When I see him, he is an 85-year-old man looking to the prize set before him. He is standing looking off in the distance and asking for the prize, he was promised 45 years earlier. He says he is as strong now as he was 45 years ago, and I would not test him one bit. His speech is domineering and sincere; he has waited for this day. He has fought battles, wars and people to get here and now he wants what is his.
On this Earth, I will never meet my favorite veteran. He has long since passed, but the words of his life become a beacon for mine. He had a desire so bold and so powerful, he lived up to one of the meanings of his name, “bulldog.” His words bring motivation centuries later; we just need to read them.
His name is the same as my son. In fact, I was insistent that my son have the same name. So, what is his name – Caleb!
Caleb should not just be remembered as the one with Joshua telling the people they could take the land, he should also be remembered as one who obtained his inheritance!
Then the people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him,
“You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God in Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart. But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the LORD my God.
And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness.
And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the LORD said.”
Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance.
Caleb knew what he wanted, but he knew he must be a man of action. Over 40 years he waited. He walked the wilderness with those who kept him out of the promise land and everyday he waited for his inheritance.
Even while in his elderly age, Caleb wanted the gift, even though he would have to drive out the inhabitants of the land. His faith in God was working each day knowing the promise was ahead. Do you and I have the convictions of Caleb to press on to the prize which is ahead?
Let us remember the words of Paul,
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3.12-14; ESV)
Also, remember the words of the Hebrews writer,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12.1-2; ESV)
Notice the Hebrews writer makes two distinct points: (1) there are weights (things that slow us down) and (2) there are sins. Normally, our focus is on avoiding sins, but what about those things that slow us down? Are there things, circumstances, situations, or choices that are hindering you in your spiritual life?
In just a few more days our calendars will move from 2018 to 2019; Lord willing. Another year has come, and its days have moved quickly. For many, the days of 2018 seem like they just started; for others, they are ready for a new year to begin.
A new year brings a time to begin living better. As it has been said before, “you cannot go back and start a new beginning, but you can start today and create a new ending.” Through the blessings of God, each one of us can begin a new year with a clean slate.
How will you begin 2019?
1. Will you read your Bible all the way through? It is the word of God that is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalms 119.105)
2. Will you practice a pure religion? James says a pure religion is to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction. (James 1:27)
3. Will you attend services to build one another up? The Hebrews writer encourages us to stir one another up to love and good works by being together. (Hebrews 10.24-25)
I love the fact that God sees fit to give us days upon this earth. They are times spent with family, friends, working and doing whatever else our hands find to do. Looking back on our lives, I am sure that each of us will agree that we have been blessed.
How will you bless others with the blessings that God has given you this upcoming year?
As 2018 is quickly drawing to a close. Through the year, we have seen baptisms, restorations, increased moments of fellowship and opportunities to share. You have to say it has been a good year.
Even though the year is drawing to a close, our responsibilities are still active and open. This time of the year provides several great opportunities to share the gospel with someone you know. The Christmas holiday puts many people’s focus on Jesus and provides a great opportunity to share with them the message of what Christmas truly is – it’s about a Savior. When Jesus came into the world in human form (probably around April) the world was going to begin to change for the better and the mystery of God was being revealed.
Remember: Many people look to this time of year, to see Jesus. Each of us can begin to plant the seed, water the seed of the gospel and allow God to give the increase.
This time of year also represents a time where many people begin to make changes for the coming year; most call the resolutions, some call them goals, still others call them promises. No matter what they are called, people want to do better. This is an opportunity which needs to be grasped. The best way to make one’s life better is to change the focus from where it has been and begin to look to where one wants to be.
Remember:As people look to make themselves better, let each of us be sure to share with them the One who makes all things better.
During this time of year, families will make trips from all over the country to be together and celebrate a few days. Family becomes a top priority during the holidays because these are the time where memories are created, and the past memories are shared. When families get together, it is another opportunity to spend time growing closer to each other, but also a time to grow closer to God.
As you can see our work is still vital, and the opportunities are here. Pray that your words will be the right ones at the right time to encourage others to see the One who truly makes life worth the living.
Have a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Will you join me in praying for the President on October 1, 2019 at 12:00pm EST?
The Bible speaks of the necessity to pray for those in authority and this would include our governmental leaders, including the President.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Will you join me in praying for the President on October 1, 2019 at noon?
Feel free to download and share the graphic.
Questions:
Why should we pray for the President? God has asked us to be obedient to our rulers (Romans 13-1.4) and to pray for them (1 Timothy 2.1-4)
Shouldn’t we pray for them everyday? Absolutely. Many times having a scheduled day to pray, along with inviting others, assures that many prayers go up to the Father together.
What if I do not like the President? Once again, this is not about politics. It is about prayer. God asks us to pray for our rulers and we should.
What should I pray for the President? Below are a list of a few itmes to pray for...
Pray for his family
Pray for his decision making
Pray for his decisions over immigration
Pray for his relationship with world leaders
Pray for his ability to lead our country in the future
The future of our young people is bright. Despite what is in the news and in various media outlets, the future of our children is bright. Over our young people’s lifetime, they have seen advances in the field of medicine, technology, and industry quicker than any other generation.
The advances are happening quickly and major events are being planned and funded. In the middle part of last century, a man walked on the moon and plans are being made through the private industry to land a manned spacecraft on Mars. The future is excellent.
However, just because advances are being made, does not mean one should forget about the basics. While one can carry 20 different Bible versions on their phones, are they being used? Each advance can be a wonderful blessing, if they are being used properly.
What does the Bible say about teaching young people?
Are young people taught to love their families? (Titus 2.4)
Are young people taught to be self-controlled? (Titus 2.5)
Are young people taught to be kind? (Titus 2.5)
Are young people taught respect? (Titus 2.7)
There is more listed in Titus 2 worth reading and being reminded of every day.
As advances through the world are taking place, are young people still mindful of the basics? Is part of their education the basics?
Are young people being educated in the blessings of God?
It is raining, but the rain should never trouble us, but we should realize it is a blessing. Rain should not make us frown, but allow us to smile. Consider this picture and quote I say on the Law of Attractions Instagram.
5 Things I Learned Last Week
1 – People need to be loved. When I reflect on the love of Christ, His love is overwhelming. Each of us needs to see people like Jesus saw people. Remember, Matthew 9.36 – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” We need to see the world like Jesus.
2 – Some of the greatest preachers I know are not the most well-known. Across our brotherhood, there are well-known preachers who speak on every lectureship, youth event, etc. but some of the greatest I know are those no one really knows. Their hearts are wide-open and they work tirelessly for the gospel of Christ.
3 – Remember whose you are. Too many adults, not just young people, are faced the pressure to be someone they are not. This pressure lends itself to experiment with ways which are contrary to who we are as a being created by God. It is important to remember, not just who, but whose you are. You are created for a purpose, enjoy it.
4 – Family is Urgent! Sooner or later, most people learn a valuable lesson about family. However, not everyone will learn the lesson of the urgency of family. Many children will grow up to live the life of the words to “Cat’s in the Cradle” because of the actions they see in their parents. Christians need to make their family an urgent priority. Do not let your family slide, put them to the top.
5 – Sometimes it is better not to say anything at all. With that, I will leave this here.
So, what did you learn this week?
#MondayMotivation
Each person needs a little bit of motivation every now and then to get through the day, the week, the month or even the year. So, here is your quick video to give you a quick laugh and some motivation today.
