December 27-31, 2015 - Pressing Toward
the Goal – Manna by Dorothy Callies
[Revised from 12/31/2013]
Philippians 3:13 “… I am focusing all
my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what
lies ahead” (NLT).
Paul said that his goal was to know
Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal
took all of Paul’s energies. Paul gave us an example that we are to set our
eyes on the goal—knowing Christ. Paul
said, “… I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ
Jesus saved me for and wants me to be” (Phil.3:12 NLT).
Paul said, “I am still not all I should
be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past
and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race
and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to
heaven” (Phil. 3:13,14 NLT).
Paul had reason to forget the past—he
had held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr
(Acts 7:57, 58, Paul is called Saul here). Paul was not proud of what he did.
When he accepted Christ, many Christians were not able to accept Paul then.
Paul went away for a while to get to know Christ. Later on, Barnabas went to
find him and became his friend. Barnabas introduced Paul to the Christians to
hear him preach the gospel. They were amazed that Paul became a different man.
They forgave Paul and learned to forget what Paul had done in the past.
We have all done things for which we
were ashamed of. But our hope is in Christ, and we can let go of past guilt and
look forward to what God will help us to become like Jesus. Don’t dwell on your
past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your
relationship with Him now. Realize that you are forgiven, and then move on to a
life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life
because of your hope in Christ.
Song: My Lord Knows The Way
My Lord knows the way thro’ the
wilderness,
All I have to do is to follow.
My Lord knows the way thro’ the wilderness,
All I have to do is to follow.
Strength for today is mine all the way,
And all that I need for tomorrow.
My Lord knows the way thro’ the
wilderness,
All I have to do is to follow.
(Inspiring Choruses)