Good morning! Have you tried to finish a task and became distracted by something else that you were unable to finish your task? Have you ever thought you were almost finished with something (e.g., reading a chapter, cleaning your house, paying off something) and then you noticed there was one more thing or a series of things you had to complete? Today as we continue our reading in Philippians we learn that even with all of Apostle Paul’s accomplishments he still had work to do. Join me as we continue reading Philippians chapter three (3).

Bible Verse – Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

“¹² I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. ¹³ No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Reflection

Apostle Paul knew his mission and purpose for which Christ had called him. While Paul could have sat in prison boastful of all that he had accomplished and waited idly to die, Apostle Paul knew there was much more to do. Apostle Paul wanted to experience the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ.

Sisters and brothers, we have come to know about Christ, to know Christ, but lets seek to know more about Christ – everything He is willing to reveal to us through scripture and in relationship with Him. Too many times we are comfortable in just knowing some Bible stories, what we believe and simply going through the motions of attending church (e.g., in-person or online). However, while those things (e.g., knowing Bible stories and attending church) help each of us, we are called to know Christ more, to build a relationship and pursue His will for our lives. The Lord has called you to greater things, they may not be financial – but greater things. He desires for you to grow more spiritually – to keep pressing forward in Him.

Question to ponder:

• Are you sitting idly? ____________

Sisters and brothers, don’t get stuck where you are. God has so much more for you. If He has called you to be a Christian in your profession and/or in your home – then let those around you see Him at work in your life through your actions. If He has called you to sit still and spend time in prayer – do it. If He has called you to pray for or provide for those in need don’t hesitate to do it. Continue forward in the things that the Lord has called you to, keep growing in maturity in faith – reading the Bible for yourself and living it out.

There is still work to do. Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Don’t sit on the sidelines, break time is over – it’s time  to get in the race.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for always being with us. Thank you for seeing us where we were and for seeing us right now. Thank you for never leaving us abandoned or lost. Lord, thank you for rescuing us from desert places, from places of rejection, and without a clear path to move forward. Lord, thank you for seeking us out and for bringing us back into relationship with you. Lord, there are many things that we can cling to from our past, but Lord today and each day forward we choose to cling onto you – forgetting what was behind and moving forward by Your grace and mercy. Lord, continue to lead us toward you and your plan and purpose for our lives. Lord, there is no one greater than you, we need you. There are so many people struggling with grief, finances, mental health, addiction, homelessness and other things – Lord, we ask for you to do what is impossible for humans and begin to do mighty work in their lives – heal, comfort, provide, stabilize minds, shelter, breakfree from addiction. Lord, we ask for protection over children and ask that you protect them from abuse, exploitation and other tragic events. Lord, rescue those who are being trafficked and help them to get the care that they need. Lord, we pray for the orphans and widows. Lord, provide for their needs and help them to build healthy relationships with others – protect them from those who desire to harm them or misuse them. Lord, use us to help make a difference in the world. Lord, we don’t want to only recite the words in the Bible, we want to be believers in action doing the things you have called us to do. Lord, renew our minds and lead us wherever you are calling us to go and to do whatever you want us to do. In Jesus name, amen.

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