Philippians 3:1-21

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)

When Jesus gets a hold of our heart we are filled with wonder and a sense of awe. I know that once I started to walk with Him I felt different. When I would revert to old behavior I was quickly struck with a feeling of regret. I would fear I was falling back into my previous lifestyle. This verse is a reminder to me I need to forget what is behind and move forward.

Life is a race, a race with time, a race to obtain all Christ wants for us. We never arrive; we are always striving, plowing on through life, forgetting yesterday and creating a bright new today. Yesterday's verse promised us a "hope and a future", today's reading assures us the past is the past.

New Years' Day was 5 months ago. It was a day specifically designated as a time for new beginnings. We resolve to change, to improve, and to be all that we can. Let's approach everyday as though it were New Year's Day, and from a Christian’s viewpoint. Let us examine our lives, decide where we want to change and ask God to help. Let's press on toward the goal together. It is good to know that we do not need to wait for January 1st to make this life change. We are invited to come before the throne of God daily and make a new commitment.

Dear Jesus, thank you that we can come to you daily, hourly and seek your forgiveness. Thank you for always being near enough to talk to and cry out to. Help us to press on continually. Amen.

Read Philippians 3:1-21 here


Listen to Philippians 3:1-21 here

Philippians 3:1-21

Philippians 3:1 (NIV)
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

How many times do we sometimes need to hear something for it to sink in?  I know for me, there are some words I need to read often; some messages I must take to heart over and over again.  Too often I allow the world to impact my spirit and I end up with a bad attitude or a sour disposition for no reason.

During those seasons where I am absorbed with problems, whether large or small, and I get away from my habit of daily quiet time first thing in the morning, I will be off kilter until I get myself back in that routine. When I allow life to get the better of me without my armor in place I will be easily pierced by the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Eph 6:10-18)

What can we do when we find ourselves in the midst of pain and suffering?  Get back to the basics, get into the Bible and seek direction or comfort.  It is all there, nestled in the pages of The Book.  It feels so good when I am centered on Christ.  He came to earth-to give us the freedom only salvation provides and reading about that precious gift everyday will cause my Spirit to soar, enabling me to face today with courage and look forward to tomorrow with confidence.

Read Philippians 3:1-21 here

Listen to Philippians 3:1-21 here

Philippians 3:1-21

Did you give up much when you decided to follow Christ?  Did any of those things seem like a hardship to let go off?  Paul is sharing how for him his entire life changed.  His attitude took a complete about face and with the changed and transformed heart he walked a bold and different path.  For Paul it happened quickly; probably because God had such a pressing job in store for him, one that was time-sensitive.

Paul was raised and educated with the Scriptures foremost in his teaching, but he never really got it.  He never wrapped his mind around what the Word of God was really saying to him.  That is until God got his attention in a very big way.  Has God gotten your attention in a big way?  Is your story similar at all to Paul's conversion story?  Paul is a marvelous example to those of us who might not embrace the Good News because we think we could never be forgiven, that we have been to bad to ever be able to be counted as a follower.

Then too, some of us might not want to give up our lifestyle, fearing we will never have any fun again.  After all, Christians don't have good time, do they?  Christians don't enjoy life, do they?  You are probably grinning right now, right?  It isn't easy following Christ, but it is rewarding.  For Believers, fun takes on an entirely different meaning.  Laughter comes easier, joy fills the heart and the eyes brim with real happiness.  God will work quickly in us too, for it is still extremely time sensitive.

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:7-8)

Read Philippians 3:1-21 here

Listen to Philippians 3:1-21 here