Look What I Did!

A trophy is "anything serving as evidence of a victory, valor, or skill."   A few years ago, at the Pinewood Derby sponsored by our church's boys group, I won one.  I built a small car to race down a long track.  At the end of the event, I took home the trophy for the 'slowest car.'  I kid you not!  In my files there is a copy, now more than two decades old, of a national magazine that printed my first published article.  It was so exciting to receive an advance copy where I saw, for the first time, a title and my name printed under it.   The paper of the magazine is starting to yellow and the excitement over being 'published' has long since faded.

John Ortberg writes about the fleeting nature of earthly success and the speed with which our trophies become insignificant.  "God has a wonderful sense of humor and often sends people to help to remember that 'being enough' is His department.  No trophies can confer that status.   A few years ago I spoke in a conference in Germany and afterward was asked to sign some books.   A woman handed me a German translation of one of my books and said in thickly accented English, 'Danka.  This is the best book I ever read.'    Germans aren't famous for their sense of humor, but I thought she might be pulling my leg.  'No kidding?' I asked her.   'Yah,' she said, by way of ruthless explanation, 'I don't read much.' "   - It All Goes Back in the Box, Zondervan, 2007

At the end of 2013, I hope you have a few trophies to mark success this year.  And, I pray that they are worth the effort you have invested in achieving them. Awards and recognition are wonderful.   We need to commend those who show skill, who achieve proficiency. Christians honor their Lord when they do what they do in the best way possible.

Jesus spoke of "laying up treasure in Heaven... where it never decays."   He wasn't just talking about giving a generous donation to the church.  He was talking about investing our time, our affection; all of our resources,  in those things that are of eternal value.   Do you work just to earn a paycheck or to make life better for others for God's glory?  Are you prioritizing the choices to love, to forgive, to serve?   These efforts will bring trophies that last when gold, silver, and applause have faded away. The commendation of God never loses value.  The Word says, "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing." (1 Corinthians 9:24-26, NLT) "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4, NIV)

What trophies are you reaching for?  
What serves as evidence of victory for you?
More money?  Status in your community?  Your kids' achievements?  Grades, degrees, certificates?   Sexual conquest? 

Here's a word from the Word.  Embrace the promise!   "Be diligent and turn from your indifference.  Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.  Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne." (Revelation 3:19-21, NLT)

Celebrate your successes! Give thanks to God for the victories won.  We learn the importance of building memorials from the Bible, where we read repeatedly about the ways and places that God’s people created monuments to remind them of His faithfulness! Equally important, let go of your failures and disappointments!  Need forgiveness? Ask God, He forgives those who are ruthlessly honest with themselves and before Him.  But, remember this as you look into a new year – God gives us today!

Here’s the word from the Word. Own it. Pray it. Live it.
"You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud.
You light a lamp for me.
The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.
In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
God’s way is perfect.
All the Lord’s promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
For who is God except the Lord?
Who but our God is a solid rock?
God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights." (Psalm 18:27-33, NLT)

____________

Oh Lord, our Lord,

How majestic is Your name!

Your words are true,

Your mercy does not change.

All Your promises are precious,

Reviving our faith,

Ev'ry one of them

Will be fulfilled one day.

All Your promises

Are yes and amen, Jesus;

Your promises are true.

All Your promises,

Are yes and amen, Lord Jesus,

We'll keep running after You.

We will run,

We'll run and not grow weary.

We will rise upon the eagle's wings.

In the presence of the Lord

Our spirits will soar,

‘Till we one day gaze upon our King.

All Your Promises

Andrew Smith

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