I Press On

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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3:13-14

God has called me to glorify Him.

I am not there yet, but I strain toward His goal for me.

Then I take a few steps back.

I mess up.

Even so, I press on toward the goal.

After all, God has called me heavenward.

And He has sent His Son Jesus to take my hand and lead me there.

Today I pray for those who are struggling with cancer and other illnesses.

Lord, please wrap your loving arms around them and give them your deep peace. Amen.

Jesus Took Hold of Me

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. — Philippians 3:12

Christ Jesus took hold of me and turned me around to start heading in the right direction.

I have in no way arrived at my goal yet.

But I press on.

I take hold of that for which Jesus took hold of me.

I am grateful that He holds me.

And that He gave His life for me.

 

I Want to Know Christ

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. — Philippians 3:10

I want to know the power of Christ's resurrection.

To become like Him in His life as well as in His death.

I press onward, in hopes of attaining the resurrection from the dead.

Today Abby I went swimming at the Y.

The air was actually chilly when the sun went behind the clouds, but the water was warm.

Very refreshing!

We also heard today that a young friend of ours has just been diagnosed with breast cancer - a 5 mm lump.

Our prayers are with her and her family during this difficult time, as she waits to meet with her oncologist.

We pray for her healing and strength.

May God surround her with His great love.

Knowing Christ Jesus

I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. — Philippians 3:8

 

Knowing Jesus Christ is worth more than anything.

It surpasses everything.

Paul wrote that he had lost all things for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is our Lord and Savior.

Everything else pales in comparison.

My goal is to gain Christ.

Rejoice in the Lord!

 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! — Philippians 3:1

Fall Season

This week we celebrate the beginning of Fall.

Of course, it will be 85 degrees outside this weekend.

And by Tuesday it will be event hotter.

Typical October weather for San Diego!

This weekend we celebrate Yom Kippur.

Our Jewish friends and neighbors know it as the day of atonement.

A time to say we are sorry for the wrongs we have done.

And to confess our sins to God.

As Christians, we do this each week.

Some weeks we need to do it more often.

God is merciful and forgiving.

Rejoice in the Lord! fahrenheit

Welcome Him in the Lord

So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him. — Philippians 2:29

Today is my Aunt Judy's birthday.

She has been a blessing in our family and in hers.

Even though we are far apart - from Virginia to California, it seems like we are just next door.

She has a way of lighting up the entire room with her smile.

And her words of encouragement and support are like a breath of fresh air flowing over us.

We love and miss her.

I Am Glad and Rejoice

I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. — Philippians 2:17-18

I am glad and rejoice with my friends and family.

We rejoice in the Lord together.

I burst into song praising Him for His great love.

You, too, should be glad.

We should rejoice in the Lord together.