PRESSING TOWARD THE MARK
Gary Waddell - Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee 01-13-2020
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14)
For those of us Christian workers (followers of Christ) , our work here has not yet been completed. It will be complete only when God calls us home.
Note the words "high calling"?
There is NO better calling that one can have in his or her life?
The Bible tells us to; Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). What a solid and simple verse to followers of Christ showing us that we must stay in God’s word not only to know Jesus better, but to be able to explain the truth to a lost and dying world. This is a good time to start reading the Bible on an annual basis. It can be accomplished by reading four chapters each day, and by reading seven chapters each day you will complete the Bible in six months.
As the prince of this world is continues to ‘chip away’ at the very conscience of some weaker Christians around us, we must stay strong in His word to “quench the fiery darts of the devil” to help others stay strong for Christ. Fear and doubt are two stumbling blocks being tossed along the paths of many in this time so servants of the Most High must stay even more vigilant than ever before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14). “Pressing toward the mark” is an ongoing process in all of our Christians lives. Oh what a joy it is to work for the best “Boss” that this world has ever known, Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords. As “born again” people, we are to honor and glorify God as I hope, you agree. Another is to win souls for Christ and preach His glorious Gospel. What a wonderful occupation. My prayer for all (myself included) is to stay strong and rise above the ‘affairs of this life that we may please Him who has chosen us to be soldiers’ of Christ. What an honor!
Let us all stand on the verse (Matthew 10:16b) that reads, "be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves". That does not mean to ‘be careful’ about evangelism but it means to do it in a way that we do not drive people further away God. Let the Holy Ghost inside of you be your guide. Do well or do good and let us not be weary telling people of the gospel of Christ. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Gal 6:9).
My goal in this life? “Tell ‘em about Jesus” and “keep pressing toward the mark”.
I pray that will be all of our goals - to finish well. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for "Taking 5" - Gary Waddell - www.iamnotashamed.com
Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee - God bless and bless GOD
