Day 55: Pressing On Toward the Goal

Philippians 3, 4; Colossians 1

As someone who accepted Christ later in life, the biggest struggle I have is pressing on.  lately, as I read the instructions written by God – I realize more and more of how much I trule value worldly desires.  As guilt washed over me on a daily basis, on the worldly life I still live, I came across Philippians 3:13.

¹³Brothers, 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, Philippians 3:13

It was what I needed to know.  The thoughts of perfection and the guilt associated disappeared.  I was comforted by Paul and his humility.  He writes to the Philippians that he himself has not yet attained being perfect.  He focuses on straining towards what is ahead – to press on.  It was a great reminder of God’s awesome grace.

Dear Lord, I humbly ask you to grant me the maturity and wisdom in my faith.  Allow me to not remain focused on confidences and treasures of the flesh – to consider them as rubbish.  Allow me to truly grasp the difference between righteousness found in my own ability but through my faith in Christ Jesus.  Allow me to clearly see that the truly magnificent part of my faith is that you transform my sinning body so that one day, it will be like your glorious body.

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Day 54: Defending the Chains

Ephesians 6; Philippians 1, 2

We are all partaking in God’s grace, just as Paul had.  Even in chains and through persecution, Paul was defending and confirming the gospel..  Through chains, the brothers of Philippi were encourage to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

²⁰I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21

Paul instructs the Philippians stand firm in one spirit, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.  We are asked to continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Dear Lord, I love you Lord.  I ask my love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.  i pray that I may be able to discern what is best and what is pure – so that I may be blameless.  Allow me to boldly proclaim and rejoice in my chains, for it is a mere representation of your amazing grace.  It is through my weaknesses that I become stronger in my faith.  Thank you for loving me so much.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.