Page 49 - Demo

49\, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:\this) \to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.\Paul is remembered for his great Christian service but he was also a great Christian persecutor. Paul had plenty to feel guilty about. But knowing he was forgiven by his Savior, Paul said, \no, I forget the past and I presson. I won't be manipulated by my memories.\Now you who are in Christ can either rehearse those guilt feelings or you can release them. If you're going to live the maximum life, if you're going to finish the race, let go of the grief, let go of the grudges, let go of the guilt. They're holding you back, they're wrecking you and they're only hurting you. Throw aside your past, your fears, your guilt and your doubts; intercept those distractions.Note the reward.Let me ask you a question: Why would we want to live the maximum life in the first place? Why go all out for God? Why make the effort? It's really pretty important because if you can't answer the why, you won't make it to the finish line. The why determines the how long. The why will determine the effort you put into it. Why go to all the trouble we've talked about? Why examine your values? Why make those goals? Why worry about relationships?1. The purpose-Remember that God put you on this earth for specific purposes. \God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.\He had a blueprint for us before we were ever born. Frankly, if you don't fulfill that purpose it does not matter how much money you make, how many people answer to you or how many magazines you get your picture on the cover; if you don't fulfill God's purposes for your life, you're a failure. That's harsh, but it's true. Anything that does not do what it's been designed to do is a failure by definition. The only way you're going to have any lasting satisfaction and joy is by fulfilling God's purpose. That's why you make the effort.2. The ultimate reward. -\do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man aimlessly...\says? He says, oh yes, the Greek, those folks in their little Olympics, they run for a stephanotis, a crown of victory; a little gold medal or something else. But do you know why we run? It's not to work our way into heaven becauseGod gave salvation free to all who claim it through faith,