Living With Purpose (Part 2)
Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 1 Corinthians 9:25
Our theme this year has been LIVING WITH PURPOSE and for the next 5 weeks we will be unpacking that theme during our summer Bible conference sessions at America’s Keswick.
We are looking forward to having Dr. Richard Blackaby on campus this summer and last week he and his Dad, Dr. Henry Blackaby wrote about this theme in their devotional, Experiencing God:
Athletes are willing to push themselves harder and longer and farther than anyone else. They strive to bring their bodies and minds completely under control so that they excel and receive a prize. Others go home to relax, but athletes continue to train. While most people protect themselves from any form of discomfort, athletes push themselves to the limits of their endurance. While some remain satisfied with mediocre performance, athletes pay any price for excellence
Paul said that despite their most valiant efforts, the athletes’ successes and prizes are eventually forgotten. Even the greatest athletic achievements have not affected eternity. If an athlete can be motivated to make incredible sacrifices for a perishable reward, how much more ought Christians to strive for an imperishable one? If an athlete will labor day after day in order to receive glory from others, how much harder ought Christians to work for the “well done” of their Master?
Richard and Henry give us a number of good questions:
- Are you striving to bring your body into subjection for the glory of God?
- Are you training your mind to think the thoughts of God rather than thoughts of the world?
- Are you disciplining your life in prayer?
- When others are sleeping, are you interceding?
- Have you studied God’s Word so diligently that you are prepared to find answers to the challenges you face?
- Have you equipped yourself in evangelism so that you are ready to share your faith?
- Have you prepared yourself as a Christian in order to qualify for the imperishable crown that awaits you?
Blackaby, Richard (2006-12-01). Experiencing God Day By Day (Kindle Locations 3294-3308). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Some great questions for us to ponder as we think about living with purpose. – Bill Welte is President & CEO of America’s Keswick
Team YOU: Job 41-42; Proverbs 10; Acts 16:22-40
Motivations: Father, impress upon me that not only do You desire truth in my inner parts but You have designed my being to function on truth. Unless I live in the truth and by the truth I violate the structure of my being. Selwyn Hughes
Practice to Remember: Level 1:Philippians 2:4; Level 2: Philippians 2:5-11
Powered Up: God’s sovereignty does not negate our responsibility to pray, but rather makes it possible to pray with confidence. – Jerry Bridges
Freedom Fighters 