Dear Church, Christ died for in Clarion, Iowa,

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that, for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But on thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize fore which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

When I was in high school in Kiowa, Kansas, my senior year, I went out for track. I remember running against a kid by the name of Dennis. He was over 6 feet tall, and was an all around athlete. I was only 5’ 9". I remember that because of his height that I was unable, straining as much as I could, I could not do anything more that just keep up with him for a short while. He always won. But when ever it came to a race where we were running in a medley, passing the baton, we always won also.

In the Church we are all built a little different (I’m not talking physically now). We each have our own strengths, and weaknesses. Some will have greater endurance over the long haul, some speed over the shorter distances, some will be able to jump over barriers just like they weren’t there. But, as one we are able to accomplish greater things because if you can do more, I can do more. We are on the same team. We pass the buton around to each other enabling each one to carry the cause of Christ when the other is unable to do it, for whatever reason. The key is for each one to have the same goal.

We have much to look forward to this year. We can do anything through Christ Jesus-HE PROMISED! May we, EACH ONE, be FOR THE OTHER! So that we can accomplish our purpose!

 In Christ,

Tim