ONE:
Philippians 3:13-15
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind;”
Notice the scripture says – ONE THING – yet, three different motions are shared and revealed.
1. Forgetting the past
2. Reaching Forward
3. Pressing toward the Goal.
From our perspective it looks like three different distinct options, but from God’s vantage point it is all one movement joined together. And then in verse 15 we are instructed that doing this one thing is a sign of maturity. So if you want to be known as a mature believer, forget the past, reach forward and press into more of God. And keep in mind it is an upward call – so going uphill always takes more work, energy and strength. But even that is a sign of maturity. The immature settle for the easy route always looking for a downhill ride and a shortcut. There is no shortcut in learning to be a disciple.
If you can’t fly, then drive, and if you can’t drive then run, and if you can’t run then walk and if you can’t walk then crawl, but keep moving forward.
TWO:
The world is very full of successful people who were told time and time again that their dream was impossible, but they chose not to listen. However, never let the things you want make you forget the things you have. So the key is to stay focused on the dream while also staying focused on those who matter most to you. Choose kindness, uphold honesty, give regard to others before yourself, pursue Godliness and contentment while taking steps to fulfill your dreams.
Other people are not stepping stones or road blocks to your success. Your success is determined by perseverance coupled with faith in God, love for others and a sincere heart to make a difference. Every time you are able to see the good in others while pursuing your dream, you cause them to climb higher which in turn helps you attain your goal. A bad attitude can literally block incredible blessings and personal destiny from finding you. Don’t be the reason you don’t succeed.
Are you confused? Do you feel like you are at a crossroads with different options? Maybe you see any options. Pray. Repent of any known sin. Freely receive His forgiveness. Trust God – ask Him how and where to take that next step. He will show you. The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.
Is God silent? Perhaps you think God has not talked to you in a long while. If that is true, He is not silent out of discipline, or because He is mad at you, but rather He has already told you and shown you what to do, so keep doing what He said to do the last time He talked to you, until He talks to you again. This will also open up more doors for your success to be achieved.
THREE:
Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” That means that you and I are both a work in progress. Construction zones take time to complete. Home Remodeling takes time to complete. Building a new office or a house takes time to complete. So we are a work in progress and God is connecting the dots, laying the foundation, building the infrastructure and placing the appropriate pieces together one by one to build a perfect house to hold the Glory of the Lord.
I Corinthians 3:9 says that we are God’s building. 1 Peter 2:5 adds, “you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Some have said that instead of living stones it should read we are live wires. Regardless, each piece is meticulously placed to form a solid bond. So don’t be in a hurry for the project to be finished, and understand that there are often construction delays. And don’t be dismayed at the process and progress. You are a work in progress and yes you are a piece of work. A beautiful piece of work that will be polished, buffed and shined into something marvelous. Let the process continue!
FOUR:
As I changed my thinking it then changed my life. The bible says. As a man thinks in his heart so is he. What are you thinking about today? Will it change your life or just keep you on life support.