This great land we call the “United States”, was founded on the principle of God’s stone slates. We fled religious prosecutors and tax happy kings, In search of freedom and the safety it brings. God minded men placed the stones at their base, Establishing honor, respect, and hope for this race. The Lord has used rocks to focus our minds, Memorials, foundations, and altars of all kinds. These monuments of FAITH have purpose and reason, Viewing them as less would be equal to treason. This Nation we hold as precious and free, Was bought with a price from sea to sea. Man’s blood has been shed since Abel was slain, Sadly enough, from his own brother Cain. From that time to now, many wars have been fought, Still we forget… with whose blood we were bought.

“America the Beautiful” is properly named, American pride will not be tamed. Children parading their banners unfurled, Praising our God to the entire world. God did not bring us out of bondage for fun, His plan for our lives is “His will be done.” America, as people, is united in all states, We as Christians, need to get back to God’s slates. Back in our schools, back in our homes, Back in our work, or wherever we roam. Back in our hearts and back in our souls, Where moths don’t destroy and satan has no control.

Our shame should eat us, as acid does rust, Until united we stand, and in God only trust. Tear down the grudges, tear down the walls, Tear down the issues that separate us all. Start with a handshake, a hug, or a smile, To someone you’ve not said “hello” in a while. America need us whole and in part, To preach the good news, to reach every heart. To remind the children and all who remain, No matter what, Our God Reigns!

I wrote this shortly after September 9, 2001 on a Greyhound bus headed for Texas. Before 9/11, I never imagined or could I fathom the thoughts that ran through my heart, soul, and mind that day. Now, these words and emotions, written 19 years ago, are as vivid and pressing on my heart at they were then.

Philippians 3:13

After speaking with a group of ladies this past week, this verse stole my attention and sent me on a journey of better understanding and application. 

As usual Paul starts off the third chapter encouraging them to rejoice in the Lord. Paul states that we can boast in Christ Jesus, but not in ourselves.  We can do nothing, be nothing, and accomplish nothing without being found and firmly planted in Jesus Christ.  We have no righteousness, no power, no fellowship, and no way to be conformed to His death without anchoring our faith in Jesus, with an unmoving resolve. 

Paul also shares his past, where he dares himself to have confidence in himself, the flesh.  In the original language, “confidence” means to “convince by argument” He lists the nobility of his lineage, which would be impressive to the listeners at the time. Paul states all that he came from and all that he attained, cannot compare, nor have reliance on, to what he exchanged it for.  Paul counts his past, the good, the bad, and the ugly, as loss or detriment, refuse or dung, as some versions read.  Paul could have allowed his past to intrude on his present and keep him from being the powerfully influential evangelist, mentor, minister, friend, writer, and so much more that God called him to be. Paul could allow the injustices pummeled on his life to divert his attention to his woes, beatings, and imprisonments.  Instead, he writes in verse 13 the choice he makes every day.  Paul chooses to “Forget the things which are behind”.  What things are we to forget?  All and any negative tapes that satan attempts to permanently fix in our minds, telling us how unworthy we are of our Father’s love and promises, because of our past.  This weapon is a powerful tool to keep Christians from fulfilling their purpose and an even more powerful tool in keeping the seekers of salvation through Christ Jesus from accepting the grace, mercy, and faithfulness offered to all who submit their lives to Him. How do we forget? The original language says “to lose out of mind or to neglect”.  We must stop giving so much attention to our past!! I see Paul embracing his past and using it to glorify God.  He knows what lies ahead and is not about to be left behind by tragedy, trauma, or circumstance.  Next, Paul states to “stretch forward to the things which are before. This is a stretching forward and upon the promises of God. His promises are not behind you.  Verse 14 “I PURSUE toward (forward motion) the goal, (“mark” in the original language, as if you are looking through the scope mounted on a rifle), for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” If we put half as much effort into going forward, as we do chasing our pasts, focusing on the prize would be more intentional and not accidental.

Jeremiah 7:21-27 gives an account of Israel going backwards and not forward by not listening to God.

2 Peter 3:10-18 Peter is teaching the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and we need to be found in peace by Him, without spot, and blameless.  Verse 14 states we are to look forward to this.

Luke 19:1-10 What if Zacchaeus had not run ahead (forward), would he have been on the right path to find Jesus?

 Proverbs 4:20-27 Solomon instructs his sons to “Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.”

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When you fix your eyes on God, God will fix your eyes.” Author Unknown