Philippians 3

I wake early
     prior to the stirring of the household.
A gentle breeze brings in the cool moist night air
     it washes over my face and I fill my lungs with it's night fragrance.

My mind is clear and
     peace clothes every thought.
Free from worldly distractions,
     my thoughts reach into God's Word.

I read Your matchless Word
     Your love swells every page,
     Your grace tingles my  fingertips as I turn the thin leaves.
     Your mercy rings in my heart,
          I am humbled.

I read Your matchless Word and stop to consider your message.

Consider Paul, Philippians 3,
     A well taught Hebrew of Hebrews
     A Pharisee of Pharisees
     Wealthy
     Smart and well educated
     He had obtained great status among the Judeans
     A Roman citizen (a citizenship to be prized)

Yet

God called and sent Jesus Christ into his heart.

The darkness as scales fell from his eyes that he could see
     see the truth and power of God living in those he persecuted.
God reached into Paul's heart touching it,
     teaching him the greatest truths of our time.

Forgetting those things which are behind,
     His stature
     His brethren - Judeans
     His Actions!

I catch my breath,
     a sob escapes
     tears spring forth from my eyes
     the words blur on the page.

His Actions
     The pain and regret when he realized.
     Stephen, a man chosen of God to serve His people.
     Paul was consenting unto his death.
     Oh the sorrow.
     Costly in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
     All those he committed to prison
          the pain and regret.

Forgetting those things which are behind.

God forgave Paul,
     Paul had to forgive himself.

Forgetting those things which are behind.
     Press,
          yes, that takes effort.
     Press toward the mark
     The prize -
          what a prize,
               the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

And now a new citizenship in heaven.

I can press toward the mark.
     God has given me strength to do so.
     God has given me examples - Paul, Stephen, Peter, Timothy

A gentle breeze brings in the cool moist early morning air
     it washes over my face and I fill my lungs with it's renewed  fragrance.
The sun now lightens the sky,
     It has come bringing it's warmth upon the land.
I realize the birds have been heralding the dawn for a while now.

Thank you God,
     for making known your Word to your people.

I hear Katie up,
     she must have to go to work early today.