Not that I have already obtained it or have already become
perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was
laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 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 3:12-14
Every journey, no matter how long or short, begins with
the first step. But the journey is not
ended until the last step is made.
Anyone intending to complete a journey must pay attention to the
directions and follow the course to the end or their journey will be
delayed. God’s compass (His Word)
commends every believer to persevere and complete the journey of faith.
God’s Compass
Requires Determination - so that the man of God may be adequate,
equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy
3:17
To know your
destination gives you direction but to reach it requires determination. Jesus called on His followers to “count the cost” of discipleship before they
chose to follow. Many love to consider
the destination and discuss the destination but few seek to travel the
course.
God has
promised that He will do His part in bringing us to our final destination. For I am confident of this very thing, that
He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 Our part is to cooperate with His Spirit within us to know the abundant
journey Christ promised.
- We Must Be Determined to be Equipped - Be diligent
to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be
ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Our journey
involves the bringing in of God’s Kingdom.
We have a purpose for our journey.
God will never send you or ask you to do that which He has not equipped
and supplied you with what is needed to accomplish the task. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the
oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which
God supplies, 1 Peter 4:11
- We Must Be Determined to Work - Let us not
lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow
weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:9-10
The Christian
life is not a life of ease nor a life of duty; it is a life of service. We serve our Lord out of love as we
journey. That makes every day have a
purpose and person we contact significant.
The rewards of heaven will reflect in some way our earthly service. Following the compass for our destination and
direction with determination gives meaning to our life journey.
I’ve used
quite a bit of scripture in this series of devotionals because it would be
wrong to speak of seeking guidance from them if I ignored them. But there is so much more to discover. That’s
where we must all begin. The study of God’s Word. Set the compass!
Scripture to
Claim:
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. Psalms 37:23-24
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. Psalms 37:23-24
