Scripture:
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)
Points:
- The Christian life is a forward-moving pursuit.
- We aim toward the “upward call” — to know and be like Christ.
- Pressing on requires forgetting past failures and distractions.
- There is a prize — eternal life and reward in Jesus.
- Daily focus helps us not grow weary in the race.
Poem: Toward the Prize
I will not stop, I will not drift.
The path is long but full of light.
You set the goal, You hold the crown.
And though I fall, I rise again—
Because You walk the road with me.
The past no longer holds me down.
The shame, the fear, the wasted time—
They’re left behind as I press on.
My eyes are fixed on what is true.
My feet are set to run with joy.
This race is more than reaching first.
It’s finishing with faith intact.
It’s pressing on when others quit.
It’s loving when I want to rest.
It’s staying close when doubts grow loud.
You are the prize, not just the end.
To know You more is worth it all.
You call me upward, not to ease—
But to a life that’s full and strong.
To joy that lasts beyond the grave.
So I will run and not look back.
I’ll fix my eyes where You have gone.
The cross behind, the crown ahead.
The Spirit strong, the heart made new.
I press to win what You have won.
Prayer:
Lord, help me press toward the goal today. Strengthen me to run with faith and endurance. Let me fix my eyes on You, the prize and the reward. Amen.
