Welcome to the Victory Blog

This last weekend, Pastors Dennis and Colleen had the opportunity to train some pastors in Oslo, Norway. It was great to be able to have a wise man of God like Olin Holly speak in their absence. He brought a message that challenged all of us to pursue excellence. Here are some thoughts from his message:

Think about the athletes at the Olympics. Over 10,500 of them are participating in 28 different sporting events over the next two weeks. Yet, only about 300 gold medals will be won. To win a gold medal, they have to bring their “A” game. Excellence is essential. To achieve that level of excellence, they make huge sacrifices and overcome incredible odds. Do we not all appreciate that?

Now, think about our own lives. We expect a degree of excellence in many areas of life - whenever we pay money for a service, for food, for entertainment and even at church. We always expect to receive the best. The question is, are we consistent in that expectation with ourselves? Are we willing to give excellence to others? So often, we do not reciprocate the excellence we expect of others.

God expects the best from us. He is the best, and so deserves the best. In the book of Malachi God challenged the Old Testament priests to give Him the very best, not second best. They were bringing wounded and sick animals to sacrifice and keeping the best for themselves and He strongly rebuked them for it. And, just as He expected the best from His priests, He also expects it of us. He doesn’t want just part of us, but all of us. Are we bringing our “A” game to God? He set the example of giving the best by giving His Son, Jesus. Because He didn’t hold back His best, should we not also, then, give ours? The answer, of course, is, “Yes!”

Have you ever known anyone who is so passionate for what they do that they always give it 110% and seem to go about 100 m.p.h.? We can learn a lot from these kind of people if we study their lives and what motivates them. Paul is a great example. He was passionate about bringing people to Christ. This was his sole life-focus after encountering Christ. He exhibits what I call the Attributes of the “A” Game:

• Run to win - don’t just get in the race
• Discipline yourself - exercise strict self-control
• Keep an eternal perspective - we’re not going after an earthly, destructible prize
• Make your efforts count - make the most of every opportunity
• Practice what you preach - be an example; don’t disqualify yourself

If we want to “win the prize,” we have to apply these attributes to our own life - in our relationship with God, marriage, parenting, friendships/courtships, career/school/ministry and health. And, we have to finish strong. That means stripping off the weights and sin that hinder us, keeping our eyes on Christ rather than the things that slow us down and casting all our cares upon Him. We can’t afford to get distracted. If we endure to the end, we will win. Imagine what it will be like to stand before the Father and all of heaven to hear the anthem, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”