Day III Devotion

Press on Toward the Goal

Philippians 3:13-14
What happens if a runner loses focus in a race (looks around, stops to eat a donut, etc.)?
Lose the race

What happens in a basketball game if a player stops playing and loses focus on what he/she should be doing?
Lose the game

That reminds me of a passage from the Bible. Read Philippians 3:13-14 - What is St. Paul mean when he says I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it?
Not in heaven yet.(Life on earth is not heaven)

- He goes on to say that he forgets what is behind and strains toward what is ahead pressing on toward the goal to win the prize. How is this similar to running a race?
Need to keep focused on finish line, not what you passed, in order to win race.

- What is the prize that Paul is talking about winning?

Heaven

Is the Apostle Paul saying he can win heaven by himself?

No

- What is the only winning path to victory (or heaven)?

Faith in Jesus. Look up Ephesians 2:8-9 (page 219)

- What are some ways we can stay focused on the goal to win the ultimate prize of heaven?
Study Bible, church, Sunday School, VBS, follow Gods commands, prayer Remember Jesus won the ultimate victory over death for us on the cross we need to keep our eyes on Him!

Prayer Thank you for bringing us together at this camp to help us keep our focus on how to win in basketball, but more importantly, to help us stay focused on Jesus as our only path to victory in life. Forgive us for all of our sins and help us to always press on toward our goal - to live with you in heaven.

By your grace we know your love for us, help us to be willing to share that good news about Jesus with others with our words and our actions. Iin Jesus name we pray. Amen.