Verse of the Day 1/2

Philippians 3:13-14  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.   English Standard Version (ESV)

In reading these verses this morning I thought that they would be good ones to look at and consider as we are into day 2 of the new year.  We are to be "forgetting" what's behind us and "straining", giving all we've got for what lies ahead.

I like the way The Messages starts out, "I'm not saying I have this all together... but I'm well on my way.  Hopefully, that is the condition of  our faith and the attitude of our hearts.  Confident in Whose we are and realizing that we have plenty of room for growth, and striving, putting everything into that growth.

Another thing to realize is that we will be called, asked, and challenged to do many things this coming year.  These verses serve as a reminder that we should listen for and press on toward the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus". 

I don't often quote complete songs or hymns in these posts, but today's hymn of pressing on was difficult to reduce. May it prepare our hearts for worship this weekend.

1. I'm pressing on the upward way,
   New heights I'm gaining every day;
   Still praying as I'm onward bound,
   "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."
   • Refrain:
     Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
     By faith, on Heaven's tableland,
     A higher plane than I have found;
     Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
2. My heart has no desire to stay
   Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
   Though some may dwell where those abound,
   My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
3. I want to live above the world,
   Though Satan's darts at me are hurled;
   For faith has caught the joyful sound,
   The song of saints on higher ground.
4. I want to scale the utmost height
   And catch a gleam of glory bright;
   But still I'll pray till heav'n I've found,
   "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Philippians 3:13-14The Message (MSG)

Focused on the Goal

^12-14 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.