DAILY DEVOTION, August 20 PRESSING TOWARD THE MARK! Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. It is only when we have climbed the foothills that we realize how lofty the mountain summits are. But there is no need for discouragement. We have eternity before us, the expanding landscape of truth is our inspiration, and the loving Spirit of God bears us upward on eagle’s wings. Our Savior had a distinct purpose in view when He apprehended us. Its full scope was only known to Him; let us strive that we may not fail to realize His ideal. We can do this best by forgetting past failures, past sins, and past successes, and pressing on toward the goal. Forgetting the things that are behind - Even that part of the race which is already run. And reaching forth unto - Literally, stretched out over the things that are before - Pursuing with the whole bent and vigour of my soul, perfect holiness and eternal glory. In Christ Jesus - The author and finisher of every good thing. To mortify and put off the old man, and to put on the new; In charity, humility, words of edification, thankfulness; Relative duties. Col 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. The great Teacher our Lord Jesus Christ says this: Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. In other words, He calls us to press toward the narrow gate (Mat 7:13a "You can enter true life only through the narrow gate). This is the great summing up. (1) 1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (2) Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (3) 2Ti 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. GOD BLESS YOU. PRAYER Most Merciful Father, give us grace that we may never be drawn to do anything that may dishonour Thy Name; but may persevere in all good purposes, running with patience the race that is set before us and pressing toward the mark for the prize. AMEN.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 08:07:06 +0000
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