Pressing On

 

Dear beloved:pics: Goma, DROC breaking the rebel's back; Praying for Governor and Senator, Butembo, DROC

Philippians 3:10 That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; v11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection of the dead. v12 Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. v13 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, v14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

Beloved, the Apostle Paul was always looking ahead, pressing on toward the upward call. That is a great teaching and example for us.  It is so easy after living this life for a number of years, to get trapped in unforgiveness and bitterness to the point we let the enemy steal our joy.  After that comes apathy and a falling away from the Body of Christ, and even possibly rejection.   But Paul said he is forgetting what lies behind to focus on what lies ahead, the goal for the prize.  His goal was to be like Jesus, to be conformed into His image, the fellowship of His sufferings, and attain to the resurrection of the dead.  This is some heavy theology compared to the values and goals of many Christians today, whose main goal is comfort and convenience.  Can you lay your life down on the altar, deny yourself, and let God use you for His glory?  That is the great question for your life today. Keep seeking that upward call.  We invite you to support Gather the Outcasts Ministry as we press on in Africa, taking the message of hope to a lost generation. We need monthly partners, as well as single donations are always welcome.  Thank you for your support, may God bless you as you pray!

In Christ, Jim           Gather the Outcasts, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654        501c3    Paypal@www.paypal.me/gathertheoutcasts    or www.gathertheoutcasts.com    Email: pureprairie@hotmail.com   www.facebook.com/jimrowh     www.jimrowh.blogspot.com