Lose

A time to lose; (Eccl. 3:6b)

Mark 8:35
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.  (ESV)

Philippians 2:16-18

¹⁶ Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. ¹⁷ But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.  (NLT)

In the movie 127 Hrs it is a retelling of a moutain climber who gets stuck in a crevace and after several days realizes that his options of living are drastically limited, and he choses to sever his hand from his body so that he can escape with his life.   He was successful in both, and although he lost his hand, he gained his life.   Today's scripture is about there being a time to lose, and in our culture losing is somewhat unacceptable.  What professional plays the game to lose.....none.   What corporate exec. invest their time and money to lose?   What follower of Christ actually looks forward to losing their lives for Christ's sake?   Really....if we think about it not many.  Especially not compared to the disciples who saw the reality that accepting Christ, and living for His cause, really does mean a loss (of their agendas to pick up His mission) , a departure, a severing off of  __________________ (fill in the blank...pornography, drugs, alcohol abuse, your will, etc) so that you can can gain your life in and of eternity!

Since choosing to truly live for Christ a little over 12 years ago, it's been a slow but constant departure from my selfish self, and losing many things including my time....to be about my Father's business.   People have worried, sent emails, sat with me at dinner or lunch to express concerns of burn out.  Of course after so many times...one can't help to begin to seriously consider their concerns.  Now as a New Pastor, I really have to make sure I remember to keep the first THING first, and remember not to forget my ministries within my home.   BUT for the record.....I'm losing my life and I'm having the time of my life experiencing the WONDERS of LIVING full time (not just on the weekends, or part-time or per diem) for GOD.   Keep me prayed up...that I treasure every moment & I stay full of the Living Water that will provide me with the JOY needed to endure this leg of the race.  THANK YOU & my family THANKS YOU!

Here's my challenge for you: Whether it's weight or things that have or are weighing you down, holding you back (Heb. 12:1) from experiencing the FREEDOM CHRIST OFFERS that you would be relentless in losing, cutting, severing it or them off from your relationship with the Almighty GOD!  Even if that means letting go of anger so that you can really love GOD, and love People!  I DOUBLE DARE YOU!!!! LGLP