Steady On (Point of Grace, 2002)

Okay, so I've never professed to be the most decisive of people. That's my disclaimer for today since I'm going to deviate from Philippians 4. Instead, I want to look at Philippians 3:13-14.

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind me, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I've heard many a sermon and spoken with so many that see "those things behind" as all the sinful acts from which we've been redeemed once we repent. I definitely see that in these verses. But, today, the Lord reminded me of some other aspects of "those things which are behind."

Let's admit it, sometimes, sin feels good to our flesh. So, there are times Satan tries to use those past things to not make us feel guilty, but to make us feel good. I can recall instances in life when he's tried to remind me of how good it felt to sin in my anger, act like a glutton, gossip, or engage in immoral behavior. But, when I line that up with God's Word and think about the life I have in Jesus Christ, I know those things that once felt good to my flesh were grief to my spirit. Though they felt good for a moment, the end was death. Death of a relationship, my kindness, integrity...the list goes on and on. So, thank the Lord that He gives me perspective when Satan tries to remind me of those sinfully fun things of my past.

Also, sometimes, there are things in my past that were God glorifying great works. That's good, right? Sure it is...but not if I dwell on them to excuse myself from what God is calling me to complete today. At times, the enemy uses those things to try and increase apathy in me. I find myself thinking: "Well Lord, I spent all day praying and worshipping you yesterday. It's not that crucial if I don't put you first today." Even if I felt the Lord nudging me towards a particular act of worship or service, I'm sad to admit that I've been guilty of thinking: "But, I did _____. Why can't someone else do that?" But, God calls me from glory to glory to glory, not to rest on the good works of yesterday.

So today, the Lord is reminding me to forget those things in my past that would hinder me in anyway: Forget those sinful acts that Satan would use to make me feel defeated; forget those sins that Satan lies and tells me were just for fun; and forget the "great" things that I think I've done for the Lord. Instead, continue on to the works He's calling me to complete today. Everyday of this Christian walk, I'm given new grace, new power, and new blessings! So, I'm going to forget the old and press on toward the prize of my high calling!

Again I Say Rejoice (Israel Houghton & New Breed, 2004)

Philippians 4 is among my favorite chapters in the Bible. It's a perfect model for walking in contentment. Today, I find myself in great need of a reminder. For, as Sassy draws near to her due date, she's kind of hating the world. Although, I'm not ornery or moody--as my actions do not define me, Christ does--I sure am behaving that way lately. So, today, I need a reminder in dieing to this flesh of mine.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:4-7)

I used to believe the peace of God was automatic. However, reading these verses reminds me that it requires active participation on my part. To tap into that peace, my focus must lie in the correct place. That place is not only in the Lord, but rejoicing in Him--remember who He is, what He's done, how He loves me--and rejoicing in that. Just imagine. If we spent our days with that focus, there wouldn't much time to fall into the ornery pattern I've been in lately. With that focus, I'm enabled to better practice gentleness and grace because I recognize that the Lord does the same with me. Thank you Jesus!

Join Sassy in practicing verses 4 and 5 today. We'll delve into the others as the week progresses. But for today, the challenge of turning my focus from myself to my Lord and others, is more than enough!