Winter 1998
Preparation For Purpose
Dr. Ronald L. Taylor
President

This year is Pinecrest's thirtieth anniversary. Today, we continue to remain fully committed to our founding mission - preparing a people to be available for the Lord's end-time purpose.

One aspect of this preparation is expressed in Philippians 3:12.

"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."

In other words, for us to be prepared and available for His purpose, we must first recognize our need. This is always the starting point. Thus, the invitation is extended to those who are aware of their need, "Come, all you who are thirsty" Isaiah 5:1. David said, "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."

When we recognize that the Lord is anxious to show Himself strong through us - not by increasing our strength, but rather, by increasing our dependency upon Him, we are ready to begin. For this reason, II Chronicles 16:9 tells us,

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout
the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf
of them whose heart is perfect toward Him."

Closely associated with recognizing our need is the intensity of our desire for change. We must desire the Lord more than we seek after anything else. Paul expressed this as "pressing on."

Accomplishing change in our lives is never easy or convenient, but always requires a concentrated effort. All too easily, we revert back to our comfort zone - "the way we have always done it."

For example, several years ago, I was taking tennis lessons. The way the instructor showed me to swing my racquet seemed very awkward. I was quite comfortable with the old method, but it was limiting the level of my game. As a result, I needed to make a decision. Would I continue to swing the way I felt comfortable, or would I endure the process of change, and eventually improve the way I played?

As I think about it now, I realize that the more intense the pressure, the more likely I was to revert back to the comfort zone of my old method. As a result, I was able to use the new method in practice long before I could consistently use it in competition. This is because the new way was not an improvement until I changed my thought process under pressure. However, once I made the transition, it was definitely better.

This is comparable to the Lord's way. Isaiah 55:8 tells us "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." Even though it sometimes seems painful to make the transition from our thoughts to His, we know that His way is better.

It has been said that if we continue doing as we have always done, we will continue to receive what we have always received. It is not a matter of trying harder, it is a matter of recognizing our need, and being serious about achieving change. If we truly desire joy in our lives, and to be lead in peace rather than turmoil, we must change our thoughts to His thoughts.

It is clear, after many years of experience, that our way rarely brings us joy, or leads us toward peace. But the Lord's way does. Therefore, we need to "press on" to make the transition from our thoughts to His.

Isaiah 55:11 12a goes on to say "So is My word that goes out from My mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire, and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace."

Even though this requires effort on our part, the Holy Spirit will teach us His way, and leads us into all truth. Through grace, He enables us to do what we cannot do on our own. But, we must be aware of our need and be willing to "press on."

Romans 12:2 tells us that the way to be transformed is by the renewing of our mind. This is the transformation that we need; to be changed from thinking about our own concerns and grievances, to thinking His thoughts. This is why we are admonished to meditate on His word both day and night.

We are being prepared to be available for His purpose, not our own. Let us press on to apprehend that for which we have been apprehended. It is only then that we will be able to ascertain His purpose, and be truly available to Him. Therefore, our prayer should be, "Not my will, but Thy will be done"

Pinecrest is dedicated to this preparation. It may be that the Lord would have you here for a time, that this change from your thoughts to His, will better prepare you for His purposes.