Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward goal for the prize of the upward call God in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 3:13,14) 

Notice that here Paul (vs 14) speaks of the “goal”.  The context clearly identifies the “goal” (vs 7-10).  It is to live as Jesus lived and to walk as he walked.  The goal of emulating the life and character of Jesus is a lifelong process.  It is not attained over night and requires tremendous effort.  In the context Paul provide important helps for getting us closer to the goal.  Consider some of them.

First, do not procrastinate.  We must “reach forward”.   To procrastinate may ultimately result in such stagnation that will cause us to ultimately fall back into old habits. So, we are urged to put the past behind us, to reach forward, and to press on. 

Second, to get closer to the long-term goal, we must focus on the short tem attainments.  We must be patient and take it one day and one step at a time.  It involves a daily mental focus on the immediate task at hand and not getting frustrated when we are not where we want to be.  Spiritual growth comes in small steps.

So don’t delay, but “press on”!  Don’t get discouraged, but persevere!  At the end God promises a wonderful crown!

by George Slover

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”  (Psalms 27:4)  Here the Psalmist suggests a focus and a single mind.  “One thing” implies the steadfast eye and a single purpose.  This resolve influences everything else.  It suggests that there is no other pursuit that will compare with this one thing!   This goal is loftier than the pursuit of gold and silver!  (Matthew 6:19,20) Next, this great prize will not be found without effort.  It must be sought!  The Psalmist states that he is willing to make the sacrifice to find it.  God commands, “seek my face”!  The Psalmist answers, “Your face Lord I will seek”. (vs.8) Furthermore, the poet implores, “Teach me, your way, Oh Lord”.  The writer is willing to make diligent effort to find his prize.    Next, the Psalmist’s seeks 1) to “dwell in the house of the Lord”, 2)  “to behold his beauty”, and 3) “to inquire in his temple”.   Here he expresses his desire:  1) to worship God, 2) to see all that about God that is awesome and gracious, and 3) to know his will.  The three may also be summarized as “fellowship”.  This sweet communion with God is the Psalmist’s single pursuit.   As a favorite hymn states “I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy, you alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye.” Finally, he has assurance that his pursuit will result in God’s protection in troubling times, “for he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret place of his tabernacle.”   In verse 10, “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.”  When his world falls apart he knows that God will be his helper.  Therefore, he exhorts us to “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.”  By George Slover

If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”  (Matthew 5:29)

Here Jesus requires radical surgery: a step necessary to remove the habit of sin from our lives.

I am told that when one has heart surgery, the surgeon must break or cut the sternum or breast bone.  This radical intrusion is the only way to access the heart and thus solve the problem.  When one has a toothache it may need to be extracted.   One might mask the problem with pain killer, but the source remains until the diseased tooth is rooted out.

Sin also brings pain.  The Psalmist said of sin:  “When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long.  For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;  my vitality was turned into the drought of summer.”  (Psalm 32:3,4)   One may mask the pain by avoiding the reality, but each time he comes down off his “high” he once again must face the consequences.  The problem will never be fixed until he confesses his sin and accepts the uncomfortable steps necessary for its removal.

Though the task of removing sin is difficult, its rewards are well worth it.  Jesus says:  “it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” (Matthew  5:29)  This painful process will bring peace in this life and ultimate joy in the life to come.

By George Slover

Therefore He says: ‘Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.’”  (Ephesians 5:14)

In this section (vs. 8-14) of the letter to Ephesus, the saints are reminded of their new direction in Christ. They are to walk as children of light, and no longer in darkness, thus pleasing the Lord. They are to reprove the works of darkness.

Paul reminds them of two separate, distinct worlds – the world of darkness, and the world of light. The immoral, lustful practices of an adulterous, Gentile world would have been in mind here when referring to the world of darkness. Even today there is a clear distinction between the impurity of the world of darkness and the light of Christ. Christians are called upon to take an aggressive stand against anything contrary to Christ.

Apparently, some of the saints at Ephesus were asleep! It is easy to relax and to be unaware of the world around us. When one is asleep, he is totally unprotected from danger. Satan is lurking and the sleepy must be aroused.

The cry “awake“ is the voice of love and wisdom. The sleeper has his focus on material interest. He has fallen prey to spiritual apathy, and a neglect of his duty to God. He is in grave danger.  But out of genuine concern, God calls the sinner to arouse him out of his sleep.

Thankfully, there is something to wake up for. Christ is the light of the world. His people are light in the Lord. Instead of hopelessness and gloom, and the burden of pain and sorrow, the sinner finds hope in Christ. The Lord offers the beauty of purity, the steadfastness of truth, and the refreshment of joy.

Therefore, let us rise from slumber and live purely in the light of Christ.

By George Slover

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)

The 32nd Psalm is ascribed to be a Psalm of David. It is rightly grouped together with Psalm 51. However, because of its didactic form, it is called a Psalm of contemplation or instruction.

The Psalm begins with a proposition - the blessedness of the one who is forgiven of sin. To clearly establish his point, the Psalmist speaks of the distress and misery caused by hidden, unconfessed sin. (Vs. 3,4)

The road to relief is clearly stated. When the sin is acknowledged and confessed there is forgiveness. This requires one to state specifically what God already knows – that his law has been broken. No excuses – one must frankly call the violation by its ugly name.

For full pardon, such an acknowledgment must be coupled with a determination to cease from the transgression. Having experienced God‘s grace, David would counsel the impenitent to consider the joyful blessings of such a confession.

Having acknowledged his own sin, the Psalmist states the fruit of such confession. Marvelous thoughts of God flood his mind. The remorse that once consumed him is replaced by songs of deliverance! “Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it. Redeemed by the blood of the lamb“.

Additionally, the penitent Psalmist has renewed thoughts of God. God is his hiding place. There is blessedness here! There is new freedom, a new joy in God, new ties of love. The burden is lifted!

With renewed confidence, David is ready to declare these marvelous truths to others. He bids us to not be like the obstinate horse that must be bridled, but to lay bare our own transgressions against God, and then rejoice in God‘s mercy. (Vs.10,11)

Dear reader, is there a song of joy in your heart, or is there the remorse of a life broken by sin? “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1)
 
By George Slover