remember.