Topic:  Heavenward

Scripture: 13 Brothers and sisters, 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, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (NIV) Philippians 3:13-14

Observation:  Paul is encouraging us to leave the things from the past behind and look towards what is ahead. In fact he uses the word "straining" toward what is ahead and "press on" to the goal of heavenward. To me it sounds like it is an intentional effort that requires us to push ourselves through those times when we don't feel like it.  Reminds me when I'm doing some kind of exercise whether pushups or curls, when I get to the last several reps I have to dig in just a little bit more to complete it. That's where the strain and even pain starts to kick in but I push through to complete it.

Application: Our walk with Jesus Christ may also have times we have to push through.  Complacency, procrastination, discouragement or even setbacks may hinder us from being more like Christ, but we are encouraged to leave the past behind and press forward.  Although the  world has a way of plundering us with a load full of challenges we must keep heaven or being with our Lord in the forefront of our minds.  This is where we are destined, so the temporary trials and struggles are just that, temporary.  When we have the bigger picture in mind it helps us to keep focus on what is really important instead of drowning in the petty things life throws at us.

There's a "Kia brand" Car commercial with hamsters that "rap" and part of the lyrics go:  "You can deal with this or you can deal with that".

In other words You can deal with "this"  of pushing forward in the things "toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus" or You can deal with "that" choosing not to be Christ-like and getting caught up in the world's lusts and desires headed for eternal separation from God.

Prayer:  Lord you know my struggles and areas that I need to push through.  I pray you would give me the strength not only to push through but to catapult exponentially towards the plans you have for my life.  I ask for your forgiveness if I have delayed or procrastinated in various areas.  Thank you Lord that you are a merciful God and just....in Jesus Name...Amen.