TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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. Philippians 3:13
Listen: Philippians 3
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Senior Pastor Jeff Manion reminded us in the video clip below that there is a difference between visiting the past and living in the past.
Living in the past can be dangerous. The past can paralyze us and make us unwilling (or unable) to move forward. Or we can be gripped by guilt, consumed by the shame, or just use the past as an excuse. Perhaps surprisingly, living in the past can also include a sense of arrival because of past financial, athletic or social successes. It is dangerous to live in our past mistakes or off our past successes.
That is why Paul says he forgets the past, both the good and the bad. He instead focuses on what is ahead, “the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). It is as if the finish line is in sight and he is expending every ounce of energy to get there—straining towards the tape and the awaiting prize.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you welcome God into your day today, listen to the song “Set My Heart,” performed by Vertical Worship. Meditate on the lyrics, “Nothing will ever break me, ever slay me, all my hope in you. Nothing will ever shake me, overtake me, all my hope in you,” as you forget whatever is behind and strain towards all God has for you.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
