Philippians 3:12-21

Philippians 3:12 -21 (New International Version)
Pressing on Toward the Goal
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
(Devotional by Marilyn Brooks)
For most of my life I managed to live a pretty normal life and not get into too much trouble. The shameful things of my youth that always seem to surface from time to time would allow the guilt to eat at me and make me feel somewhat hopeless. When I was down and feeling lost I would go shopping for new clothes or shoes and that would lift me up. Re-decorating the house could make things better…..for a while ….and then that feeling of being lost would come back again.
Then a few years ago I had the most joyful feeling of love come over me and somehow I knew it was God telling me that there is so much more to strive for. He led me to a place where I fit in and I found a joy that no other earthly thing could provide. Once I accepted Christ forgiveness the things in my past turned into experiences that could be shared to help others. My hopelessness has been replaced with a faith in Christ that continues to grow.
Paul is telling us in this scripture that the past is forgiven. God has power over us. Go out and Fellowship with other Christians to build your faith and grow to be Christ like. The prize awaiting you will be an eternity more joyful than ever imaginable.

Prayer:
God, Thank you for sending your Son Jesus to show us, that there are no earthly treasures as precious as your endless love and mercy for us. May we faithfully press towards the goal of eternity with you. In Jesus name, Amen.