For a wide door for effective service has opened to me [Paul], and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9

1. WALK THROUGH THE OPEN DOOR. Opportunities are often disguised by obstacles. With every promise there will be inherent challenges and problems. Paul knew he was going to have challenges, but he kept forging ahead anyway. Instead of shrinking back or hesitating, we must seek God about what opportunity He has for us in the midst of difficulty.

A call to always thank God, no matter the circumstance, and make gratitude a lifelong attitude. Key Bible verses: Psalm 86:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

1. LAY IT DOWN. Every day, minute by minute, we can cast our cares on the Lord. If stuff has happened to discourage you, then enter into God’s presence with thanksgiving and watch Him lift your heart and head as you praise Him and lay down every weight.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

2. STEP OUT. An amazing path lies before each of us and we are called to step out of the confines of fear and into a life of faith and love. Some of the great achievements that you and I are called to are rooted in a simple life of obedience and faith, keeping an attitude of thankfulness, and being quick to repent.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9

3. RUN WITH ENDURANCE. We are made to be durable, to run this race, not just for a short time, but to bring glory and honor to Jesus our whole lives. Study and meditate on the Scriptures to get an awareness of your destiny and purpose so that you don’t miss out on a life of great fruitfulness.

Press On! Pastor Jeff

DAILY CONFESSION: You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts my head (Psalm 3:3). I keep my confidence in God, which has great reward (Hebrews 10:35). I walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

en•dur•ance, noun The ability of an organism to exert itself and remain active for a long period of time, as well as its ability to resist, withstand, recover from, and have immunity to trauma, wounds, or fatigue.

Copyright © 2019 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. “Endurance.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. 2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP

1. SOW TO THE SPIRIT. Grace is God’s willingness to work on our behalf even though we don’t deserve it. The Bible says: “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20b). But that’s not an excuse to sin. Instead we can fight the devil, crucify our flesh, and not conform to the world. How? By meditating on and investing in the things of God (Galatians 6:8).

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another . . . But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11a

1. LOVE ONE ANOTHER. The Apostle Paul praised the Thessalonian church for identifying and doing what pleases God and encouraged them to keep excelling. What this early church exemplified holds true today: The hallmark of Christianity is our love for one another. We can’t thrive and advance when we carry the weight of resentment. Let God deal with other people. When you show others mercy, you will receive mercy (Matthew 5:7).

For whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:7b-9

God’s Word is spiritual seed and food. As realistically as your physical body needs physical food, your spiritual self needs the Word of God. It’s pure and powerful, and when you sow it into your spirit, you will reap amazing benefits.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

1. REMEMBER WHAT GOD HAS DONE. God is inviting us into a lifestyle of expressing thanks and praise to Him. We have a lot to be thankful for! God sent Jesus to rescue us from sin and death. The most precious gift you have is your fellowship with God. When we give thanks, we’re acknowledging God has done something for us!

A wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9

1. THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE. Whenever you hear people say something is impossible, then you can celebrate, because God said all things are possible to those who believe (Mark 9:23). Let the Word of God push aside unbelief and fear, because God has called you to speak to the mountains and command them to be moved (Mark 11:23).

For a wide door for effective service has opened to me [Paul], and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9

1. WALK THROUGH THE OPEN DOOR. Opportunities are often disguised by obstacles. With every promise there will be inherent challenges and problems. Paul knew he was going to have challenges, but he kept forging ahead anyway. Instead of shrinking back or hesitating, we must seek God about what opportunity He has for us in the midst of difficulty.

The people who know their God will display strength and take action. Daniel 11:32b

1. RESPOND TO GOD. The champions of the Bible are not unattainable superheroes. They are men and women who simply responded to God, believed the word that He had given them, and acted on the mission. That’s where they found the strength and that’s where we too will find the strength to complete our course.