February 26, 2023
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
Too often, the busyness of this world can crowd out the things that are of lasting importance. And not only busyness, but wrong attitudes. Let us not ever forget the power of God to change things in an instant. Our top priority—we’ve heard it all before—is our relationship with God. This fact is one that must be a part of our every-day thinking.
One prevailing attitude in these last days that is casting many-a-discouraging shadow is: “I’ve made such a mess of my life that there is no way that God will accept me.” This is actually the whisperings of that miserable old accuser. Now hear thoughtfully this account:
Then [the angel] showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! . . . is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel [who said] “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to [Joshua] He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” Zechariah 3:1-4
If you are discouraged today, open your ears to Jesus’ words as He began His address known as the “sermon on the mount”:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
The phrase poor in spirit refers to abject spiritual poverty. Beloved, if you recognize your own spiritual poverty before God, then you are in the ideal position to be blessed! Trust Him to remove your iniquity. It is His will to clothe you with rich robes. As you step forward in faith, He will meet you. Satan wants to make a display of your failures, but the Lord wants to make you a display of His grace! He will empower you to press toward the goal . . . The rest of your life is meant to be an invitation to the world. Our heavenly Father’s heart yearns for His children to come to Him. The next time Satan accuses you of making a mess of things (by the way, the whole world is in a mess and we have all contributed to it), remember the wayward son who came home—and the thrill of the father’s JOY!
The son planned to say, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son…” But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him…[and] the father said, “Bring out the best robe and put on him…” Luke 15:19,20b,22