Page 49 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

Wednesday January 24 - Salvation and calling
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
So, we know that focussing ahead is how you keep moving forward; but just what is it that lies ahead?
Firstly, it is the promise of salvation that we have in Jesus Christ: ‘Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him’ (James 1:12).
Secondly, your ‘road to glory’ is not some random collection of events that you must try to survive. You have a calling, and there’s no greater way to find motivation, fulfilment, and purpose than by responding to that call. The greatest source of frustration I see in Christians is a lack of understanding about their calling and purpose. If you are not sure what your calling is, then get on with seeking God for it. Don’t be too spiritual about it though, expecting a ‘Damascus road’ experience like Paul’s. The thing you are good at, enjoy, feel compelled about, or get angry about (righteously) – then that is probably it. If you do know your calling, the greatest risk is that you step back from it, like Jonah (1:3) or Elijah in the cave (1 Kings 19:9). The prize of your salvation and the privilege of your calling will always be enough to enable you to end well.
Father, let the promise of your salvation, and the power of your purpose in my calling, enable me to run this race with joy, to the end. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thursday January 25 - Walk by faith!
Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:16
Converting a vision into daily life is perhaps the greatest challenge we face, both in personal faith terms and in ministry calling. Competing priorities, tiredness, doubt, and resources all impact on our trying to finish well. The answer to getting there is simply this: Walk by faith!
Paul speaks of it as ‘living up to what we have already attained’ (v 16), and that simply means to keep walking. You have come this far, and God is faithful, so build on that, day by day. Press, pursue, and look ahead, because as you do so at least two things come into play. Firstly, the vision begins to steer present decisions, and secondly, God will meet you with provision.
Many years ago, I hesitatingly applied to an MA programme – hesitating, because I was working full-time, pastoring spare-time, had a young family, and couldn’t afford it! One Sunday, a deacon at church approached me boldly and said, “Get ready to study.” The following Tuesday I received confirmation of my place on the MA programme. I told the church, and somebody called to say they wanted to pay for it. What followed then was me, day by day, committing myself to getting there. I pressed and pursued, until the day of graduation. Whatever you are doing in Jesus, walk by faith day by day. You will get there!
Father, help me to get there! I’m looking to you in my struggles and frustrations, forgetting what is behind and getting on with daily living your vision for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
47
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY