Have you downloaded our
2015 Bible Reading Plan? Join us this year as we focus of the theme: Live Courageously
The Greater Goal
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, not minding the shame and is now set down on the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such sufferings of sinners against himself lest you become weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12:1,2)
As believers, we have struggles, temptations, commit sin, etc., that affect our ability to win the ultimate prize. But in spite of the struggles, do we set goals for which to strive? Do we allow these unavoidable outside distractions to hinder the very purpose of the calling God has for our life?
For Christmas, my wife and I visited her uncle’s family in Atlanta. The day before Christmas, my wife’s cousin announces that she was accepted to medical school. What an amazing Christmas gift!
As I spoke to her about her plans, I was surprised that she finally settled on going to medical school because of her display of stress over the level of issues that school brought on, confusion about what her plans were going to be, and to top it all she shared she was exposed to TB as a hospital volunteer while in high school (as a result she will have to deal with this illness for rest of her life). I had to ask; what got you through? She first gave glory to God and then pointed to the refrigerator! On a scrap piece of paper the words, “Your goal has to be greater than your daily desires.” Interesting thought.
The Disciples had everyday lives and family, but their purpose was greater than their own desires.
Women and men across the globe are sacrificing their personal safety and resources because their goal is greater than their desires.
William Raws, founder of the Colony of Mercy, pushed through all the circumstances to start an addiction recovery ministry that has saved thousands of men’s lives and impacted countless others because his goals were bigger than his personal desires.
God has granted us with a purpose and mission that is greater than ourselves. Be encouraged that the temporal struggle that life brings cannot hinder or overcome, because greater is
He that is in you is greater than world.
“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians
3:13,14)
Remember your goal has to be bigger than your desires! Chaplain Juan Mendez is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves full-time at America’s Keswick. You can write to him at
jmendez@americaskeswick.org
Daily Bible Reading:
Genesis 4-6;
Romans 2
Think About This: To relinquish any of the Psalms on the excuse that its sentiments are too violent for a Christian is a clear sign that a person has also given up the very battle that a Christian is summoned to fight. The Psalms are prayers for those who are engaged in an ongoing, spiritual conflict. No one else need bother even opening the book. Patrick Henry Reardon
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Freedom Fighters is written by Bill Welte and friends. Bill is the President & CEO of America's KESWICK, an Addiction Recovery Center, and Christian Conference & Retreat Center now in it's 115th year. He is a conference host, popular speaker, writer and creator of Freedom Fighters daily email encouragement for men, and the general editor of Real Victory for Real Life, a 365-day daily devotional now in it's second printing. He has also recorded two piano CD's, Jesus Led Me All the Way and In Times Like These.
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