Daily Archives: December 5, 2014

Quote

Practice Makes Perfect

 Philippians 3:12-16 “12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 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, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing” (KJV).

A professional archer or marksmen will spend hours practicing in order to reach the goal of “hitting the mark”. Like any athlete, the road to success is paved by dedication and commitment. What separates an excellent athlete from a great one? A great athlete recognizes the never-ending need to improve his or her skills.

Paul reminds the Philippians that he is not perfect in his Christian walk. He displays a level of humility that we should all take note of. Paul, inspired by God, wrote 13 books of the New Testament (14 if you believe he wrote Hebrews). He is considered one of the greatest missionaries of all times. Yet, he makes sure to point out his consistent need to fine tune his Christian walk.

As Christians, I believe we all desire to grow closer to the Lord. I doubt anyone would be so bold to think or admit they have reached their peak in Christian living. The verses above teach us many things about our walk with the Lord. Here are just a few that the Lord placed on my heart today:

  1. Humility as defined by the dictionary, states that humility is “a modest or low view of one’s own importance” 1. The Bible defines humility as the “lowliness of mind”. Humility for the Christian is defined by the removal of self, which is done through the heart. Like the great athlete, humility is the ability to recognize the need to improve. Our sin nature will always leave us room to grow closer to the Lord. The first step is to examine ourselves with a humble heart.
  2. The second step is to let the past go. Paul stated it as “forgetting those things which are behind”. In order for an athlete to improve a certain skill(s), they must forget the old way of doing them. A golfer may be the best example for this. If you recognize the need to improve your golf swing, you must begin by removing the part of your swing that is causing you trouble. If you hold on to your bad habits, your swing will never improve. The Christian walk is the same way.
  3. Focus on the Lord. Your best efforts to change bad habits into Godly ones will fail if you do not focus on the Lord. If you are attempting to grow closer to the Lord because someone advised you too, it will not work. Remember, it begins in the heart; your heart must be willing to make the sacrifices to change. Your golf instructor can tell you what to do in order to improve your swing, but unless you really want to change, the advice will be useless. A preacher delivers instructions through a sermon, but if we don’t apply the message, change will not happen.
  4. Press toward the Mark. Once you recognize the need to improve your walk and you desire change, then you must commit to that change. Paul used the word “Press” as a verb and “toward” as the preposition. Here is an example: I recognize the need to improve my prayer time. I have to forget my old methods and commit to a new way. In order to put the new way into action, I have to actively “Press” and consistently practice the new way. Making sure that my old habits do not come back. I do this by keeping my mind focused “toward” the goal and not on the task. If I focus on the task “making time for prayer”, I will lose sight of the goal. My prayer time will be nothing more than a block of time set aside during the day.
  5. The goal is to bring honor and glory to the Lord. I do this by fine tuning my Christian walk, improve my skills, and devote time for practice in order to hit the mark continuously.

“I know the Bible is inspired because it inspires me” 2

In Christ,

The Silent Preacher

References

1 Dictionary. Retrieved 12/5/14 from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/humility

2 D.L. Moody. Retrieved 12/5/14 from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/dwight_l_moody.html#jAfIfoUGClmlVA6r.99

When in Doubt

 Acts 12:18-24 “18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. 20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied” (KJV).

When we face difficult times in life, whether alone or as a church, we often struggle to find answers. We may try different things in order to break out of our troubling times. As I stated in yesterday’s post “If Only…” prayer should be the first place we go and should remain our highest priority. The church prayed fervently for Peter’s deliverance. The Lord answered those prayers by sending an angel to free Peter. The text today provides an answer to why prayer is important.

Have you ever been faced with a trial because you stood up for what you believed in? Have you ever been judged for being a Christian; called a “Bible Thumper”, “Holy Roller”, etc. Some Christians will fight back, but there efforts will only make things worse. How we handle ourselves during difficult times is important. We are being watched by the world and those around us. If we take matters into our own hands, we may be robbing ourselves and the Lord, an opportunity to witness to others.

The Lord allowed Herod to take the life of James and throw Peter into prison, but prayer was the only answer for his persecution. Herod was dealt with, and ended up dying a horrible death (eaten by worms).

Without valleys, there could be no mountain tops. You can’t jump from one mountain top to another without traveling through a valley. When the church prayed for Peter, the Lord set him free and made sure Herod would not bother them again.

Reflection

Sometimes the best way to witness and share the gospel to others is when we are struggling in the valleys of life. It is a blessing to know that God can use anyone; at any moment in life, to be a witness for Christ. I was reminded of the Welsh Revival of 1904 when, “A young girl named Florrie Evans, who had been a believer a few days, rose and with a trembling voice said simply, “I love Jesus with all my heart.” The other young people’s hearts were melted. A powerful spiritual awakening that brought 100,000 people to Christ was under way” (Roberts, E. 1905).

In Christ,

The Silent Preacher

Reference

Evan Roberts, in W. T. Stead, ed., The Story of the Welsh Revival (London: Fleming H. Revell, 1905)