12 Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, 14with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NET)
Paul’s testimony was about the way to perfection and his zeal to be perfected. He was explaining that the work of the Lord was not yet complete in him. He was still pursuing his goal, doing the work of the Lord, reaching upward toward the prize. He had a past of persecuting Christians, but he was able to leave the past behind. To focus on moving forward, reaching upward, toward the prize of heavenly life, striving for perfection to be more like Jesus.
Do you have troubles in the past that you need to release and reach upward, striving toward the prize, God’s heavenward call in Jesus Christ?
Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of your love and forgiveness. We thank you for your Son Jesus. He was an example of perfection, who died for our redemption. Teach us to rely on You, to leave the past behind, and reach upward toward the goal of becoming more like Jesus. Like the magnolia blossoms are open and reaching upward toward the sun, let us be open-hearted and reach upward toward the prize God has provided through Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
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Need prayer? I believe in the power of prayer and would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺
Garden Faith 
May the pursuit of Christ be our primary goal and with intention strive to be more like Christ every day.
This verse also reminds us of our role in it all. Yes, it is God who shapes and refines us but we are to be willing, intentional and surrender to Him to grow to be more like Him.
Blessings to you Jeanne 💙
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Yes, we must reach out and strive to be more Jesus-like while following God’s path for us. Manu, it is always good to hear from you! Peace and blessings! 💗🌟🌼🌺
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Timely message Jeanne. I have been talking to the Lord a lot lately about healing from my past. I don’t won’t the past to hold me back from His great plans for my life. Thanks for the encouragement to keep reaching upward. 🕊❤️
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Hi Dawn, It is so easy to let the past hold us captive rather than reaching ahead. I know I work on letting go, moving forward, and reaching upward. It is such an uplifting verse! Blessings! 🌷💗🌺
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Amen!!😊
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Good to hear from you! Blessings!🌺
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Amen. I love that we can leave the past behind and reach upward. Open-heated is a really nice word. It’s wonderful to be open hearted towards God. ❤
The weekend is almost upon us. I hope yours is filled with blessings, Jeanne. Lot’s of love a peace. 💗🦋🌼🌺🐝
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Hi Tina! Yes, like Paul, we can move forward toward God, leaving the past behind. I often pray for God to open my heart. To be kinder, gentler, and to see others through His eyes. Have a beautiful, peaceful weekend! Love and blessings! 💖🌷🌹🌺
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