A View from the Nest www.eagleviews.org

Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor

Phillipians 3:13-15 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The rearview mirror has a purpose when driving. It allows you to see what is approaching from behind, and aids you in lane changes and backing. There are times when the rearview mirror can be very useful, but if we were to drive by the rearview we would have to be backing up and not moving very fast.

Life is meant to be lived forward. It is meant to be faced head on and not backing up. There are many who cower in fear with each new day because they have been entangled in the snares of the past. The shackles of past failures continue to haunt there present circumstances. But like a fresh new canvas, each sunrise brings with it brand new opportunities to start all over again. There is no need to continually look backward. There is no value in retaining the past with its failures and successes because each new day brings with it even greater joys and opportunities.

Continually gazing into the rear view mirror will cause many wrecks along the highways of life. I fear there are way too many living their life with a rear view. They are stuck looking backward to perhaps a better time or a missed opportunity. With their attention constantly rearward they fail to notice the opportunities that lie ahead. They may even wind up missing the off ramp to success by their insistence on backward reflection.

The Apostle Paul admonishes the Phillipian believers to forget what lies behind. There is no value in clinging to the past even if it has been riddled with much success. Paul knew that resting on past accomplishments or regretting failures would only hinder future endeavors. Both success and failure can hinder future attainment if we allow ourselves to live in reverse. So by contrast Paul says to forget the past and focus on the future. He admonishes us to look for even greater things which lie ahead, which can be found by aiming high. Setting our sights on the not yet rather than look at the what was.

So as highway 2010 lies ahead, let us all see where this road may lead us. To those who are keeping their focus on things above, the journey will be exciting and joyful. Yes there will be potholes along the way. There will be roadblocks and detours, but in the end, if we do not quit, we will arrive right where God intends us to be.

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. _{Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)}

Along for the journey

“A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts Mal 1:6 (NKJV)

Pay everyone whatever you owe them. If you owe taxes, pay them. If you owe tolls, pay them. If you owe someone respect, respect that person. If you owe someone honor, honor that person. Romans 13:7 (GW)

I’m sure you’ve seen an insect such as a fly struggling desperately to escape to the outside world through a closed window. He never gives up. His frenzied effort would be almost funny if it weren’t a life and death struggle. He backs off. flies into the glass head on, Crashes. backs off, flies into the glass head on again, and again, and again. He totally exhausts himself and drops dead on the windowsill. Little did he know he was doomed from the start.

Human nature is much like that common housefly. We have a tendency to want to rage against God constantly, while our lives are spinning out of control. We continue to raise our fists toward heaven and dare God to make His presence known, while not having a clue as to what a powerful force we are dealing with. I mean would you purposely enter into a lion’s cage and pick a fight with a hungry lion and have no protection from when that lion decides to attack? I mean if that lion wanted too, just one gulp would be all it would take to end your battle against him.

Knowing the nature of a lion, we are not quick to pick a fight with one. I guess we reason because God has not been quick to show retaliation we can hurl insults at Him unabated. Because God chooses to be long suffering toward insolent people he is much maligned. We stand and shake our fists at Him believing he is either not there, asleep at the wheel, non-caring or some other foolish notion.

Let’s take a look at a few of these arguments. If God does not exist then what is the use of shaking your fist at him? Is it because your own life is so out of control you have to blame someone or something for it? So you pick a non-existent deity to blame for your failures? If not, you really look foolish blaming someone who does not exist for your problems. Your problems obviously would be a result of your own decisions. (more…)

1. When genuine joy is dependent on the state of your circumstances.
2. When you begin to lose the distinct aroma of the fragrance of Christ in your life.
3. When you begin to feel or act as if self-worth and acceptance is dependent on how well you perform.
4. When victory or success depends on you and your ability rather than on the adequacy of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
5. When you place undue emphasis on programming and planning to the exclusion of His direction, leading and guidance.
6. When more time is spent in the “activities arena” than in the prayer closet.
7. When the praises of men and women become more important than the approval of God.
8. When relating to and caring for people is less important than programs, planning, meetings, and budgets.
9. When you assume responsibility to worry and fret over things and people that God in His sovereignty and power would take charge of (if you would allow Him to do so).
10. When your rights become more important than God’s will and way.