Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, 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. (Philippians 3:13-14) Modern cooperations and organizations often use mission statements to motivate its team members.  The New Testament is full of such statements for disciples of Christ.  The verses above contain thoughts that should inspire us.   Paul states that his “calling” (vs. 14) is a “heavenly calling”. Paul’s mission statement is marked by strong “purpose words”: “I press on”(vs.12); and “this one thing I do”. (vs.13). A magnifying glass when used to focus the rays of the sun on a flammable object is potent.  Such a concentration of power is able to start a forest fire!  Here Paul with, one specific, single goal in his mind, is pressing on, hastening to run the race.  He is determined to remove all of the distractions, and to aim all his energy toward the goal. What is Paul’s goal?  In verse 14 he calls it the “mark”.  We might think of the “mark” as a target or moral end.  In verse 12 he tells us his target is complete maturity in Christ.  A previous verse (vs.10) spells out the specific goals: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”.  In summary, Paul’s mission was to grow in Christ-likeness.  It is the mark of perfect holiness.  Every thing else in life must be subservient to this goal. Every step must bring us closer to Christ in character and fellowship. Just how does Paul plan to reach his goal?  First, he must forget the past. Past attainments can give one a false sense of security.  Past regrets can discourage one from persevering. Thus, one must not look back, but forge on.  Second, he must reach forward.  It is like an athlete stretching toward the goal with all of his energy.  Any growth in holiness and self-denial will require such persistence. Paul’s heavenly calling is our calling as well.  His mission must be our mission.  Print out this verse and post it on the refrigerator door.  God is calling us to heavenly things.  In the end our pursuit of such attainments will make life worth living and God will give us the crown. By George Slover

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

As America approaches another election year, I’ve thought about the above verses.  In the context, Jeremiah is forecasting the Chaldean invasion of Judah and the total destruction that would accompany this invasion.  Judah cannot boast in her wisdom, might, or riches.  She can only boast in God.

These verses remind us of how we are inclined to over value all of the wrong things.  The world would have us to believe that wisdom, might, and riches are sources of security.  All of them are valuable servants, but they do not save.  By wisdom one thinks he can elevate his status among men.  By might one may try to bully his way to the goal.  With riches one may buy much.  None of these could prevent an invasion from Babylon.  They cannot buy off sickness, disappointment, or punishment for sin.

The knowledge of God is the true glory of man.  Such knowledge leads to an understanding of three attributes of God: lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.  Jehovah exercises his tender mercy toward those who are weak and in need.  He is a king who judges impartially.  By his righteousness, he leads his people to a heavenly rule of conduct.  Those who know him will seek to practice these virtues toward others.  Any strength we have will rest upon our spiritual values, our character and our purpose.  Our strength is in knowing God and obeying his will.

There is a natural tendency for one to rejoice unduly in carnal things- education, power, prestige, or wealth.  None of these have real value, for they are temporary.  Our strength is not in a “brain trust” in Washington or in Wall St.  They can be removed at any time.  But, fellowship with God is absolute and eternally satisfying.  In Him there is no insecurity, no fear of disappointment.

George Slover

“to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”  (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

The Scripture above is one of the few that speaks of the condition of the lost.  Paul plainly states that such a state will 1) involve “destruction” or to be cut off from the presence and glory of God, and 2) will last eternally!  Christ is coming “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God.”  Hell is an awful reality!

The very idea of such a place is either ridiculed or quickly diminished in modern times.  Our society has lost its sense of moral accountability.  And modern churches are more interested in preparing one for retirement or success in business than in saving souls from hell.

There are two classes of people in the World.  They are 1) the saved – i.e. those who have obeyed the Gospel, and 2) the lost - i.e. those who do not know God.  There is no in-between state.  Every person is in one of those two classes.

I have a good friend whose profession involves rescuing people from burning buildings.  Suppose you were in that building and someone rushed in to save you.  Would you refuse?  Jesus Christ came into the World to deliver you from a burning house!  He did not die on the cross to help you succeed in this life, but to free you from the dread of hell!

It is not a very popular subject, but judgment is coming!  Jesus Christ can either be your Savior or your judge.  This important choice is left up to you.

George Slover
 

Then the king said to Zadok, "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. "But if He says thus: 'I have no delight in you,' here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him." (2 Samuel 15:25-26)

After David’s sin with Bathsheba, he was confronted by Nathan, the prophet.  David accepted the blame for his transgression.  Nathan promised David the “sword would not depart” from his house.  The days following were dark times in David’s household.  However, the words above demonstrate David’s full acceptance of the sin he has committed and the consequences to follow.  David placed his future in the hands of God.

In this context trouble came to David’s house in the form of his own son.  Abasalom gained popularity with the people and was ready to seize the throne.  It became apparent that David’s life was in danger, thus he and his followers left Jerusalem.  Included in the procession is Zadok, the priest with the Ark of the Covenant.  However, David urges Zadok to convey the Ark back to the city confident that if it is God’s will he will see it again.

From a human viewpoint it might seem unfair that God would allow one as vain as Abasalom to humiliate a godly man like David.  Yet, there is not a word of complaint from David.  He readily placed his life in the hands of a just God.  He knew the Lord reigns in righteousness and would perform only what was best.

Life often brings adversity.  Sometimes it is because of our poor choices, as was the case of David.  On other occasions it may come because of the neglect or sin of others.  Many tragedies seem inexplicable.  “Why did this happen to me?”  Yet, often our greatest virtues grow out of such adversity.  It is during these times we may acknowledge our unworthiness and need for God’s mercy.

What a remarkable attitude in David!  “He will”, if He “delights” in me.  There is not an ounce of selfishness or bitterness here.  God is over all and can do all!  It’s in God’s hands; he will do what is best.  Peter says: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)  

George Slover

"Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity." (Luke 8:14)
 
Have you ever found yourself enjoying a movie? It may be one of those thrillers that keeps you on the edge of your seat, or that “tear jerker” that stirred the emotions?  However, throughout the entire show the person sitting behind you ruins it all by being a constant distraction.  You fail to understand why this rude jerk can’t find the same appreciation for this wonderful work of art!
 
Life’ greatest joy is simple fellowship with God.  It is appreciating God’s handiwork and wonderful creation on a mountainside.  To feel the cool breeze and hear the mountain stream causes us to stand in awe of our Creator.  There is the joy of witnessing one obey the gospel.  We are overwhelmed by how profound and simple is the grace of God, and encouraged by the difference it has made in someone’s life.  Or we come to appreciate the majesty of God in a time of worship.  The simple words such as “God is so good” have come to mean a great deal to us!
 
However, it is also true that life is filled with those who will never appreciate that simple fellowship.  They defile Him by worshiping the created rather than the Creator.  They demonstrate defiance to God’s grace by their immoral and unprincipled lives.  They distract us from the worship by their irreverent behavior.  Thus, we ask, “why can’t they also appreciate God’s wonderful work of art?”
 
But, before we become too impatient with that rude jerk behind us, we may need to examine our own lives.  It is also easy for us to become so filled with anxious care and so focused on the mundane that we too fail to enjoy the moment!
 
My brother, while laboring and toiling in this old world, don’t forget your purpose and learn to enjoy your Savior and King!
 
By George Slover