Philippians 3:12 It is not that I have already obtained it or already reached the goal — no, I keep pursuing it in the hope of taking hold of that for which the Messiah Yeshua took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I, for my part, do not think of myself as having yet gotten hold of it; but one thing I do: forgetting what is behind me and straining forward toward what lies ahead, 14 I keep pursuing the goal in order to win the prize offered by God’s upward calling in the Messiah Yeshua. 15 Therefore, as many of us as are mature, let us keep paying attention to this; and if you are differently minded about anything, God will also reveal this to you. 16 Only let our conduct fit the level we have already reached.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and pay attention to those who live according to the pattern we have set for you. 18 For many — I have told you about them often before, and even now I say it with tears — live as enemies of the Messiah’s execution-stake. 19 They are headed for destruction! Their god is the belly; they are proud of what they ought to be ashamed of, since they are concerned about the things of the world. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, and it is from there that we expect a Deliverer, the Lord Yeshua the Messiah. 21 He will change the bodies we have in this humble state and make them like his glorious body, using the power which enables him to bring everything under his control.
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"The Teacher and the Students" by Derl G. Keefer
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The story is told that Leonardo da Vinci had started work on a large canvas in his studio. He chose the subject, planned the perspective, sketched the outline, and applied the color with his usual touch of genius. He worked hard and long, but suddenly he stopped. The painting was unfinished for some time. He called in one of his students and asked him to finish the painting. The student felt unworthy and incapable of finishing the piece for da Vinci. However, the great painter and teacher looked into the soul of the student and asked, “Will not what I have done inspire you to do your best?” He had modeled for the student what needed to be done; it was now the student’s turn to finish the job.
Paul understood and confessed that he was not perfect; the Philippians were not to follow in his failures or imperfections, nor in his achievements (3:12). His desire was that they should follow his example of following Jesus to the best of their human ability. They would continue the journey of faith and would become the teachers–the examples of faith.
Hymn for Today: "Stepping in the Light" by Eliza E. Hewitt
1. Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Trying to follow our Savior and King;
Shaping our lives by His blessèd example,
Happy, how happy, the songs that we bring.
Refrain:
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Stepping in the light, stepping in the light,
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Led in paths of light.
2.
Pressing more closely to Him Who is leading,
When we are tempted to turn from the way;
Trusting the arm that is strong to defend us,
Happy, how happy, our praises each day.
Refrain:
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Stepping in the light, stepping in the light,
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Led in paths of light.
3.
Walking in footsteps of gentle forbearance,
Footsteps of faithfulness, mercy, and love,
Looking to Him for the grace freely promised,
Happy, how happy, our journey above.
Refrain:
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Stepping in the light, stepping in the light,
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Led in paths of light.
4.
Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Upward, still upward, we follow our Guide;
When we shall see Him, “the King in His beauty,”
Happy, how happy, our place at His side.
Refrain:
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Stepping in the light, stepping in the light,
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Led in paths of light.
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Thought for Today: John 13:15 For I have set you an example, so that you may do as I have done to you.
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Thought for Today: John 13:15 For I have set you an example, so that you may do as I have done to you.
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Brazil.
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