The Apostle Paul says, “... I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me” and “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12 & 14.  Paul had Jesus Christ in view for his life, and heaven as his ultimate destination. Living for Jesus was a priority for the present and future for Paul. He lived each day with an attitude of “pressing on” regardless of how difficult or challenging life might become for him.  Engaging in faith-building activities with his brothers and sisters in Christ helped him “press on” and ultimately gain the prize by God’s grace.

Here are a few things to help us as we journey toward heaven with our wonderful Lord this month!

1.  Read the daily devotionals in HIS WORD DEVOTIONAL BOOK and read the corresponding chapters in the NEW TESTAMENT. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11

2. Today many have been be looking for a place to visit.  This is an opportunity for us to invite our friends and family who are not Christians to come and hear the truth about our Lord, His

wonderful Church, and salvation through His resurrection.  This is a beautiful truth we embrace as we worship every Lord’s day!

3.  Let’s engage in various acts of kindness to make a difference in the lives of our friends and family.  Let’s love our enemies and do good to as many as possible and follow the example of our Lord and Savior, JESUS THE CHRIST!  

We must “press on” in order to experience life with Christ now and forever.  Let’s be a going church for a coming Lord. 

When you think about love, what does it look like?  Like a precious lady teaching stories of the Bible to a class full of kids?  Like a sweet older couple who are madly in love with one another, hand in hand in faith and love, although their faces are lined with wrinkles and their steps are shortened?  Like the heart of one serving with respect and diligence to put food on the table for hungry mouths and empty bellies at a shelter? Like the innocent face of a newborn baby who is pure and sinless?  There are a lot of people who display selfless, active, and unconditional love each day by their actions. Love is a decision that acts unselfishly, unconditionally, and nonjudgmentally!

THINK ABOUT THIS, LOVE is Jesus Christ … Jesus suffers long, He is kind, He does not envy, He does not parade Himself, He is not puffed up, He doesn't behave rudely, nor does He seek His own, and He is not easily provoked. He thinks NO EVIL and doesn't rejoice in iniquity!  He bears, believes, hopes, and endures ALL THINGS. Jesus is love with flesh and bones. He is a compassionate heart with a loving nonjudgmental look for the worst of us and serves, cares, and sacrifices anyway! He is what Paul was talking about in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.

Let's do all we can to follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and love with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”  -- 1 John 2:6