Pressing On
It's one thing to start a journey, and another thing to end the journey. You'd rather finish the journey crawling, but complete it. It's one thing for brethren to start the journey of faith, but the question remains if you'll purpose to finish, irrespective of the mountains, fires, persecutions and so on. As long as you're with God, purpose that you'll never look back. The aim of the devil is to distract someone, so that he'll give you something that will be a distraction, or give you a diversion. My prayer today is that our entire being will never focus on the distractions. The intentions of the distractions is destruction. The distractions look so sweet, but they are diversions that will take us to destruction.
Heaven is for real, and there's somewhere we are going. We are being awaited in heaven, to go and rest. We cannot allow anything to distract us, and keep us from achieving God's goal for us.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
Run your race. Everyone of us came to earth for a specific race. God had already drawn a map of life for each of us. He knew very well that you have a purpose to accomplish, which is why He tells us in our opening verse to run our race. This is what will cause you to acquire your prize at the end. There are so many people in the race, but the question is whether we'll finish our own races. The people who stop along the way do not get the prize. Purpose to finish your race, as if you don't there's no crown. While we're on this earth, angels and the occupants of heaven are cheering all of us on. Purpose not to compromise your faith, not for anything, and not be distracted; when you do so, heaven keeps cheering you on. Don't go before your time; purpose to stick around to the end, and accomplish your purpose.
Philippians 3:14
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Press on. The times we're in, there are so many things that have been put on your way so that you get distracted: money, friends, jobs etc. Note what Paul was telling the Philippians, that he was pressing towards the goal. What are you pressing on towards? Wealth? Politics? Paul knew he hadn't yet attained, and was still pressing on. Pressing on means even though yesterday you slipped and say lied, and repented, today you will purpose not to lie again, and do all you can by the grace of God, till finally you stop lying. Press on towards victory. When we reach heaven, will we be ashamed before the Father, remembering all we were supposed to do and didn't do, having been distracted?
My prayer is that we will live and push aside all the things of the world, and run the race with endurance, free from distractions and weights, till the end.
Revelations 3:5,21
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
It is he who overcomes who will be rewarded in heaven. Purpose to overcome worldly lusts and passions, and enter heaven.
Even in life on earth, purpose to press on and attain what God wants you to attain, academically and so on. Make sure nothing will get you out of what you started, out of God's purpose, be it studying, singing, preaching and so on. Make sure that you'll not be distracted by even lack; God will never call you to an assignment and leave you without supply. If it's God's purpose, it doesn't seem how dim the situation seems, as God always supplies for His assignment, so keep pressing on. Pressing on will call for you to see the situation as God sees it, and speak His Word, as Ezekiel did (Ez. 37:1-14). Perhaps your situation is like those dry bones; speak to them until it changes and comes to life. Is it your family member that you've been praying for? Keep praying for them, without getting tired. Don't give up; press on, until that demon gives up and leaves them alone. God will never give up on somebody, but demons will, if we keep pressing on.
It's not time to give up. You must press on. It may look like it may not come to be. The eyes of men will make it seem impossible, as Abraham and Sarah's situation was. The Bible records that Abraham believed in God, that it was accounted to Him for righteousness. Press on, such that your story will be told, like Abraham's. Don't give up because of the time, circumstances, resources etc. You giving up now won't glorify God, nor will it be a testimony, encouraging many. Press on to the mark, until you get it.
This [2015] is not a year of cowards. It is a year that you confront situations and even the devil and speak the Word of God, though they may come to you as Goliath came to David. David came to face Goliath with the name of the Lord; face your Goliaths in the name of Jesus, and walk through past them. Rise up again, and press on.
If the Lord commands you to fast for 3 days, press on till you finish. Press on and accompish whatever God has commanded you to accomplish
How to press on
1. Forget the former things.
Isaiah 43:18-20
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20 The beast of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen.
The things of the past keep you from pressing on. They hinder you through regrets and fears. Even though you failed in business before, rise up and press on. God shall supply for your need according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). Even though you preached or sang before, and were discouraged, rise up again and press on, as God will help you through with the assignment He called you to. Forget what the devil told you; you're not of the devil or even people's opinion; you are of God's opinion. People who press on forget former things. Forget the sins of yesterday; they cannot be your baggage today. Thank Jesus for His blood, repent, receive forgiveness, and depend on God's grace to keep overcoming sin. Move on, forgetting the former things. It doesn't matter who said what negative thing about you and your life; the Bible says whatever tongue rises against you in judgment you shall condemn (Is. 54:17). Refute and condemn the negative utterances against your life, and move on. Let no sin hinder you from worshiping or serving God, as the blood of Jesus is more powerful than any sin.
2. Fix your eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
If it's not about Jesus, it's not necessary at all. Fix your eyes on the One who finished the race, overcame all through - Jesus. This is what will help us not give up, as He didn't give up. Keep away the sin and weight that easily entangles, and run the race with endurance, fixing your eyes on Jesus.
3. Put your hope in the Lord, and He'll renew your strength.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known?Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
God makes sure He gives you new breath every day, the Holy Spirit, so that every day you're replenished and refreshed. Jesus found His disciples on the verge of giving up, and He breathed on them the Holy Spirit (Jn. 20:22). When you're walking with Jesus and feel on the verge of giving up, look up to Jesus and let Him refresh you by His Spirit, stirring up His strength in you.
4. Rejoice in the Lord, always.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Heaven is for real, and there's somewhere we are going. We are being awaited in heaven, to go and rest. We cannot allow anything to distract us, and keep us from achieving God's goal for us.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
Run your race. Everyone of us came to earth for a specific race. God had already drawn a map of life for each of us. He knew very well that you have a purpose to accomplish, which is why He tells us in our opening verse to run our race. This is what will cause you to acquire your prize at the end. There are so many people in the race, but the question is whether we'll finish our own races. The people who stop along the way do not get the prize. Purpose to finish your race, as if you don't there's no crown. While we're on this earth, angels and the occupants of heaven are cheering all of us on. Purpose not to compromise your faith, not for anything, and not be distracted; when you do so, heaven keeps cheering you on. Don't go before your time; purpose to stick around to the end, and accomplish your purpose.
Philippians 3:14
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Press on. The times we're in, there are so many things that have been put on your way so that you get distracted: money, friends, jobs etc. Note what Paul was telling the Philippians, that he was pressing towards the goal. What are you pressing on towards? Wealth? Politics? Paul knew he hadn't yet attained, and was still pressing on. Pressing on means even though yesterday you slipped and say lied, and repented, today you will purpose not to lie again, and do all you can by the grace of God, till finally you stop lying. Press on towards victory. When we reach heaven, will we be ashamed before the Father, remembering all we were supposed to do and didn't do, having been distracted?
My prayer is that we will live and push aside all the things of the world, and run the race with endurance, free from distractions and weights, till the end.
Revelations 3:5,21
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
It is he who overcomes who will be rewarded in heaven. Purpose to overcome worldly lusts and passions, and enter heaven.
Even in life on earth, purpose to press on and attain what God wants you to attain, academically and so on. Make sure nothing will get you out of what you started, out of God's purpose, be it studying, singing, preaching and so on. Make sure that you'll not be distracted by even lack; God will never call you to an assignment and leave you without supply. If it's God's purpose, it doesn't seem how dim the situation seems, as God always supplies for His assignment, so keep pressing on. Pressing on will call for you to see the situation as God sees it, and speak His Word, as Ezekiel did (Ez. 37:1-14). Perhaps your situation is like those dry bones; speak to them until it changes and comes to life. Is it your family member that you've been praying for? Keep praying for them, without getting tired. Don't give up; press on, until that demon gives up and leaves them alone. God will never give up on somebody, but demons will, if we keep pressing on.
It's not time to give up. You must press on. It may look like it may not come to be. The eyes of men will make it seem impossible, as Abraham and Sarah's situation was. The Bible records that Abraham believed in God, that it was accounted to Him for righteousness. Press on, such that your story will be told, like Abraham's. Don't give up because of the time, circumstances, resources etc. You giving up now won't glorify God, nor will it be a testimony, encouraging many. Press on to the mark, until you get it.
This [2015] is not a year of cowards. It is a year that you confront situations and even the devil and speak the Word of God, though they may come to you as Goliath came to David. David came to face Goliath with the name of the Lord; face your Goliaths in the name of Jesus, and walk through past them. Rise up again, and press on.
If the Lord commands you to fast for 3 days, press on till you finish. Press on and accompish whatever God has commanded you to accomplish
How to press on
1. Forget the former things.
Isaiah 43:18-20
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20 The beast of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen.
The things of the past keep you from pressing on. They hinder you through regrets and fears. Even though you failed in business before, rise up and press on. God shall supply for your need according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). Even though you preached or sang before, and were discouraged, rise up again and press on, as God will help you through with the assignment He called you to. Forget what the devil told you; you're not of the devil or even people's opinion; you are of God's opinion. People who press on forget former things. Forget the sins of yesterday; they cannot be your baggage today. Thank Jesus for His blood, repent, receive forgiveness, and depend on God's grace to keep overcoming sin. Move on, forgetting the former things. It doesn't matter who said what negative thing about you and your life; the Bible says whatever tongue rises against you in judgment you shall condemn (Is. 54:17). Refute and condemn the negative utterances against your life, and move on. Let no sin hinder you from worshiping or serving God, as the blood of Jesus is more powerful than any sin.
2. Fix your eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
If it's not about Jesus, it's not necessary at all. Fix your eyes on the One who finished the race, overcame all through - Jesus. This is what will help us not give up, as He didn't give up. Keep away the sin and weight that easily entangles, and run the race with endurance, fixing your eyes on Jesus.
3. Put your hope in the Lord, and He'll renew your strength.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known?Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
God makes sure He gives you new breath every day, the Holy Spirit, so that every day you're replenished and refreshed. Jesus found His disciples on the verge of giving up, and He breathed on them the Holy Spirit (Jn. 20:22). When you're walking with Jesus and feel on the verge of giving up, look up to Jesus and let Him refresh you by His Spirit, stirring up His strength in you.
4. Rejoice in the Lord, always.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.
When yo ufeel like your head and heart are heavy with discouragement and stress, command your soul and heart to rejoice in the Lord, even when there is no hope. Rejoice to the end. Rejoice in the Lord, always.
Amen.
-- Pastor Mary Mugo.
(30/03/2015 Kesha Service Sermon, Teaching Transformation Ministry)
Pastor Mary is a pastor at Teaching Transformation Ministry. We are located along the Thika-Ruai Flyover Junction (at the Thika Rd./ Bypass intersection), next to Eastgate Restaurant.
Pastor Mary is a pastor at Teaching Transformation Ministry. We are located along the Thika-Ruai Flyover Junction (at the Thika Rd./ Bypass intersection), next to Eastgate Restaurant.
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Blessings.