|
"But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
(Acts 20:24)
Last week I met with Ed Horne, a businessman who loves Jesus. He has developed one of the top residential communities in America (number 5 in the state of Texas and number 21 in the nation). Santa Rita Ranch is a beautiful development in Liberty Hill, and Ashley and I recently bought a home here as well. We love living here. There are nearly 2,000 homes already built, and the master plan calls for close to 5 times that number. Everything is done first class and Ed and his wife, Elizabeth, are the human factors behind all the success.
But Ed will tell you quickly that the reason they have been so blessed is because of the favor of God upon them. He purchased the land many years ago from a Christian lady who sold the land to Ed because she felt that he would honor God and do what was right. Ed has a vision as big as the state of Texas, and it is a delight to talk to him and hear his goals and dreams. He made the statement that he does not want to just live and wear out but to give his best for the Lord. I shared with him a quote I heard from Pastor Jack Graham, longtime pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX: "I do not want to burn out, rust out, wear out, or flame out; rather, I want to max out."
The Apostle Paul had this same mentality and approach to life and ministry. He did not want to just start well; he wanted to finish well. He told the leaders of the church of Ephesus that the challenges he had faced did not move him. Paul faced many heartbreaking challenges and setbacks. But God was with him every step of the way, and his setbacks were ultimately setups to do even greater things for God.
Let me encourage you as a follower of Jesus to be the best you can be. Give God your best and do not be sidelined through adversities. Be the best Christian businessman, doctor, plumber, pastor, engineer, etc. that you can be, and give God all the glory each day.
|
Apple
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube
