I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:14

Dear God, I think this is two days back-to-back that the verse of the day from Bible Gateway was been the two theme verse from the two Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) national conferences I attended in 1986 and 1987. What are the odds? Holy Spirit, are you trying to tell me something? Are you getting my attention from verses that hit my radar 35-ish years ago?

The connective tissue for these verses is giving myself a chance to perform. From Hebrews, throwing off the things that tie me down. From Philippians, persevering. To quote the movie Galaxy Quest: “Never give up, never surrender!” But I just need to make sure I don’t do these things in my power. It’s not by my strength that I press on. It’s not by my virtue. I need you.

Father, Holy Spirit, I’m about to start a vacation, but I don’t want it to be just sunk time of self-indulgence. Help me even in this moment to press on into you. Use this time to shape me and teach me. Help me to learn from my wife. Help me to learn from those I meet over the next 17 days. Help me to bring you into their lives as well. Be glorified through me and show me what work you have for me to do, both in my vocation and in my personal life.

I pray all of this by the privilege the Lord Jesus afforded me through his life, death and resurrection.

Amen