Pressing
On
With Allen Bach and Clay O’Brien Cooper
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
Receiving the
Blessings of God
Allen: A friend of mine Brian Vauhn painted me the perfect picture. He was telling me about a 16th century explorer who was exploring new land. They come to a point where they burned all escape routes. I mean they burned there boats, everything. They knew if they had no way of getting back they would keep pressing on. They were 100% committed to the exploration. Can you imagine if we did the same with God! It seems like we always have an escape route or a back up plan. It’s like we don’t fully commit to God and we take things into our own hands if they aren’t going the way we want them to go! We don’t always give God time to answer our prayers! Or maybe we don’t like the way He is answering them. We cannot get the true blessing of God when we do that. We have to burn that escape route and have faith in God!
Clay: God always wants us to walk in the blessing and abundance that He has created for us. We have so many things that are blessings that are right at our hands or at our disposal to use. He created us, and the world we live in. And we are blessed to live in a country that provides us with many opportunities. There are just so many things to be thankful for. It is just totally awesome. But in the midst of all of this, as Christians we should be growing and learning on a daily basis. We should be learning not only to trust Him, but learning to live by faith. That allows us to grow in the knowledge of Him and see the blessing that he has for us!
Allen: In receiving God’s promises there are always conditions. One of those conditions is the RELATIONSHIP CONDITION. For us we have to prove to the lord that our commitment is true and real. To do that, we have to spend time and have a relationship with Him. Only when we do this can we see his true blessings. It is the same with our roping. All the money in the world can’t make you a good roper. There are fundamental truths you have to follow and apply to your roping. When you implement them you receive the fruits from that. It is that kind of foundation that we have to get a hold of and build on. I believe when you want that long-term blessing in life you have to totally sell out to God and be in it for the long haul. We have to develop our hearts towards that goal. God knows our heart and our commitment. Sometimes we don’t know our own commitment in our hearts.
Clay: We have to realize that we still walk in a flesh and blood body, which is subject to the temptations of the world. I’m just like anybody else I have to make myself get into the word. Because there are times my mind and my body don’t want to do it! But I realize what the outcome is if I am diligent and faithful to take the time to pray and talk to God and keep my relationship with God current on a daily basis. It is just like a battery that looses charge. I can tell just a day or two without God’s word and without me pressing into my relationship with God. I can feel my battery start to weaken. When you pray and fellowship with God and read his word and press in for that knowledge and understanding you feel the battery charge up! It is a lot better to be going around with a fully charged battery than one that is just getting along!
Allen: The Bible is the key to keeping our batteries charged. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. God wanted us to know that Jesus was God. We need to get a hold of the fact that when you are reading the bible, it is not just another book, it is inspired by God. This is a very special book! When you meditate on these words and get them in your spirit the spirit of God that is inside of us takes these words and gives us revelation. He teaches us that word. John 14: 25“All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. What he is saying is I might be leaving but I’m coming back in the form of the holly spirit and I will remind you of all the teachings that have been put in you. We have to put in God’s word and apply it to our lives!
Clay: The more we learn the more we can tap into and utilize into our lives which in return brings more blessings. You know it is like a revolving door. You learn and apply and receive blessings, (Learn, apply receive!) Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor." The knowledge of the word of God lets us tap into the resources of God and what he said he has for us. It is just amazing the more I learn the more I want to learn, because the more it brings in abundance of God’s provision into my life. The more you get the more you want.
Allen: If we don’t see that we are receiving God’s
best in our life. Maybe we need to
assess our relationship and find out where we are not totally committed,
because God is faithful. Faith is
something, which God let us know in his word is very pleasing to him. Romans
Clay: In a bigger picture the people in our lives receive an overflow that comes from us. It might be in knowledge, understanding or in other areas where you can help build someone else’s faith up. You can encourage others and be productive in their lives. When you are being blessed and you’re blessing others. It is amazing at how good life can be when all of these things are flowing in the right direction.
Allen: I’m living proof that when we apply God’s principles to our lives we are truly blessed. I have a wonderful wife and awesome children. I have tried to instill that Christian foundation in my children and have built my marriage on that foundation. For that God has blessed me! I’m not saying that my life is perfect. I have to constantly assess my life and make adjustments. When I do this I rely on God to help me make the right adjustments! I encourage you to rely on God! He is faithful!