Monday Morning Encouragement -- Press On

 


"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."       Philippians 3:13-14


If anyone had reason to believe he had "made it", it was the Apostle Paul. A great evangelist, church planter, exhorter, mentor. Paul did it all and did it well. But after all his years of faithful service, he still did not see himself as having been transformed into the image of Christ -- of knowing "Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death" (Philippians 3:10).

He didn't elaborate on where he didn't measure up, he simply stated that he hadn't yet arrived. Paul always sought to grow in his faith, to press on toward everything to which Christ had called him. And the closer he grew to Christ, the more humble he became. 


Paul is a wonderful role model for how we should approach the Christian life. In humility, always pressing forward to the goal of our calling, but never looking back in discouragement at where we've missed the mark. 


"The Christian life isn’t a 100 yard dash; it’s a lifelong marathon. You need the mentality of a long-distance runner if you’re going to make it. You may have been a Christian for 40 or 50 years, but you can’t start thinking, 'I don’t need to grow any more' and stop running. Long distance runners have to complete the entire course; they can’t decide after many miles that they’ve run far enough." -- Pastor Steven J. Cole


Today's music video Press On by the Gettys is one that greatly encourages my heart. The song is a catchy tune that I'm certain I will be singing in my head all day. I pray the lyrics will uplift you, as they uplift me.




I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.



16 comments

  1. Good Morning sweet sister in Christ. Thank you for this encouraging word, we need to remember that this race doesn't end until we are safely in the arms of our Savior. There will be a rest and peace then, a rest from all the cares of this world, but still a service to our Lord and I believe that we will be learning and getting to know the full glory of our Sweet Lord through all eternity. "To know Him is to love Him" This earthy race is not easy and so many obstacles and distractions will get in our way, but they are not from the Lord they are from the liar Satan himself and we need to dig deep and overcome, run our race with one goal in mind, the face of Jesus.
    God bless you, thank you for this Monday morning encouragement. it's a marvelous way to start the week.
    I have been trying to leave a comment on your blog for weeks up on weeks, and so happy that it allowed me to do so today. Just letting you know that your message is truly reach many and I'm sure there are other like myself that could not reply because of something blocking their comment.
    God bless you!

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    1. Thank you for sharing these wonderful thoughts of yours, Connie. Each phrase encourages me. "To know Him is to love Him." So very true! Love you, sister. Hugs.

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  2. What I'm finding so wonderful is that I'm not running the race alone. Jesus is always there helping me, encouraging me, loving me so much that I want to keep going because the reward is knowing our amazing Jesus more. And the more I know Him, the more I want to know Him!

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    1. Yes, indeed! Amen and amen! So grateful that Jesus never leaves us! Hugs.

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  3. Beautiful song. I agree everything in our community is done now at lightening speed. Everyone wants fast service, fast food, fast everything. Instant gratification. So to know we need to go slow and steady we will be rewarded is a good message. Great post Nancy. Happy Monday. Have a good week. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thanks, Kris. You're so right about our society's inability to wait for things. When we're walking with the Lord, we often are forced to wait. I'm glad God teaches us patience through waiting on Him. :) Hugs.

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  4. Nancy, your precious words brought me to tears, right from the title of this post. My dear Mom often told me to press on, and when I saw this, that is what immediately came to my mind. A few days before she died, she was in the hospital on a bi-pap machine to help her breathe, and she kept trying to tell me something. I couldn't understand her at all, and I finally pulled back the machine long enough for her to tell me what she was trying to say. Her words? Keep pressing on! Thank you for being such a blessing to me through your encouragement posts and for your friendship and support all these years. I love and appreciate you.

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    1. Thank you for sharing this sweet, precious story, Cheryl. And thank you for your kind, encouraging words to me. You're a sweet friend. xo

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  5. Yes, it's a long distance run. I really like that song!

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    1. I like that song, too. Have a great week, Mari! xo

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  6. Thank you dear lady for your encouragement in the Word. Pressing on with Him!

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  7. Keep pressing on to the goal. Doesn't the race seem unending sometimes? I'm so grateful to know that He who loves me the most is there waiting for me at the finish line and that he will also be right alongside me as I'm running.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Betsy, I love the mental picture you've created with your comments. I can imagine the Lord cheering us on as we run! Love it! xo

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  8. I am back to blogging and realized that I hadn't seen a post from your blog pop up...so I came looking for you. I am so thankful we have God in our lives to champion us on in this race called life. xo Diana

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    1. Well said, Diana. Thanks for looking for me. :) xo

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