Phil 3:13 "but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead"
The apostle Paul speaking a simple yet profound truth. "Forgetting what lies behind" The past is the past and there is nothing we can do to change it. How many of us have wished we could just go back several years and change something that we did or said or did not do. But that is not possible. It's our future that can and must change.
That change can only come when we take the next part of Paul's exhortation "straining forward to what lies ahead" The word "straining" is indicative of "effort" It denotes something that I must passionately embrace. I want change so badly that I will diligently pursue it.
I'm not talking about works. Works will bring us into further bondage and frustration. I'm not saying we must run around trying everything. The "effort" is really "rest". As the bible declares in Hebrews 4:10 (Amplified) "For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors ..."
I'm not talking about works. Works will bring us into further bondage and frustration. I'm not saying we must run around trying everything. The "effort" is really "rest". As the bible declares in Hebrews 4:10 (Amplified) "For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors ..."
The secret is to walk in the peace and joy of the Lord and to lean on the wisdom of God. The peace is the umpire and the joy of the Lord is our strength. The wisdom of God comes when we ask and yield.
PEACE :
Colossians 3:15-17 Amplified Bible "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds ... "
Colossians 3:15-17 Amplified Bible "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds ... "
God's word tells us to allow His peace to be the umpire, the decision maker, thus settling the questions in our minds. You see, we want answers but they are not always forthcoming. Mainly because if God were to tell us everything in advance, we would mess it up anyway.
I don't want to know too much, it may be overwhelming.
JOY :
Neh. 8:10 "... the joy of the Lord is our strength" There is strength that comes from joy. Joy energizes the human spirit. It brings encouragement in the face of insurmountable odds.
It's not a set of formula's that bring success, but a relationship with God and a trust that comes from an ongoing yielding to His plan and purpose. Many time our lack of success is because we are looking for outside approval. We are looking for man's acceptance. But ultimately, we need to have God's sanction and approval.
I have seen HIGHLY successful people burn out after a time because their success was based on their effort. It does not matter ultimately how big or small your ministry or personal effort for the Kingdom of God is, if it is based on your strength and ability, it will fail.
PURPOSE:
Psalm 127:1 "Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it"
With the Peace and Joy of the Lord, the Purpose of God becomes easy. It's time for the Body of Christ to trust, obey and rest in Him. He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
God Bless
Gil Howard-Browne
www.revivaltimes.com
Neh. 8:10 "... the joy of the Lord is our strength" There is strength that comes from joy. Joy energizes the human spirit. It brings encouragement in the face of insurmountable odds.
It's not a set of formula's that bring success, but a relationship with God and a trust that comes from an ongoing yielding to His plan and purpose. Many time our lack of success is because we are looking for outside approval. We are looking for man's acceptance. But ultimately, we need to have God's sanction and approval.
I have seen HIGHLY successful people burn out after a time because their success was based on their effort. It does not matter ultimately how big or small your ministry or personal effort for the Kingdom of God is, if it is based on your strength and ability, it will fail.
PURPOSE:
Psalm 127:1 "Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it"
With the Peace and Joy of the Lord, the Purpose of God becomes easy. It's time for the Body of Christ to trust, obey and rest in Him. He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
God Bless
Gil Howard-Browne
www.revivaltimes.com
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