Philippians 3:13-14 ‘forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’

DAILY READING • John 9:1-23; 2 Chronicles 6; Malachi 2:17-3:18

Wang Ming-Dao was one of the most outstanding Chinese Church leaders of the 20th century.
After converting to Christianity at age 14, Ming-Dao was determined to live up to high standards.
He eventually became a Christian leader and his resolute dedication to God’s Word, attracted many to his ministry. He was known for his utter lack of compromise. During the Japanese occupation of China, after being threatened many times by the Japanese government for his Christian faith, rather than compromise, Ming-Dao ordered himself a coffin to show he was ready to die for his faith.
After World War II, the Communists gained power in China. They arrested Christian leaders who refused to agree with their policies. On August 7, 1954, they arrested Wang Ming-Dao and his wife.
Wang Ming-Dao was sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
However, under intense brainwashing, he finally cracked and compromised the former strong stand for his faith. After signing a confession, he was released. But afterwards he was plagued by the guilt that he had betrayed Christ. He likened himself to Peter and Judas and had no peace. Finally, he and his wife agreed that he must tell the authorities that the statement of compromising his faith had been made under duress and did not represent his true feelings. When he did this, he was immediately returned to prison. He was there for twenty years and his brave wife was also sentenced to prison.
Mrs. Wang was released in 1973 and Ming-Dao in 1980.
Afterwards, they continued to teach God’s Word and maintain their Christian faith. Wang Ming-Dao left a legacy of being one of the most outspoken Christian leaders of his generation. He has been called the “Dean of the Chinese House Churches.’

In Matthew 26:35 Peter told Jesus “Even if it were necessary for me to die with You, I will never deny You.”
Peter meant every word he said. However, just as Jesus had told him, when the time came, Peter denied the Lord three times.
Despite the horrible night of Peter’s failures, the Lord still gave him a new opportunity to do what was right and go on to do greater things.
The truth is that no matter how strong your resolve to live right, the enemy would keep looking for ways to break that resolve.
This is why we must constantly guard our mind with all diligence and keep strengthening our faith through focus on God’s Word.
However, if for any reason, we miss the mark or disappoint God, there’s always mercy and grace available to restore us back. It is never too late to retrace our steps and do the right thing. When we come to God in repentance, He will renew and restore us.
Many people started their Christian race with every intention to live wholly for Christ and maintain high standards. Some used to be firebrands and burned brightly with zeal for the Gospel. But overtime, as they were confronted with the realities of life, the fire began to wane and they lowered their standards.
But no matter how far we may stray, we can always get back on track and once again press forward towards the mark of our high calling in Christ Jesus. We can always take up the cross and continue to follow Christ and pursue the glorious destiny, He has planned for us.
Though the righteous may fall seven times, he gets up again and keeps going forward. [Proverbs 24:16]
Don’t let the enemy trap you in guilt and condemnation. It is never too late with God, His gifts and callings are without repentance. God is full of mercy. When we come to Him in repentance, He is able to forgive us and give us another chance and even turn our mistakes into miracles.
Therefore today, determine to never give up on the high calling and great vision God has ordained for your life.
As we begin to align with God’s will for us, certainly, this will be our season to experience restoration, renewal and realization of the glorious destiny God has in store for us.

PRAYER: Lord, I know You have so much in store for me, no matter the discouragements I may sometimes face, please enable me to always keep pressing forward to the mark of Your high calling for my life in Jesus Name. .
QUOTE;
Nothing liberates like truth, the truth you know and act upon will set you free.-WORDBITE 222