Choose Determination
July 21, 2014//
Topics to Dig Into
Psalm 119:30 (NLT) – I have chosen to be faithful; I have
determined to live by your regulations.
determined to live by your regulations.
My son reached a pinnacle this
weekend in his gymnastics career.
Through hard work and determination, he qualified to compete at the US
National Championships. In words you’ll
understand, this is like finishing 9th grade with high honors in May,
learning all the required 10th grade material in two months and then
passing the final exam in July.
weekend in his gymnastics career.
Through hard work and determination, he qualified to compete at the US
National Championships. In words you’ll
understand, this is like finishing 9th grade with high honors in May,
learning all the required 10th grade material in two months and then
passing the final exam in July.
He chose to train hard over the
summer when workouts are usually more fun and relaxed. He dropped out of the church mission trip and
turned down a week at the beach. Even
though he was considered a long shot to qualify, he maintained focus. As Yogi Berra reminded us a few days ago, he
knew where he was going. And he was
rewarded big time. We’re walking in the
clouds, so proud of his hard work.
summer when workouts are usually more fun and relaxed. He dropped out of the church mission trip and
turned down a week at the beach. Even
though he was considered a long shot to qualify, he maintained focus. As Yogi Berra reminded us a few days ago, he
knew where he was going. And he was
rewarded big time. We’re walking in the
clouds, so proud of his hard work.
Our relationship with God takes this
kind of determination. Drawing closer to
Jesus takes work: Bible reading, prayer,
faithful community, and service. While
it’s possible to be a casual believer, the reward of personal fulfillment comes
from being determined and focused.
kind of determination. Drawing closer to
Jesus takes work: Bible reading, prayer,
faithful community, and service. While
it’s possible to be a casual believer, the reward of personal fulfillment comes
from being determined and focused.
Following Jesus is a way of life, making
choices to adhere to biblical values when worldly ways look more fun, attending
church when you’d rather sleep late or prioritizing quiet scripture reflection
over 30 minutes on Facebook. These may
feel like sacrifices until you begin to experience the personal fulfillment of
your choices.
choices to adhere to biblical values when worldly ways look more fun, attending
church when you’d rather sleep late or prioritizing quiet scripture reflection
over 30 minutes on Facebook. These may
feel like sacrifices until you begin to experience the personal fulfillment of
your choices.
James 4:8 promises: Come close to God, and God will come close to
you. Wash your hands, you sinners;
purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
you. Wash your hands, you sinners;
purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Are you actively choosing to be faithful? Are you determined to follow Jesus?
Do
you need a daily reminder to reflect on God’s Word? Follow me on Twitter @Cathy_Chung to read a
short bit of scripture to ponder. #seedsofscripture
#blogboost #determined #eyeonthegoal
you need a daily reminder to reflect on God’s Word? Follow me on Twitter @Cathy_Chung to read a
short bit of scripture to ponder. #seedsofscripture
#blogboost #determined #eyeonthegoal
2 Comments
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Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.
Sometimes all of us need that little push to grow closer to the Lord. Congratulations on your son having qualified for the national championships 🙂
First, dear Cathy, CONGRATS to your son and the proud parents!
I would like to relate to the last line of your post and the quote from James. "…for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." It reminded of an incident I had many years ago. I was working in an Orthodox community in the south of Israel not far from Gaza. One day, I came across something I didn't understand, so I asked one of the rabbi's who was the principal at one of the schools. He looked at me a bit perplexed as if to say, "Why are you asking?" I reminded him that I am secular. "No, he said, "between you and God you may be secular, but between you and your fellow Men/Women, you are Ultra-Orthodox." I think that answers your question. Thank you for the opportunity to share a memory. HUGS <3