(CLICK THE TITLE) Good morning everyone. Today I am going to share with all of you something that has had me on my knees asking for forgiveness. My hope is that this message helps someone as much as it helped me.
Today’s Prayer
Father, Thank You for Your light, Your warm and loving touch, Your guidance. Thank You for the beautiful seasons. We love to see the bright blue skies and white fluffy clouds of summer; the crisp air and beautiful colors of fall; the solitude and beauty of winter’s chill; and the warmth and new life of spring. Lord, please carry us through the seasons of life. Please give us cheer in the sad and lonely times; give us hope when things seem hopeless; give us strength when we are weak; give us grace as we move through the seasons of life and challenges of aging. We are thankful for the blessings You have bestowed upon us and for how You have always been there to pick us up, help us along, and send encouragement our way. Thank you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Let’s eat.
Paul’s Personal Mission Statement
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 – Acts 21:11-12
In my study of this scripture above and looking into the depths of it, I came to the conclusion that Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary statement that best describes the purpose of our existence on earth and the goal of our Christian experience. It can be reduced to three important characteristics.
To know Christ.
To know and experience His power.
To identify with His sufferings.
All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product. Salvation is a by-product. Miracles are a by-product. Christ likeness is a by-product. Paul’s focus was on relationship. He understood that the deeper the relationship, the more power he would experience. He also understood that as he grew in this relationship, there would be suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the kingdom of darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in casualties. Christ confronted these earthly kingdoms and suffered for it. If we are living at this level of obedience, we, too, will face similar battles; it simply comes with the territory.
Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in life centered on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If not, press into Him today in order to begin experiencing Christ more intimately.
Quote of the Day
What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence! With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. If God cares for you, why need you care too? Can you trust Him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, He has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
WITH HOPE AND FAITH
REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY