The International Standard Version of the Bible states in Philippians chaper 3:12-14, "It's not that I have already reached this goal or have already become perfect. But I keep pursuing it, hoping somehow to embrace it just as I have been embraced by the Messiah Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have embraced it yet. But this one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly call in the Messiah Jesus."
Pursuing it! Now that's powerful. To pursue means to go after, chase, run down. Of course, this is my meaning of 'pursue'. It's more than going toward a destination or seeking a destination. It's means to move, to chase and reach for that destination, that dream, that goal, or whatever it is in life that you desire, with unbridled passion and fierce determination. It's more than jogging toward your dream, or walking at a fast pace toward your victory; it's running with all vigor and all that is within your spirit.
Next, don't carry the weight of past failures or defeats with you. When you think on your past, and the victories that you lost, it can blind you to what lies ahead. God doesn't want us to dwell, to settle, to sit in the past. God's word clearly states, forgetting those things which lie behind. Forgetting is used to show steady movement, action. It is being used to show that it is something that you must make a conscientious effort to do. "Keep forgetting, keep forgetting, keep forgetting." Many of us get stuck in our pasts. I used to be a perfect example of such a person. I couldn't move forward in the life God purposed for me because I was always thinking about the failures and mistakes of my past. I kept believing that there was no good thing for me because I had messed up too badly. Thank God, that I am not forgotten. God loves himself some Shelia. And God loves you too. God is a God of second, third and unlimited chances as long as we are living!
I have dreams. God's favor is all over my life. I know that now. I believe that now. I will no longer linger in the past. I am more than a conqueror. I am more than a survivor. I am a thriver! I am highly favored. I am surrounded by God's favor. I AM a New York Times bestselling author! I AM the founder of Living Your Dreams Now Foundation, one of the largest nonprofits in the world! I am so blessed that when people hear my name they'll think of Jesus Christ my savior. They'll say, "There goes Shelia E. Lipsey," that favored child of God! I may walk with a limp and use crutches, but that's my physical body. It's merely used as a testament to what God can do even in an imperfect human being like you and me.
Right now, at the very moment I am writing this blog, God has people, situations, circumstances, doors opening and closing on my behalf. He's lining up all that is necessary in its proper place and position so that the blessings He has designed for me, will all fall in place at the exact time He says. I am the called according to His purpose. I am adopted, which means God chose me specifically as His child. My God has it all and that means that there is nothing too big for Him to do for me. Shucks, I'm his girl. I'm his sweetheart. I'm his princess. I belong to him!
I want each of you today, young or old, male and female, regardless of race or disability, whatever your station is in life, to be bold. Claim what is rightfully yours. If you don't know that God is your savior, then study his word so you can know that you are a child of the most high King! Walk in victory. Walk in triumph. Pursue, run down, chase after, take over, believe in the dreams you have for your life! You can do it. Ask God to help you, to direct you, to fill you, to guide you, to protect you, to bless you, to favor you! There is nothing that is impossible with God. I dare you, I challenge you, I double dog dare you (smile) to step out and Live Your Dreams Now!
Pursuing it! Now that's powerful. To pursue means to go after, chase, run down. Of course, this is my meaning of 'pursue'. It's more than going toward a destination or seeking a destination. It's means to move, to chase and reach for that destination, that dream, that goal, or whatever it is in life that you desire, with unbridled passion and fierce determination. It's more than jogging toward your dream, or walking at a fast pace toward your victory; it's running with all vigor and all that is within your spirit.
Next, don't carry the weight of past failures or defeats with you. When you think on your past, and the victories that you lost, it can blind you to what lies ahead. God doesn't want us to dwell, to settle, to sit in the past. God's word clearly states, forgetting those things which lie behind. Forgetting is used to show steady movement, action. It is being used to show that it is something that you must make a conscientious effort to do. "Keep forgetting, keep forgetting, keep forgetting." Many of us get stuck in our pasts. I used to be a perfect example of such a person. I couldn't move forward in the life God purposed for me because I was always thinking about the failures and mistakes of my past. I kept believing that there was no good thing for me because I had messed up too badly. Thank God, that I am not forgotten. God loves himself some Shelia. And God loves you too. God is a God of second, third and unlimited chances as long as we are living!
I have dreams. God's favor is all over my life. I know that now. I believe that now. I will no longer linger in the past. I am more than a conqueror. I am more than a survivor. I am a thriver! I am highly favored. I am surrounded by God's favor. I AM a New York Times bestselling author! I AM the founder of Living Your Dreams Now Foundation, one of the largest nonprofits in the world! I am so blessed that when people hear my name they'll think of Jesus Christ my savior. They'll say, "There goes Shelia E. Lipsey," that favored child of God! I may walk with a limp and use crutches, but that's my physical body. It's merely used as a testament to what God can do even in an imperfect human being like you and me.
Right now, at the very moment I am writing this blog, God has people, situations, circumstances, doors opening and closing on my behalf. He's lining up all that is necessary in its proper place and position so that the blessings He has designed for me, will all fall in place at the exact time He says. I am the called according to His purpose. I am adopted, which means God chose me specifically as His child. My God has it all and that means that there is nothing too big for Him to do for me. Shucks, I'm his girl. I'm his sweetheart. I'm his princess. I belong to him!
I want each of you today, young or old, male and female, regardless of race or disability, whatever your station is in life, to be bold. Claim what is rightfully yours. If you don't know that God is your savior, then study his word so you can know that you are a child of the most high King! Walk in victory. Walk in triumph. Pursue, run down, chase after, take over, believe in the dreams you have for your life! You can do it. Ask God to help you, to direct you, to fill you, to guide you, to protect you, to bless you, to favor you! There is nothing that is impossible with God. I dare you, I challenge you, I double dog dare you (smile) to step out and Live Your Dreams Now!
