Weary and worn out from my journey
I sat down one day to pray.
And the Master who knew my heartache,
placed his hand on my head and prayed.
He prayed, Father, this is your daughter.
Come and heal her soul today.
Pour your oil upon her heartache,
and wipe all her tears away.
Don’t you know how much I love you?
Can’t you see I died for you?
And dear child if you love me,
take my hand and trust and obey.
Come to me when you’re weary and I will give you rest. Mathew 11:28
I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
Caleb was focused and determined that day on the soccer field. His heart’s desire was to please grandma and grandpa. His goal was to put at least one ball into the net.
Dave and I sat on the bleachers watching with amazement as our grandson scored one ball after another. His efforts had paid off and before the game was over, he scored seven times!
I caught a glimpse of our grandson’s heart that day. A valuable truth I long to live by. I want to run straight toward the goal of knowing and pleasing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The best way I know of reaching that goal is found in the Word of God. It’s there I find hope and encouragement, direction and purpose, grace and strength for each new day.
The book of Philippians is a good roadmap for those who share that goal. It’s there I found three challenging mindsets I’d like to share with you.
Three Ways To Reach The Goal Set Before You
1. Focus on knowing Jesus
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from
the dead. (Philippians 3: 10).
2. Forget the Past, focus on the future
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one
thing; forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. (Phil. 3:13).
3. Focus on finishing well and winning the prize
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for
which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil. 3:14).
Dear friend, Is there some obstacle blocking your pursuit of the call of Jesus…some mindset you need to adopt, some fear or hesitancy you need to let go of? We can’t run the race well, if we’re not willing to let go of all it takes to follow Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, Forgive us for the times we fail to step forward and do what you call us to. We ask you to give us grace to move forward, a heart to trust and love you, and confident faith to believe we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. (Phil. 3: 16 Message).
As I told my grandson Caleb, I’ll get my reward when I see Jesus!
So will you!
Too often I make hasty decisions I later regret. Like this morning. I got up from bed, tired from the events of the weekend, yet anxious to get to my writing. After quickly reading my bible and praying, I felt I was ready.
Several frustrating, failed attempts later, I got up from the computer—Put on my shoes and took a walk. The blog would have to wait. It was the best decision I could have made!
I took time to breathe in the beautiful fragrance of the rose. I took time to breathe in the beauty of the changing sky on the mountaintop.
Later I sat on the porch with my husband and we enjoyed a cup of chai together,feasting our eyes on mourning doves and songbirds at our feeder.
Ah—This is just what I needed! Was it co-incidence when our chimes played
a beautiful melody as we joined hands in prayer? I think not! Once again, I was reminded—All I can bring to Jesus are my needs.
My priorities now in order, I came back to my writing—renewed, encouraged, and energized. I was ready to write.
I love to take time to smell the roses—Yet without the fragrance of the Rose of Sharon in my life, I just don’t function well!
How about you?
Let’s go off by our-selves to a quiet place and rest awhile. Mark 6:31
Glenda Mills 