Scripture: Philippians 3.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT)

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.

13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:20-21 (NLT)

20
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

21
He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

I have often heard verse 14 quoted and I have always admired the determination that I saw in Paul to encourage us in and through his words. However this morning it all came together when I read verse 20. I believe that I can explain this by comparing it to my move to this country. When I first moved, I had a green card and I lived here just like citizens do and did those things that citizens do. I liken this to church attendees. Eventually, as I placed my roots in this country by purchasing a home, having a child and raising her, I wanted to make my stand for this country so I applied for, and became a citizen. At that time I truly pledged my allegiance to this country and have considered this ‘my country’. I liken this to when a church attendee, or any person, makes the decision to accept Jesus as Lord and the subsequent citizenship of heaven, for our journey towards our heavenly home becomes as Paul said, focused on that heavenly prize. When we sincerely do this, we set aside the things of this world that tend to burden us down and hold us back, for our eyes are fixed on the end of the road – a point to which we are ultimately destined. Where are you at today friend? Have you asked for your heavenly citizenship? There is only one way! For the Word of God tells us that it is only by faith our Jesus Christ that we could become a child (citizen) of the Heavenly Father (God). If the answer to the citizenship question is ‘yes’, and I sincerely pray that any who read this devotion could soundly respond positively, then please don’t allow the things of this world to hold you back and distract you from your heavenly destination. Look for ways that you may please God while you are still on this side of glory, His Word is filled with directions that will help us to run the course and stay on the right track!

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, You are very aware of the distractions that bombard us every day. I pray that during this day You will fill me with Your love, fill me with Your wisdom, Your direction and the boldness to live my life following Your design. Please help me to stay the course, and while being brushed by worldly citizens, may there be a whole lot more of You brushing off on them than the filth and mire of this world that could possibly drift on to me from them. May I be so filled with Your awesome Holy Spirit that our impact on the world will be very promising today!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
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