“Further, Deeper, Higher"

"Further, Deeper, Higher"

   

    Physiologists tell us that the older we get, the more we need to move in order to maintain both physical and mental health.  The same is even more true spiritually.

    "Exercise thyself rather unto godliness" (I Timothy 4:7).

    "The hoary (gray) head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness" (Proverbs 16:31).

    No resting upon laurels or resigning to the status quo exists in the Christian life.  Like elderly, but vigorous Caleb of old, challenges remain that must be conquered.  More importantly, our attitude must reflect our brother's bold request - "Give me this mountain!" (Joshua 14:6-12).  Thus, we go forth in confidence of God's leadership and strengthening throughout our earthly journey.  This does not preclude the normal physical and mental challenges we face as "the outward man perishes".  It does, however, promise that "the inward man is renewed day by day" as we walk with our Lord in the faith that anticipates the fulfillment of His promised and abiding presence.  "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (II Corinthians 4:16; Matthew 28:20).

   However well we presently know the Lord, we do not know Him well enough.  As an infinite Being, He forever beckons us to come further, dive deeper, and soar higher into Himself.  "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18).  Thus, each new day dawns with the promise of discovering the Person and Truth of the Lord Jesus Christ in greater measure and more intimate detail.  An open Bible, a prayerful heart, fellowship with other believers, and confident expectation prepare us for the journey of further, deeper, higher.  Thereby, we grow in both faith and faithfulness, and in the spiritual movement of heart and mind whereby we seek to exercise ourselves unto godliness for as long as our present lifetime endures.

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 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."

(Philippians 3:12-14)

Weekly Memory Verse

    Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Ephesians 6:23)