Friday, October 01, 2004

"Forgetaboutit" and "Press On" "Forgetaboutit" and "Press On" This Week's Memory Challenge Calls Us To "Forgetaboutit"and "Press On". Philippians 3:13-14 - 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Past Memory Challenges: Romans 12:1-2 : 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Matthew 17:27 "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours." Psalms 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalms 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Jeremiah 29:13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 1 John 3:18  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. Psalm 145:8  The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. 1:55:50 PM    comment []

Mountains And Valleys: The Sphere Of Exaltation Mountains And Valleys:  The Sphere Of Exaltation Jesus leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves. Mark 9:2 We have all had times on the mount, when we have seen things from God's standpoint and have wanted to stay there; but God will never allow us to stay there. The test of our spiritual life is the power to descend; if we have power to rise only, something is wrong. It is a great thing to be on the mount with God, but a man only gets there in order that afterwards he may get down among the devil-possessed and lift them up. We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle. Spiritual selfishness always wants repeated moments on the mount. We feel we could talk like angels and live like angels, if only we could stay on the mount. The times of exaltation are exceptional, they have their meaning in our life with God, but we must beware lest our spiritual selfishness wants to make them the only time. We are apt to think that everything that happens is to be turned into useful teaching, it is to be turned into something better than teaching, viz., into character. The mount is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something. There is a great snare in asking - What is the use of it? In spiritual matters we can never calculate on that line. The moments on the mountain tops are rare moments, and they are meant for something in God's purpose. From My Utmost For His Highest 12:55:05 PM    comment []