Keep Moving
Week 4 – IN HOT PURSUIT
As we run in hot pursuit, I’m struck by a particular dynamic of this race. There’s always something behind and something ahead, and we’re in the middle. Remember the verses that serve as the basis of this study?
“…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on . . .” Philippians 3:13-14
That word “press” is the same Greek word that’s translated “pursue” in the following verses:
“But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11
“Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace . . . ” 2 Timothy 2:22
In all three verses, there’s something behind us that we need to move away from, and something ahead that we need to pursue.
Stop and think: What if you stop moving? What if you don’t pursue anything? Will what’s behind stop pursuing you?
If we are not actively pursuing the positive, we will be overtaken by the negative.
It’s the same principle as putting off the old self and putting on the new self. We have to do something, or the old will creep back in. We have to renew our minds (Ephesians 4:22-24). And it’s a continual process. We don’t move away from the old in a day and call it done. We keep moving. We may not be scaling a mountain every day, but even if there are days we slow to a crawl, we keep choosing to press.
Stop and think: If you’re not choosing to dwell on what’s right and true, how long does it take before the negative begins to fill up the space? If you’re not choosing to give thanks, how long does it take before you’re grumbling? If you’re not choosing to believe, how long before you doubt?
The Christian race is about constant movement toward the highest of virtues, and that movement requires effort. We’re told to pursue godliness above. Second Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness”—yet, it also says, “through the true knowledge of Him who called us . . .” We have to apply ourselves to gaining knowledge (renewing our minds) in order to grow in godliness. A few verses down, we see more of those qualities above, which I’ve highlighted:
“Now for this very reason, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8
If we needed more confirmation of what it means to be in hot pursuit, these verses give it to us. We have to “apply all diligence.” And since these virtues are to be ever increasing, that diligent effort is ongoing. This is a serious race. And this is the race we’re called to. If we keep moving—keep pressing and pursuing—we will walk in victory, to the glory of God.
Re-read and meditate on these verses that are mentioned above:
1 Timothy 6:11
2 Timothy 2:22
Ephesians 4:20-24
2 Peter 1:2-8
What do you do on the days you grow weary of the race? How do you keep yourself moving? Do you have an action plan?
30 Responses to “Keep Moving”
Good morning! I want to start on the last question first, because I am feeling this right now. I feel weary and tired. I know that I allowed myself to be open to an attack from the devil. So the first step I take is to recognize why I am feeling this way and in recognizing it, acknowledge or confess it to God.
Then I speak confessions over myself, Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait upon God get fresh strength they spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.”
My plan today is just to keep praying and calling on God for “fresh strength.”
I will be meditating on the verses too. Meditating will help me to press forward. It reminds me of the treadmill, you have to keep moving, it does your body no good to stand on a non-moving treadmill. Stop staying in the same state that you have been in, move out and move forward.
In answer to those questions you posed, if I am not giving thanks then how can I be content, if I am not dwelling on what is right and true, then I am dwelling on what wrong and false. I don’t like the wAy that sounds but if I am going to be truthful then that is what it is. It is either one or the other. I am either moving forward or not. You are right Kim, that is exactly why we have to renew our minds constantly, even throughout the day! In the Message Bible, I Timothy 6:11 uses the word steadiness instead of perseverance, having both of those words in mind give me the the picture of a tight rope walker. Persevering and being steady helps us to stay on the straight and narrow.
Good Morning Kara! I love your action plan. And I love that your first step is to recognize why you’re feeling the way you’re feeling. I’ve noticed that that is such a crucial step for me. Sometimes I feel weary or frustrated or just vexed and before it starts spiraling, I step back and say, “Now why am I feeling this way? Where did it come from?” In your case, you recognized it as an attack…that informs your next steps. Acknowledge, confess, speak the word, pray…that’s the recipe for victory! You can’t help but get “fresh strength” when that’s your action plan. God WILL respond and bless you. “…it does your body no good to stand on a non-moving treadmill”…that resonates with me because I’m on the treadmill several days a week. If I stand still on my treadmill, not only am I not going anywhere, I’m wasting my time. It’s foolish. Why would I do that in life? And ooh, I love the image of the tight rope walker…steadiness and perseverance…straight and narrow. Good stuff for early meditation in my day. Thanks, sis!
Thank You!!
Hi Kara!
I loved your post and you are absolutely right when you wrote, “I don’t like the way that sounds but if I am going to be truthful then that is what it is.” We may not like it, but when it’s the right thing to do and “We know that it is the right thing to do” well, at that point, it is the only thing to day.
Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning All!
Yes indeed Kim, the renewal of our minds. So true when you said “We don’t move away from the old in a day and call it done. We keep moving”. Lord knows for me some things weren’t quickly removed! Some things were removed like an onion, in layers (by and by)! Thank you Jesus right there! When I grow weary I want to sit quiet, read The Word-meditate on it then thank and praise him(trust me when you put on the garment of praise…………..nothing beats that feeling! Ah………. then you get right into a sweet worship encounter. I must admit, I’m in need of an intimate worship session with the Lord RIGHT NOW. I just wish I could steal away RIGHT NOW.
Lord I want to go there with you today! Smiling at the thought.
Have a good day guys!
Mona
Hey Mona! You know I had to comment on this…”Lord knows for me some things weren’t quickly removed!”…you and me both, and probably most of us here! :) The picture of the onion layers is so true. Little by little, step by step, He changes us. I love your action plan too…”sit quiet, read The Word-meditate on it then thank and praise him”….ah yes, nothing beats that feeling of praise! You feel like you’re on a mountaintop, no matter what your circumstances are. Praise is a mighty weapon! I hope you had a chance to go there today! I’m smiling at the thought too. :)
Hi Ladies,
Kim, I just wanted you to know that this confirmation for me. I get so tempted to just be still and not do anything, but this confirmed to me that being still is not an option, I have to keep pressing!
God Bless
Lauren, your comments are always so encouraging. It means so much to know that this was confirmation of something God was already working in your heart. It IS tempting to be still and do nothing, especially if we’re weary or discouraged. You don’t *feel* like doing anything. But that’s when you have to MOVE because it’s in the moving…the pressing…that you allow God to work in and through you. It’s also when you get to that place of praise Mona spoke of above. And when you start praising, you get all kinds of energy. :) Blessings to you, sis!
Quick stop to tough base:)
First thought…Like indecision IS a decision, what you’ve said Kim is very true.
What do you do on the days you grow weary of the race? How do you keep yourself moving? Do you have an action plan? Yessss!
I make sure I’m spiritually dressed first thing, full armor of God or the fiery darts that hit me especially while I’m weary would throw me off my race in a heartbeat!
Then I send up many many “breath prayers” throughout the day like…
“Keep me walking in the spirit Lord; don’t let me slip down into the natural.”
“Uphold my steps on YOUR PATHS Lord, ONLY, that my footsteps will not slip.”
“I need you Lord, refresh me, strengthen me, rid me of weariness.”
“Turn and deliver me Lord, save me with your unfailing love.”
“I set my mind & heart on You, Lord; keep me in perfect peace.”
“I stand on your promises Lord.”
“You are the author and finisher of my faith; strengthen my faith.”
“Re-energize my spirit & body Lord, lift me up, get me back in the race.”
I’m running!!
Grrrrrreat start to a thankful Thursday everyone!!!!
Later Kim xoxx
“Indecision IS a decision”….so true!! Where do you get those pithy phrases? :) Oh my, the “breath prayers”…I’m ALL about the breath prayers. I do that all day! I truly think that’s what the Bible means by “pray without ceasing.” We’re not going to be in our prayer closet all day. We’re moving and doing, and those breath prayers are a saving grace.
“Lord, help me.”
“Lord, go before me.”
“Give me grace to walk by faith because right now I’m walking by sight…”
“Lord, I know I’m in the flesh. Give me grace…give me grace…”
“Lord, you know I want to go off right now. Give me patience…give me patience…” :-)
“Make this rough place smooth, O God.”
“Help me to keep my mind set on you, so you can keep me in perfect peace.”
And on and on…. I’m running too!!
Oh Kim, I love the questions that were asked in today’s lesson. On days that I become weary on the race, my reflexes wants to begin to complain about how the devil is attacking me and some other “Whoa as meisms” (my word) smile. Then, I realized that that is not a way being in “Hot Pursuit”. Today, I was met with that challenge. This morning to be exact; right after Father God awoke me at 4 am for alone time with Him….. Right after I called in to the 6 am Power Prayer line. Right after listening to praise and worship music during my commute to work. He was there, ready to steal, kill and destroy. So, I began to think of scriptures that will keep me from falling into this trap, but the only scripture that would come to me was James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” After reading this scripture, I was lead to others: “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” After reading that scripture, I was lead to others – “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 and Ephesians 6:13 continues, “That you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Needless to say, I began to feel better.
To keep moving, I focus on the promise scriptures. I recently purchased a new book: Strengthen My Spirit by Charles H. Spurgeon. I use it as a quick reference and it really helps me maintain my focus during a busy day. I also keep moving through prayer, fasting, studying and meditating on God’s word.
My action plan: is to continue to be sharpened by the Word of God through my blog family, the power prayer call. I also participate in a Breakfast Bible Book Club on Saturday mornings at 9. Let’s not forget about attending church. I’m also planning to enroll in the February Life Now Coaching session. Another action plan is to share what I’m learning with others.
Geri, you are running in hot pursuit, girl! Starting at 4 am!! Wow! I’m not at all surprised that after alone time with God, a prayer call, and listening to praise and worship music…you were attacked. You went from a HIGH to a low…and I know how that is because you want that spiritual HIGH all day, but you just get hit. But you weren’t deterred. As a woman in hot pursuit, you were prepared! I love that you were ready with your promise scriptures! Talk about having an action plan!! I’m so encouraged to read ALL that you do and are planning to do to keep running. As you’ve shared, it doesn’t mean you won’t be attacked. We’re in a battle and WILL get attacked. But you’ve got your armor of God on and KEEP MOVING. I love it!!
Kim,
You are doing some teaching here. Woo! This message (like all the others) speaks volumes. There is so much I could say. Truly. I am so not joking. :-)
On the days I grow weary of the race and find my strength is low, I activate a prayer circle around me. Prayer warriors, who stand with me, are contacted when and as I have need – no matter the day or hour. I cannot begin to tell you how much it helps to know that I am being lifted up when I can barely raise my own head. That in itself is encouraging.
I also very literally practice donning my armor. This practice came from a message I heard once via Melissa Taylor’s site. The guest speaker spoke about how she would often go in her bathroom and don the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). She said she started at the top of her head and went to the bottom of her feet. She covered herself physically and spiritually before she went out to face her day. I tried it and it stuck. It’s a keeper that I have referred to often.
Lastly, but not finally, I speak Life over myself. When I am weary, battle-worn and plain tired, I will stand in front of my mirror and speak the Word of God over myself. Not only have I found that my inner man is often tearfully and cheerfully refreshed, but I have also found that my countenance will change, which if you didn’t know has a way of changing your mood. It’s like influencing the aha, drawing the sigh, getting to His pneuma.
So I guess my action plan would look like this: PRAY, DON, SPEAK. (Did you notice that each requires something of me? Did you also notice that each is something I have been gifted, empowered, and even invited to do? And did you notice that it has a comical flare.)
You know I could go on, but I want to stop and focus up. I’ve got to process and praise. Amen.
Thanking God With Every Breath,
Kim T.
And you, dear Kim, are doing some teaching as well. :-) PRAY…there truly is power in having a ready prayer circle. I was just telling my son yesterday how important it is to have people with whom you can share prayer needs. There is power in bearing one another’s burdens. As you said, when our strength is low, we NEED to reach out. I remember sending a text to a friend that simply said, “Pray for me.” The friend asked what was going on but at the time, I didn’t have the strength to go into it. I said, “I just need you to pray.” I knew the Holy Spirit would lead, and I did share details later…but I knew prayers were going up as I began to feel strengthened. DON…love this. I’ve never done this physically in a mirror, but I’ve often spoken the verses aloud from memory. As a result, when I feel I’m under spiritual attack, the Holy Spirit will bring those pieces of armor to mind and I’ll confess that I have the breastplate of righteousness, etc. So powerful. SPEAK….I find it so interesting that you stand in front of the mirror to do this. There’s something powerful in that as well, even just to see your countenance change. And YES, I have noticed that when my countenance changes, my mood changes!
Yes, I know you could go on…and I would love for you to go on. :) PRAY, DON, SPEAK…awesome action plan. I think I’ll find myself in front of the mirror soon. :-)
Sticking Point/Grace Lesson: Bear one another’s burdens. (This message keeps coming before me. I’m thinking God is conveying a transforming truth here. You know how He does it. Right!)
That- bearing one another’s burdens – is one of the most beautiful gifts we can give, and yet…
I loved your example regarding your prayer request to a friend. There’s so much to that. The fact that she made herself available, that is to be cherished. :-) (Yes, I know you do.)
Love you in Christ, sis. Thanks for the godly conversation and the amazing spiritual food.
K
Hi Kim!
I never thought about doing this in a mirror, but after reading this it makes sense to me. It makes me think about the scripture: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds(New International Version). We must ready ourselves for battle! I love this!! Thank you for sharing.
“We must ready ourselves for battle!” You said it, sis.
Blessings,
Kim
This is such good advice. Thank you for sharing!
:-)
When I get weary and it’s tough to shake, I often reach for inspiring stories. I just posted these on Staying Desperate but they are also two examples of stories that refresh me, encourage me, help me see God’s amazing movement in other’s lives, get me back in the race and keep me moving…
Story#1…
A traveler runs out of water and his thirst was growing deeper and deeper. He saw a pump in the desert. Was it a mirage?
No. He ran towards the pump, pulled it down, and there was a dry sound, metal on metal. There was no water! He started to panic!
But then he looked at a tin can and inside, there was message,
“Dear Traveler, do not despair. There’s enough water here; just follow the instructions: lift the handle, bring it down, when you hear the sound of metal on metal, it will discourage you but take heart. Under the pump, in the sand, is a single bottle of water. Pick up the bottle of water, pour it into the cylinder to prime the pump, and water will come gushing out!
You can drink all the water you want and refill all your bottles, but don’t forget to refill this one bottle and leave it for the next traveler.
Warning: you will be tempted when you see this one bottle of water to drink it, but then you will quickly be so thirsty again, and so will everybody else who follows you.”
Great when living water overflows thru us into others!
Story#2…
Early on his father’s knee listening to missionary stories, David Livingston, at the age of 9, had memorized all 176 verses of Psalm 119, burning them into his heart, making them a fire within his bones!
As a young man, he stood outside a cluster of African villages, “The haunting specter of the smoke of a thousand villages has burned itself within my heart.” Then he got on his knees, “Send me anywhere only go with me…” The Lord’s words came in response, “Lo I’m with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
He married Mary and under torrid conditions, they lost children, and Mary completely lost her health and had to return home to England to recuperate.
David loved her dearly and they exchanged letters that would take months to cross. She would not set eyes on him until 5 years later when he finally set foot on home territory again!
She took a long look at him and couldn’t recognize him. His face had been burned to a crisp leather-like appearance under the sun; he had walked into the branch of a tree that had blinded him in one eye; he had lost his shoulder that had been torn apart by a lion…and her eyes welled up with tears!
Members of the royal family wanted to meet him, and professors and medical people wanted to meet him because he was a pioneer breaking new ground.
“Mary, the haunting specter of the smoke of a thousand villages is still burning within my heart.”
“Go David and in a little while I will join you.”
The very day Mary set foot on that soil, she contracted the same disease again, and as David buried her, he knelt and said these words, “My Jesus, my King, my life, my all; I again consecrate my life to Thee…” And again the Lord’s words came in response, “Lo I’m with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
Someone had stolen his medication and as his body was racked with pain, “…Lord I need that medicine.” And as he prayed, he heard footsteps closing in upon him, “My name is Henry M. Stanley. Mr. Livingston I presume. Let me tell you two things about me: one, I’m the biggest swaggering atheist on the earth and please don’t try to convert me, newspapers have sent me to do a story on your life, and two, somebody has sent some medication for you.”
Four months later, the biggest swaggering atheist on earth bent his knee on African soil and gave his life to Christ!
David died on his knees in prayer, and his closest African friend carried his body 1500 miles on foot for 9 months to send David back to England, but not before he took David’s heart and buried it under a tree in Africa because that’s where his heart really was!
Candace, I remember when you said you grew up reading missionary stories. I love how the Lord uses stories in your life. It really does inspire us when we see how He has moved in other people’s lives. Thanks so much for sharing these! I bet you’ve got a ton of your own stories that would fill a book. :)
I will admit that there are times when I feel like I am not running at all, as if I am stuck. Then are times and areas where I feel like I am running, growing and moving forward. The negative thought patterns really try to rise up when I stop moving or go backwards. I plan, but steer off the plan. I get back on, then I get off again. Faithfulness and diligence are the two words that should dominate EVERY area of my life, not just some. I’m pressing forward in this!
I like this “If we are not actively pursuing the positive, we will be overtaken by the negative.” When we’re running TO something it could only mean we’re running FROM something else. I’m so grateful for “renewing my mind daily” because it takes a while to have your mind totally renewed on something. I’m renewing to the point where whatever I’m renewed about becomes “policy”.
On the days I grow weary, I will admit, I tend to have a pity party but only for a little while because I know the dangers of solo pity parties. I reach out to a Godly friend who ALWAYS points me back to the word. And for that I am truly thankful. Accountability partners are a blessing.
Isn’t that “stuck” feeling an awful feeling? Even if it lasts no more than a day or two, you KNOW you’re stuck and it doesn’t feel good. And you’re right…that’s when the negative thought patterns rise up…discouragement, doubt, all of it. And yep, that’s when the pity party comes knocking. Like you, I try to reach out to someone even if I don’t feel like it in that moment, because I ALWAYS feel better as a result. There’s nothing like having accountability in place. “I’m renewing to the point where whatever I’m renewed about becomes ‘policy’”….haaa! I love that! I also love THIS…”Faithfulness and diligence are the two words that should dominate EVERY area of my life.” May it be so for us all.
You are so right. It’s a continual process and we have to stay active!
Running with you, Heather!! :)
I have on my running shoes! Had to run away from the enemy and negative people many times this week!! Meditating on “If we are not actively pursuing the positive, we will be overtaken by the negative.” Amen
Awesome, Pam! The enemy will shoot his darts and place negativity in your path, but you are focused on Him. You are continuing to walk in victory! I love it. Keep those running shoes on!
I praise God for this post and for all the comments. I have been encouraged. Desperately I remain in hot pursuit in this very challenging life season that has kept me from participating in these wonderful discussions. My mom had been hospitalized for six weeks, has been in rehab for six weeks and next week is coming to live with me and my family until she can transition into an assisted living facility. God’s grace has kept me as my siblings and I handle her affairs and work together to ensure everything is taken care of. I have needed my action plan of praising God, reciting His promises to me and reading the Bible more than normal, for He told me “The more you are in my word the greater your capacity to do what I’ve called you to do.” So when I get weary I know I have no excuse to be there. God has given me the remedy to give me the strength I need. I just have to be obedient.
Wow, Rhonda, this really is a challenging life season for you. What a faithful daughter you are! I know there is A LOT involved in what you’ve been doing for your mom and in what you’ll do in the coming weeks. Because you homeschool your kids, your entire schedule will be affected. But God will surely be faithful even in that, as He gives you the grace to do what you need to do in whatever revised schedule He shapes for you and your family. Praise God that you have an action plan (which includes praising Him! :)) and that you are ready to PRESS into His Word more than normal. That is surely where your strength, wisdom, and direction lie. Praying for you right now, sis. God is going to do amazing things through you in this season. Praying for your mom as well.
Thank you so very much!