Press onward toward the goal in Jesus Christ!

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-13 NKJV
 
I worked as a substance abuse counselor in a prison. A client asked, “Why are you here?” I was thankful for that question. It needed to be answered. I worked there so I could stand with men in bondage to sin. I was there so I could speak truth to them.
 
I worked with criminals, gang members, drug addicts and alcoholics. Their behavior destroyed lives, including their own. I told them they could change. I told them what Jesus has done in my life. I told them Jesus could do the same for them!
 
I am not a Pastor, Priest or Theologian. I was not paid to share the gospel. I was paid to teach a curriculum based on cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT teaches that by changing the way we think we can change our behavior and ultimately our lives.
 
God tells us to put on the mind of Christ. The bible tells us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. The way we think sets the course of our lives. 
 
The men in that program need the Lord. Only Jesus can bring transformation and restoration in their lives. I prayed the Lord would use me in some way that makes a difference. I saw Jesus shine the light of His love into a dark and evil place.
 
It has been over ten years since I worked in that prison. Some of those men are in the community where I live today. They are sharing what Jesus has done for them with people who need to know how much God loves them!
 
God did not send me to that prison because I’m a spiritual superhero. I simply put one foot in front of the other by faith in Jesus Christ. I didn’t walk alone. Jesus was with me!
 
Jesus saved me for a purpose. He has a plan for my life. I focused on forgetting my sinful past, mistakes and failures. I trusted God to use me despite them. I pressed on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ. 
 
Nothing is as fulfilling as walking in the will of God. Nothing can compare with the eternal rewards we will experience when we meet Jesus in eternity.
 
One day will be united in love with the people who shared God’s grace and mercy with us. We will be united in love with the people we shared God’s love with! 
 
Jesus knows you are not perfect. He knows you have made mistakes. Forget your sinful past. Do not relieve your mistakes and failures. Put on the mind of Christ. Jesus saved you for a purpose. Jesus has a plan and a purpose for your life!
 
Put one foot in front of the other and serve the God of new beginnings!
 
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