Minute Musings...Striving For Excellence

The Pan Am Games have started and Toronto is in a state of high energy and enthusiasm!
The Pan American Games is a major sporting event which is held every four years.  This
year Toronto is hosting over 5000 athletes from July 20th to 26th.  They will be competing
in 36 sports with nearly 400 events.  These determined athletes have sacrificially devoted
time, effort and finances in preparation for these games.  Their lives were put on hold as
they gave their all in the pursuit of excellence and ultimately GOLD.

 

 

How would you view an athlete who took to the race track, only to be out of breath and

limping within the first few minutes? Their performance shows without a doubt that there

was little to no preparation for the race.  They put no effort into the training required to

even run the race, let alone compete for the gold.

 

I'm afraid that as Christians, there are many times that we attempt to run the race that

is before us without any training or preparation.  We might start strong, but soon the

hardships of the race take their toll on us, and we stumble and fall. 

 

1 Corinthians 9:24 & 25  "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but

one receiveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth

for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible

crown;  but we an incorruptible."

 

An athlete goes through months of intense training, they become "temperate" in their

living.  The definition for temperate is, "moderate, abstemious, not extreme."  They

become disciplined in their lifestyle.  Tempered steel is steel which goes through a

controlled heating process.  The end result of this environment is increased strength.

A temperate soul is an individual that has increased spiritual strength due to the heating

process of trials and tribulations which they have endured.  Trials increase our faith, our

patience...in fact, the whole list of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 & 23  "But

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.") increases with our dependency

and submission to the Lord.  We thus become "temperate in all things," ready for the

race.

 

Don't throw aside your training today because you find it too tough.  We have a goal, a

prize that we are striving for, don't quit when you have come so far.  Stay close to God

through prayer and His precious Word.  Keep striving for excellence in the race which

is set before you.

 

Philippians 3:13 & 14  "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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the

high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK9TJ8BaVmM



 



Minute Musings...He Will Carry You

We like to think that we are invincible don't we!  There is nothing that we cannot handle.
We are tough and capable, we don't need to rely on anything or anybody...we are fully
self-reliant.  Wow, are we ever conceited, and wrong!  The truth is that we are at our
strongest when we realize we are at our weakest.  You might be shaking your head at that
statement, but if you stay with me, I'll show you what I mean.

The Apostle Paul had this to say in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "Therefore, I take pleasure in
infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's
sake:  for when I am weak, then am I strong."  What he is saying is that it is when he
is at his weakest, that is when the power of God can shine fully in his life.  Christ can only
shine in a life that is surrendered to Him.  When we stop trying to solve our problems in
our own strength and reasoning, then we have the strength of God present with us.

What do you rely on to carry you through the trials and tribulations of this old sin cursed
world?  Do you turn to God, or do you start finding your own solutions?  I'm afraid that
sometimes we tend to view trials like we would a math problem.  We struggle to figure
it out, putting obsessive effort into finding the solution that is in reality staring us in the
face!

We look at different options that appear as if they might work...should we turn to our
friends?  NO, God tells us in Micah 7:5a  "Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not
confidence in a guide:"  Can we trust in wisdom?  NO, God tell us this in Proverbs
23:4b about wisdom, "Cease from thine own wisdom."  What about riches, can we
depend upon them?  NO, God warns us in Psalms 62:10b, "If riches increase, set not
your heart upon them."  What about ourselves, can we place our trust here?  NO,
Proverbs 3:5b & 7a has this to say, "Lean not unto thine own understanding.  Be not
wise in thine own eyes."

So where can we find help if not in our friends, wisdom, riches or even ourselves?  The
solution to our difficulties is actually very easy...our solution is God. You need to understand
that the tribulations and burdens that are weighing you down are weightless to Him.  Why
keep struggling when He can so effortlessly pick not only our problems up, but...He will
carry us too! 

We have this tremendous promise found in Isaiah 46 verse 4, "And even to your old
age, I am He;  and even to hoar hairs will I carry you:  I have made, and I will bear;
even I will carry, and will deliver you."

Stop struggling today with the things of this world that overwhelm and burden you down.
Your loving Savior is waiting to pick you up...let Him!

 





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GIHDTxL0Ys&list=PLf18bmmC4Qcj1r3Jajeu5FroLqrNIGHo8&index=17

Minute Musings...Are You Throwing A Party?

So, what do you do on those days when you just can't stop crying?  The world and it's
cares, pressures and trials seem to be on the verge of capsizing your little storm-beaten
ship and you're ready to call it quits.  I know you all have days of struggle like this, I do!
The real temptation on days like this is to just sit right down in the midst of the troubles
and have yourself a good pity party!  I'm good at throwing party's like this!  You don't
have to have any guests, all the entertainment is up to you, you don't have to share your
junk food, and best of all..."it's my party and I'll cry if I want too!"  Yep, it's party time
and I'm going to pout, cry, and throw a hissy fit... cause things aren't going my way!

 



Have you heard of "cause and effect?"  The "effect," seen or unseen always has a cause. 
When we get ourselves to this point, there is only one cause...we have taken our eyes off of
the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is pretty easy to understand that if you are not looking at one thing
then you have to be looking at something else.  With our eyes off of God and His precious
promises, we start looking at the tribulations, worries and sorrows that are swirling all around
us.  His promises take a backseat to the trials we see. 

 

Matthew 11:28 - 30  "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will

give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me:  for I am meek and lowly in

heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is

light."

 

"I will give you rest...ye shall find rest..."  With our eyes off Jesus, we leave ourselves open

to the attacks of Satan.  He will do all within his power to bring you to a defeated, depressed

end.  Instead of giving in and throwing a pity party, you need to get alone with God.  With

your eyes freshly fastened on His loving face you will find your heart and mind restored,

replenished and refocused.  Your loving Savior is waiting today to give you the rest you so

desperately need.

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiRK2gu-KQQ

Minute Musings...Vacation!!

Summers here, schools out...it's vacation time!  Campers are stocked, airline tickets are
purchased, reservations made, suitcases packed...and we're off!  Vacation is the time that
is most looked forward to each year.  It's a time when the cares and responsibilities of the
everyday hustle and bustle of life can be pushed aside, and the flip flops, suntan lotion,
and relaxation become the priority.

Yet, in our spiritual life there is no such thing as a vacation.  The minute we let our
guard down, Satan will be right there with the temptations, lies and rot that he spews.
We also cannot take a vacation from our calling as Christians! 

We read the following admonition from the Lord in Luke chapter 10 verse 2;
"Therefore said He (Jesus) unto them, the harvest truly is great, but the labourers
are few:  pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth
labourers into his harvest."

I have a brother-in-law and nephews who are farmers.  I have never known them to
take their vacation at harvest time!  This is the one time when they are present and
working hard.  To leave the farm when there are fields ready and waiting to be harvested
would be a very irresponsible thing to do on their part.

So it is with the Christian.  God has work for us to do.  He states that the harvest is
great (ready), but His workers are few.  The harvest being talked about here is the harvest
of souls for the Kingdom of God!  How can we be slackers in the service of the King
when souls are at stake?  Our rests and rewards will come when we get to Glory, but
for now there is work to do.  Don't become a spiritual slacker, remember the harvest is
ready and waiting!

 

 



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXlnrGmMMG4

Minute Musings...Walking With The Broken

How do you respond to the broken, to the outcasts and downtrodden of society?  The
"Political Correct" way is to make a generous donation to a charity that covers their
problem, then go on your way with a clear conscious.  But is this the Christian way?

There are many occasions in the Word of God we find the Lord Jesus being accused
of spending time with the sinners, the broken and outcasts.  We find in Luke chapter
7 the account of a woman coming to anoint the feet of Jesus while He was in the house
of a Pharisee.  Verse 39, "Now when the Pharisee which had bidden Him saw it, he
spake within himself, saying, This man, if He were a prophet, would have known
who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him:  for she is a sinner."
Jesus knew who this woman was, and He responded to the Pharisees thought, and in
verse 48 told the woman, "Thy sins are forgiven."  If the Pharisee had had his way,
the woman would have been chased away and not been saved that day.

Lets not kid ourselves, it is the natural mans reaction to think oneself better than another.
If we are truly honest with ourselves, we will admit to feeling the way this Pharisee did
when we have dealings with others.  If we are completely honest, pride is the driving
force for this feeling... we are better than the homeless;  we are better than the addict;
we are better than gambler...  Are we? 

In 1 Corinthians chapter 15 we see the Apostle Paul making mention of the persecution
that he made against the Church of God before he was saved.  Many lost their lives
because of the relentless attack he lead against Christianity.  Verses 9 & 10 say this,
"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because
I persecuted the church of God.  BUT by the grace of God, I am what I am:  and
His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain;  but I laboured more
abundantly than they all:  yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

We are what we are because of the Grace of Almighty God...not of ourselves.  The
grace of God has set us free, yet in turn we tend to sit in judgement of others less
fortunate than ourselves!  1 John 3:18 tell us,  "My little children, let us not love in
word, neither in tongue;  but in deed and in truth."  If we say we love God and
then talk, walk and act like the world, we are a dishonorable servant of God.  Showing
love is not condoning the acts of the recipients, but it is opening a door in which the
love of God can be shown to them.

God brings the broken across our paths on a daily basis, how do we respond to them?
Do they find us harsh and judgemental, or do they experience love, help and acceptance
in their encounter with us?  Can they see Christ in our actions?  It's easy for others to
spot a hypocrite, is that what is seen in you?  Don't fall into the pit of judging, remember,
that, but for the grace of God go you!

Are your actions backed up by your talk?  There's a saying which says, "Talk is cheap."
It is so easy to talk, but a lot harder to walk that talk!  Jesus walked what He talked.  He
was known for associating with sinners and outcasts, He showed them His love and they
responded.  Take a moment today to evaluate your talk and walk.  If they need realigning,
than do so immediately.

 

 



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8cxJj3CZCc

Minute Musings...Construction Ahead

Lets be completely honest, we all dislike the deplorable conditions of the roads on which
we travel, yet at the same time complain about all the construction that is going on this
time of year!  The truth is that in order to have ideal highways we must endure the
construction that it takes to improve them.  None of us enjoy the delays, the detours,
the confusion that seems to go hand in hand with these construction zones, but they are
necessary in order to reach completion of the project.



On our spiritual journey to our heavenly home we encounter construction zones.  There
are times in our lives that seem chaotic, our plans are detoured and we experience delays
in our well orchestrated lives.  We dislike any interruption.  However our Heavenly Father
knows that there are times when we need to undergo a construction period.  There are
some area's in our lives that have gotten full of potholes.  These area's need to be striped
and repaved;  made smooth and straight again. 

These construction times in our lives are the times that are marked by trials and tribulations.
Our spiritual paths seem to cloud over with doubt, pain, uncertainty, fear and sorrow.  Yet
it is in these very needful times of our lives, these construction zones, that we grow and
mature in our Christian walk.

James 1:2 & 3, 12  "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations:
knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  Blessed is the man that
endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which
the Lord hath promised to them that love Him."

Doubt, pain, uncertainty, fear and sorrow are not things that we happily welcome, but they
are things that God uses as sandpaper in our lives.  They sand away the stubbornness, pride, selfishness, arrogance, defiance, bitterness and anger that reside within our hearts.  They
work to make us pliable in the hands of the great Master Builder of our souls.  He see's
past the construction zone to the improved servant of God that will emerge. Don't fight
these construction zones and try to get around them somehow.  Learn to accept them from
our loving Lord as something good and needful in your life.

We find this beloved promise from God in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things
work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to
His purpose."

The tombstone of Ruth Bell Graham (Billy Grahams wife) says this, "End of Construction,
Thank you for your patience."  This is something that can go on the tombstone of every
child of God! 

 

Minute Musings...I Am Blessed

Today is Canada's 148th birthday...we are a blessed nation.  It's easy to complain about
what we perceive as great problems within our borders, and yes there are problems...but
WE ARE BLESSED!  We still have religious freedom, we have universal health care, we
are free to voice our thoughts on any subject!  There are many in this old world who do
not enjoy such freedom.

We also experience great blessing personally.  For myself I am blessed to have loving
children who not only care for me in word, but also in deed.  I am blessed with a precious
little grandson and another one on the way.  God has blessed me with enough health to
still be able to care for myself.  I have my mental capacities still intact (really!).  I have
access to the medications I need on a daily basis.  I have my eyesight and hearing...such
blessings!

However my greatest blessing is my dear Savior.  To be loved, blood bought and kept
by the Great God and King of the Universe is a truth that is overwhelming.  What makes
this even more unbelievable is that I deserve none of His mercy and grace. 

 

How do you view your life today?  Do you see the showers of blessings from a loving
God, or do you only see trials, adversities, hardships and tribulations?  I want to point
out a great truth to you...blessings often come disguised as trials!  Some of you might
be shaking your heads at this statement, but it is the truth. 

God says this to us in Jeremiah 29:11  "For I know the thoughts that I think toward
you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected
end."

Don't mistakenly think that God has not blessed you because of a lack of material
possessions.  God's greatest blessings are peace, joy, comfort and His promised presence
with us.  It is one of the greatest blessing to have the peace of God present in your heart
while in the midst of a great trial.  The blessing of His precious promises have been a life
line to me during the lowest points in my life.  The blessing of others in my life have
been an encouragement and help that can never be measured.  The blessing that comes
from Godly music has been a balm to my hurting soul many times over.

I challenge you today to take a fresh look at your life.  Ask God to show you His
great mercy, love and grace that might be hidden in the storms of tribulation in your
life.  There is always a silver lining of blessing in every storm...take the time to look
for it. 

Ephesians 1:3  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who
hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJursNxC63o