Colossians 1:10

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

The more we know of God is not the same as knowing God more.

To know more of him is more of a book inspired learning. To know God more is an intimate exercise. It requires the believer to leave himself behind and move “into” God. This intimate handling allows us to know the mind of God. The only way to have this type of knowledge of God is through a life style of praise and worship. Our praises gets God’s attention. Our worship shows him how much we appreciate, and adore him. Our worship exalts him and humbles us. It puts the believer in a position to “hear” God.

This experience allows God to reveal himself to the believer. As God reveals himself to us, we are able to apply his truth to our daily lives. This allows the believer to be fruitful in every good work, thus pleasing God. This is a cycle that should be active in every believer’s life. 

When we are experiencing difficulties and challenges, or it does not seem like you have the victory, the answer (or fix) is simple. Increase, or rather persevere in your praise and worship. It is impossible to murmur and complain, and praise and worship God at the same time. If our focus is on the later (praise and worship), there is no failure. You might ask, how is that possible? Again, the answer is simple. God reveals himself to us and we see things the way he sees them. What may have looked like failure to us, may be something completely different in God’s eyes. 

Our goal, as Colossians 1:10 says, “that we might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.” Sometimes, what may look like a failure or loss to us, actually places us exactly where God needs us to be. This is a victory. Why? Because what happens next will ultimately bring glory to God.

Philippians 3:13-14

“13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  

14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

We have all made mistakes, and done things we are not proud of. Now is a perfect time to let them go and look forward. Time to forgive yourself and do better. Shake the dust off your feet, repent, and go after that which God has ordained for you.

Do not allow yourself to be held captive by the past. God has called us to liberty, not bondage.  

The same can be said about your past successes. They are great, but they are still in the past. What have you done for God lately? 

We don’t live in the past. We live in the now. What are you doing for the kingdom now?

We must constantly press toward the mark or the goal God has set for us. Look forward to reach, to accomplish, to achieve, to gain ground for the kingdom of God.

Move into that which God has called you to. Little by little is still progress. Do not despise small beginnings. Eventually you will have great success – if you keep pressing.

Look forward…