Lori's thoughts

Our church is heading towards major transitions with our new building almost complete. Quite frankly, I don’t know what’s up ahead in the journey and adventure we face. I do know it is exciting, frustrating, overwhelming and encouraging all at the same time. I think that can be expected when we have to confront changes in our lives.

It is interesting that our emphasis theme for our children’s ministries staff this year is “Move On!” Actually it’s the topic God gave me this past summer through the following verse from the Bible:

“I have not yet received all of those things. I have not yet been made perfect. But I move on to take hold of what Christ Jesus took hold of me for. Brothers and sisters, I don’t consider that I have taken hold of it yet. But here is the one thing I do. I forget what is behind me. I push hard toward what is ahead of me. I move on toward the goal to win the prize. God has appointed me to win it. The heavenly prize is Jesus Christ Himself.” (Philippians 3:12-14, NIRV)

What God has been teaching me from this verse is that I can’t look behind me and be satisfied with what He’s accomplished through this ministry or through this church so far. If I did, I would be placed in a holding pattern, become lazy, undisciplined and miss out on the future that God has in store for this ministry and this church. I’m running a race. I’m fighting the good fight. I can’t quit or give up no matter what barriers or punches in life I get. I have to MOVE ON by looking ahead with the many changes I will face and keep my focus on the PRIZE at the end of it all.

None of us can do this alone. We all need to MOVE ON with God together and with the future He has in store for us. If we focus on how busy we are or how difficult the circumstances around us are, we will miss out on what God wants to do in our midst. He is still a God of miracles. We need to believe God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do.

So where are you currently at in moving on towards the PRIZE?

Are you looking behind?
Have you quit?
Are you waiting?
Are you getting ready?
Are you pushing hard towards what is ahead?

Brothers and sisters, God has appointed us to win it! Let’s decide to keep moving forward through the transitions of life. We need each other to accomplish this, because that’s the way God designed it.