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Straining for the Prize!

Scripture reading for September 4th:  Philippians 3, Psalm 27, Proverbs 23

Key Scriptures: Philippians 3:12-16 “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.  But one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and straining  to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.  Only let us hold true to what we have attained.”

Paul was in the later years of his life and ministry.  He had walked with Jesus through many trials and tribulations and seen many miracles and spiritual victories.  But he knew that he was not perfect and had not arrived.  He kept his focus forward, not backward.  He knew that the best was yet to come and to focus on knowing and seeing Jesus when He returned would keep him and those he oversaw moving in the right direction.

Faith Confession:  I choose daily to focus on Jesus Christ, placing Him first in all things.  I purpose to leave the past behind me and set an example for others by pressing on to know Jesus Christ, Who saved me by His atoning sacrifice.

Psalm 27:4  “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.”