Testimony #10

Playing By The Rules
Raiders for Christ

God still calls men and women to be His ambassadors today. he challenges us to serve Him, sometimes close to home, sometimes in distant lands. The question for us is, how will we respond to His call? Over time, the world has become like a neglected room. Many of us bring in things that don't belong. We arrange priorities in ways that hinder our potential. Our lives become lazy, overwhelming, and ineffective. Self improvements offer little help.

In the Gospels, we read that some people asked Jesus, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? (John 6:28). Our problem today is no different like it was in those times. Only God can do the works of God! Jesus' answer instructs us all: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (John 6:29). Whatever we have to do, then, whether teaching a Sunday school class, telling the gospel story to your neighbor at a Raiders game? or preaching to thousands, it must be done by faith. There is no way to "work the works of God." Our responsibility is to serve God faithfully, wherever He has placed us. Then we're to leave the results to Him. As Jesus reminded His disciples in (John 15:5), "Without Me you can do nothing."

Then why do many struggle? In truth all of us have been enlisted in an intensive spiritual training camp, as we are daily led through this course of "basic spiritual training," we are instructed to build up our spiritual endurance and stamina. One of the ways we do that is by the various trials and testing that come our way. Every time we resist, every time we flee, every time we say "No" to ungodliness, we become stronger in Spirit. Yes, the message of Christ and His saving work on the cross can change the direction of a person's life. It has the "supernatural power" to reach the heart of everyone. Being consistent in your daily walk is key. The test of dying to one's self. When we run this course of dying to self, and walk in complete and total obedience with the Lord, we then become qualified to rule and reign with the King, Jesus Christ.

In the same manner the pre-season for the Oakland Raiders gets into high gear six to eight weeks prior to the season. This is the time when weight-training along with running drills are used for maximizing strength and endurance. Which include cardiovascular warm-up before and after weight training sessions, these programs allow players to complete the season injury-free and maintain strength for the entire season. The basic mental training that takes place in film sessions, brings a mental conditioning that gives attention to one's flaw's which brings a positive outcome. The purpose of training camp is for players to endure the season.

The testing and training of the believer, is when your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed your advice disregarded, and your opinions and advice are ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rule over your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient and loving silence, then you are dying to self. When you are content with any situation that comes your way, according to God's will, then you are dying to self. When you no longer care to refer to yourself in conversation or to say "It was my doing," when you no longer itch after commendation, when you no longer place your satisfaction in being known, then you are dying to self. When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit, feeling no envy and no desire to question God, while your own needs are far greater and in separate circumstance, then your are dying to self. When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than you and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, then you are dying to self. When you are forgotten, neglected, or purposely set aside as noting, and you personally don't hurt from the ugliness of the insult or the oversight, but your heart is content, being counted worthy to suffer with Christ, then you are dying to self.

On any given Sunday during the football season God's will for believers is illustrated by the profile of the offense-linemen who wear the Silver and Black. Who's role is to battle in the trenches throughout the game. He'll knock you 'round and upside down and laugh when he's conquered and won, as he's accompished his mission in protecting his teammates, the ultimate gladitor when it comes to teamwork. Always submissive in their actions and words of silence, never indulging in credit for victory, but quick to humble themselves when criticism comes their way. The training that brought forth endurance to be strong and flexible. Has also brought maturity in these players. Likewise the believer should be in his or her calling. How grateful we should be that our Heavenly Father is so graceful "Through Christ" Be encouraged, Raiders in Christ. Remember:The Kingdom of God is within you. As you allow the King of Kings to rule within your very being, He takes over where you stop understanding? And before you realize it, He is perfecting that which concerns you!

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the onewho enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. (2Timothy 2:3-5;).

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"