Brethren I Do Not

"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13-14‬ NASB)

We as a people are very goal oriented! We are taught at an early age to set goals and are encouraged as an adult to do so in corporate business and even with regards to personal health! You might even say we are "purpose" driven! 

How many of us though, intentionally make Christ our principle purpose and ultimate goal? 

Don't we see our "walk" more as a means to an end? Getting to heaven; avoiding hell - the goal? 

Have we "lost our first love" or was He EVER? 

Was our "goal" to make our life easier or to have a relationship with the One Who Loves us best? 

A sermon I'm reminded of: how the devil sets a banquet table at the base of the mountain to keep a person from climbing and reaching his goal! It looks so good "it must be from God!" Right? 

What would the devil serve up for you, to distract you from going all the way with Christ? Money? New car? New home? New job? Marriage? Ministry? 

One thing age has taught me is that nothing this world offers is permanent, especially happiness! It is so short lived; the enjoyment promised in sinning, the shortest! I remind most people who share with me their trials that "nothing lasts forever", it just seems like it! 

Maybe that's why we are encouraged by The Word - to run with endurance the race set before us!

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," (‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ NASB)

Christ came to earth with a goal and He finished His course! It was His love for The Father which kept Him obedient to His Commandments. He is our example! He is our goal!

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."(‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ NASB)

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ NASB)

God knows our needs, but He wants our heart!

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ NASB)

"Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart."(‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬ NASB)

Especially if He is your hearts desire!

Even so - MARANATHA 

We know the words to the song but do we sing it from the heart?

From 9/11/15