"Breakfast with Al" pt. 3

"; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3: 13 & 14

"Press on"

In the last post, I shared how our perspective, will have bearing on our progress and success. Here, Apostle Paul encourages us with his testimony. He states "forgetting..things behind, and reaching forth", in saying this, he basically tells us, by example, to press on. The pressing on he is talking about, is growing in the Lord, maturing in our Christian walk.... progressive sanctification. This can only be done by placing our faith in The Finished Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. The same Faith that brought us to the Lord, is the same Faith that grows us, matures us,and keeps us, in Him. The proper object of our Faith, the Finished work of the Lord, gives the Holy Spirit , the parameters of this progressive sanctification process. In the last post I stated, how our wrong perspective of the past, can effect our present and future,success and progress. Our past perspective of, not only trials and failures, but our successes also, can effect future progress. The Lord always desires us to have a fresh and proper perspective. His perspective. Like a parent who desires nothing but the best for their child, the Lord directs us to the best, that He desires for us. Children don't always like the process, and path of a parent's guidance to the best result. They sometimes follow kicking and screaming along the way,but usually are pleased at the result. As the Lord leads us, we can't always see the "end from the means". We either, "press on" in Faith, or rebel, and rely on on our own ways and means. As good as past experiences may be, they may not be the best way for determining our present, and future situations and direction. We need to seek the Lord's will ,for guidance and direction, for everything. His ways are perfect, and always for our best. Although, past successes may be good, they may not be the best ways and means, to the best outcome, in present and future considerations. Proverbs 3:5&6, tells us to trust and acknowledge the Lord, in all our ways, and He will direct our path. I'm glad I have been able to reconnect with my Uncle Al, and meet his group of friends. We have a good time, sharing stories, jabbing at one another, and laughing about life's situations.These times are like a rest stop, each of us coming, sharing our insights. A time of refreshing that gives encouragement, for each of our journeys. Their stories and perspectives, offer a hope and a direction for future generations, should the Lord tarry in His return. It is my hope that, I can be an encouragement to them as well. I pray that we all can grow in faith, through our times together. May, my story ,my perspective, be an encouragement to seek Him, to find the faith in your journey, to "press on".