14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14 (NASB95)

I love finishing things.  There is just something about completing that final task, checking the box and moving on to the next goal.  Of course crossing the finish line of completion is not always easy.  It seems there are always twists, turns, and unexpected obstacles that pop up and push the goalpost further away.  For example just last night our family played a game that wouldn’t end.  Please know that I love playing games with my family.  And I could certainly enjoy the comedy that accompanies my boys’ competitiveness for hours.  But as bed time approached and the desire to win mounted, the dad in me couldn’t help but think of ways to get this plane of fun landed before the night ended in a crash.  What I came to learn part way through our game of “Memory” was that two games had been combined into one and cards were missing.  So instead of playing match with 48 cards, we were trying to remember the whereabouts of cards amongst a pattern of 93.  Needless to say the night was dragging on until mom had the brilliant idea of turning cards and letting them face up so that matches could be found more expeditiously.  In no time the game was COMPLETE.  And in a turn of grace the two middle boys beat the rest of us in a tie.  Game night ended in perfect peace.

Needless to say, not every goal in life is finished as perfectly as our game night.  For sure major obstacles can stand in the way of important pursuits.  This week we find Nehemiah so close to completing his ultimate goal of restoring and repopulating the city of Jerusalem to the glory of God. However, unsurprisingly, he comes up against one last obstacle that needs to be overcome before the task is finished.  Take some time to read especially the beginning of Chapter 11 and the end of chapter 12 to see how the Lord saves the day and is honored in the end.

When it comes to building walls of faith, like Nehemiah and the Apostle Paul in the verse above, it’s crucial that we press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus.  I can’t wait for this Sunday as we dig into God’s word as we always do and this time celebrate the crossing of a significant finish line together.  Be sure to listen to the worship set as you prepare for worship.

Love you church and I can’t wait to see you Sunday.


Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor

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11:00 AM – Worship Service on Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)

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