On Mother's Day, May 8th, 2005, my mother, Sue Campbell, went to be with the Lord. She was 89 years of age and had enjoyed a happy and fruitful life. Many have said, "I am so sorry that she had to die on Mother's Day." My granddaugher, was only ten years old at the time and she said, "It is alright because she was the grandest mother of all!"
Mother graduated from college when she had four children. She served as a pastor's wife for 50 years and helped countless couples and women to find a strong faith in the Lord. People were drawn to her by her magnetic smile and the joy of the Lord that filled her life.
When Mother was eleven years of age, Jesus appeared to her in a vision as she made a public declaration to receive the Lord into her heart. This life changing experience happened to Mother in her little country church. From that moment on, she never turned away from the One who gave her new life!
Our walking and running must bring us closer to a dynamic devotion to our Lord. Our devotion will cause us to focus on the prize. We have this awesome privilege of an intimate eternity with our Lord. As we yield to the life and person of the Holy Spirit, we will have the strength and patience to press toward the goal.
What is your focus? Is it to know Christ? Do you want to become deeply acquainted with Him, and know the power that flows out from His life!
1. Are you still in the race that God has put before you?
2. Are you thinking of quitting and letting someone else wear your shoes?
3. Have you really finished the course and done all that the Lord has spoken?
Someone has said that at times we need to quit thinking about heaven and starting thinking about pushing and pressing harder than ever before. Our focus must be on the prize - our Lord Jesus Christ...ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, READY, GO!
When John the Baptist asked if Jesus was the coming One, he received an amazing answer. John was in prison at this time for speaking against the sins of King Herod. He sent two of his disciples to Jesus and they returned with a powerful statement.
Jesus answered the question and said, "...Go and show John again those things which you do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them" (Matthew 11:4,5).
We have a beautiful picture of the Life Giver spoken of by Jesus Christ Himself. He always showed that He came to earth to give life. "Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am that bread of life" (John 6:47,48). We must believe His words to cover our life. "...The words that I speak unto you are spirit and they are life" (John 6:63B).