Toward the Mark

Philippians 3:14 Paul said in KJV: “I press toward the mark for the prize of high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Other translation: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” NCV: “I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.”

Paul said, “I press.” The word, ‘press’ interests me to look up the dictionary and surprised that it means: use the force or weight steadily against; push with steady force; keep pushing; force into service, usually naval or military; seize use or capture.

We are in the battlefield against the powers of the world’s darkness, and against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. That is why we need to put on God’s full armor to be able to stand strong. Paul press on toward the goal of God’s calling in his life and he stays on that goal until he went home to be with Jesus.

As for us while we are here on this earth, always pray for all God’s people so we can all press toward the goal of God’s calling us in Christ Jesus. God promised a crown of life to those who love Jesus Christ [James 1:12] and to those who have stood the test so let us sing!

Song: “When the Battle’s Over”
When the battle’s over, we shall wear a crown,
We shall wear a crown, we shall wear a crown,
And when the battle’s over we shall wear a crown
In the New Jerusalem.
Wear a crown… wear a crown…
Wear a bright and shining crown...
And when the battle’s over we shall wear a crown
In the New Jerusalem…

(Lyrics: Isaac Watts, Sing His Praise)

Dorothy 

(Manna for April 3-7, 2013)