Oct 1, 2024
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The dew of his youth...
Press on to know the blessed mysteries of the gospel as the food of your soul; press on to know the Son of God, not only as a crucified man, not only as sweating blood in Gethsemane's garden, and agonizing on Calvary's tree; but press on to know him as the exalted God-man Mediator at the right hand of the Father, ever living to make intercession, able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him; and press on to enjoy him as your living Head, distilling into you as a living member of his mystical body, what the Psalmist calls, "the dew of his youth;" that is, the fruits of his resurrection, ascension and glorification, as manifested by the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. Press onward to know the power of the precious gospel you profess, to enjoy it more in your soul, and to manifest its reality more in your conduct, your conversation, and your life. ~ J. C. Philpot
Apparently there’s a tombstone at the foot of one of those majestic mountains in the Alps to honor the memory of a man who fell to his death while attempting to climb to the top. Underneath the individual’s name the epitaph reads, “He died climbing.” That’s what should be said of each of us. We’re to pursue the prize with dogged determination, so that when we die, we’re already on the way up.
~ Brian Bill
See him (Paul) from the day of his conversion, giving up his brilliant prospects-forsaking all for Christ's sake-and going forth to preach that very Jesus whom he had once despised. See him going back and forth throughout the world from that time-through persecution-through oppression-through opposition-through prisons-through chains-through afflictions-through things next to death itself, up to the very day when he sealed his faith with his blood and died at Rome, a martyr for that Gospel which he had so long proclaimed. This was true Christian zeal.
~ J.C. Ryle
The corollary admonition is that if the "direction" of your life is to pursue after that which is evil, you may be saying more about your eternal destiny than you realize. Faith in Jesus is not a "fire (eternal) insurance" policy, but a "life (eternal) assurance" policy, and is manifest and validated by a changed life (direction, not perfection!). Do not be deceived. Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone. ~ Precept Austiin
Press on...
Press on (1377) (dioko) "carries the idea of intense endeavor.”: The Greeks used it to describe a hunter eagerly pursuing his prey. A man does not become a winning athlete by listening to lectures, watching movies, reading books, or cheering at the games. He becomes a winning athlete by getting into the game and determining to win! The same zeal that Paul employed when he persecuted the church (Phil. 3:6), he displayed in serving Christ. Come to think of it, wouldn't it be wonderful if Christians put as much determination into their spiritual life as they do their golfing, fishing, or bowling?" ~ Warren Wiersbe
PRAYER: Abba Father, the great I AM, the Author and Finisher of our faith we know that you have created each of us for a singular purpose, which we need to discern and accomplish in this life. A purpose far removed from our worldly achievements, our successes, and chase for glory and recognition on earth. A purpose which aims towards our heavenly goals, set for us by Christ Jesus’ precious sacrifice for us. We are so busy with the routine of every day absorbing our energy, that oftentimes we forget to thank and praise you for our day and the number of hours, days and years granted by you in this lifetime. Jesus, our Messiah, came with the very intention of revealing a higher calling in our lives, as evangelists, teaching our brethren the gospel of love, truth, humility and godliness. We need to begin and end our day with you, God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, spreading the light of our faith to reach into unexplored areas. As your children, chosen and anointed by you, by our faith blessed with your grace, and by our belief moving towards an eternal inheritance, sanctified in this life that is being conformed into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus, we need to keep our higher goal always in sight, seeking to be godly in Christ Jesus, until it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. Lord God, we can move towards righteousness and its rewards only by your guidance and counsel. We aspire to dedicate our lives to following your plan for us, by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us, for there is no other name by which we are saved. Amen [Prayers&Petitions]
7 February, 2021 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 Abba [
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Philippians 3:14
#1 “I press on…” Paul makes a conscious effort to keep his eyes on the prize promised to him by God. He lives a focused life. He has regarded his life on earth, particularly his former life as a Pharisee, as garbage compared to the life he now attains to, the life of knowing Christ.
#2 “toward the goal to win the prize…” Paul is using a sports competition metaphor. In the same way, he says he doesn’t run aimlessly, but straight towards a finish line to win a prize. He doesn’t swing reckless punches but aims his punches so as to win the fight. He lives a life of great purpose, with the highest possible goal to get to the end, having done the most he possibly can to bear fruit.
#3 “for which God has called me heavenward,” The Lord called Paul when he was Saul, the persecutor of the Church. Even at his calling and salvation, he was told how he would be called on to suffer for the name of Christ (Acts 9:16). Paul has embraced his calling and only wants to make it to the end. All Christians should understand their calling in the same way. Paul’s admonition is to imitate him in this (1 Cor 11:1).
#4 “in Christ Jesus.” If the Christian does anything that is not in Christ Jesus, it will not bear lasting fruit. It will not stand the fire of testing. Paul’s desire is that all the fruit he believes he has born for Christ will prove to have been genuine.
Natalie Regoli
Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Explanation and Comme