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to this ministry"Pressing Toward the Goal"
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
Here in America our national sports interest turns to football throughout the fall and early winter culminating in the "Super Bowl" this weekend. Since I was a kid growing up in the Kansas City area and attending the first game at Arrowhead stadium (still home of the KC Chiefs) I have been a football fan. Today's illustration may not connect with non-football fans or international readers but has an important spiritual application. Please read on.
In the NFL a football season success is a series of steps with the ultimate goal of qualifying for and winning the Super Bowl. In individual games throughout the season it's getting first downs, scores, and the game win; then winning the playoffs, league championship and finally the Super Bowl.
I believe there is a similar pattern in the Christian life. Our ultimate goal is winning life's super bowl, which is reaching heaven and seeing Jesus. That surely is what the apostle Paul was writing about in the daily text. "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." This victory is absolutely assured by the grace of God for those who faithfully believe and follow Jesus Christ.
Yet reaching this goal is a long series of "spiritual first downs". In football the first down is an incremental step normally taken to reach the goal. In life "first downs" are the incremental overcomings that comprise the daily business of life.
Sometimes we get sacked, sometimes we may even get piled onto. We need to get up and press on. (I recall sharing this concept in our church in New England many years ago and an older lady shared of a youth song she recalled from the fifties with a line that sure brings a smile. "Drop-kick me, Jesus, through the goal post of life.")
Some of you are down today. Circumstances of life have sacked you. The forces of the adversary may have even piled on you.
Get up, press on. Paul wrote our daily verse from prison. He sure knew what it was to be sacked and even piled on (read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33). In his last letter he confidently wrote, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (2 Timothy 4:18). Stay faithful today and keep pressing on! The greatest victory is ours and in the end we will look in triumph on our foes.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, You bless those who revere Your name and delight in Your commands. In the midst of unavoidable conflict I am not shaken as my heart remains steadfast trusting in You and Your overall plan for my life. As I meditate on Your Word and sing powerful songs of faith I know I will not be shaken, but will remain firmly grounded as I overcome the daily obstacles life sends my way. Thanks, Lord, for being a shield about me, for You're the glory and the Lifter of my head.
Note from Brooksyne: I know this is a very exciting weekend for football fans. Well, I don't get much into the sport of football , but I certainly can enjoy the enthusiasm of the fans. And I can even get into the excitement of it all when it's a team that's playing from our own state. GO STEELERS!
As we prepared this message Brooksyne recalled a song by a group we both enjoy called Selah. The song is titled "Press On" and although this is only a sample clip it is still a blessing and has a powerful truth! "Press On"
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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