George was well known and highly esteemed by the members of his church. By the world’s definition of success he would be considered one who “had it made.” He had a comfortable life, his children settled into good careers and was always available to serve the Lord whenever someone called upon him. He was well known for his faithfulness and fruitfulness.

Once he was asked, “What’s the source of your energy? How can you do so much for so many and never seem to tire?”

After thinking for a moment he replied, “It’s this - with Christ within me I refuse to accept any human limitations.”

Paul once said, “I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.” What a goal for each of us to adopt: being what Jesus saved us for and wants us to be!

When we fully realize and accept all that He has called us be and do, our lives will have no “human limitations.” Often when an opportunity to serve Him comes our way our first obstacle is to question our abilities or availability. But He never calls us to do anything that is beyond our potential. What He asks us to do he will empower us to accomplish. Trust Him.

Prayer: Lord, may we have an unlimited view of what You would have us to be and do. Free us of self-imposed limitations that cause fear and failure. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:12-14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The founder of a successful company was being interviewed by a reporter from a large daily newspaper. His first question was, “What does it take to succeed?”

After a moment’s thought he replied, “The same thing is took to get started. A sense of urgency and excitement.”

That answer is certainly true if one wants to be successful in developing and managing a business. And it is also true if one wants to succeed in the Christian life.

No one has ever expressed this truth any more powerfully than the Apostle Paul. Hear him, “...I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: I am straining to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling me.”

God has one goal for everyone - that we will become like Christ! And if we choose to achieve that goal it will take all of our energies just as it took all of Paul’s energies.

Paul said that he focused on “this one thing” - this one goal. He had the mind and heart and focus of an athlete in training. And when athletes are in training, they set aside everything that is harmful or hurtful and anything that might distract them or destroy their commitment to their goal of victory.

The Christian formula for success must include urgency and excitement and also dedication and focus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to make those adjustments in our lives that are necessary if we want to be successful Christians. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:12-14 forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Read more...)