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“…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.
Philippians 3:13-14

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2008 - 2011 were the most trying years of my life. It was in those years God was calling me to a higher level of servitude. Looking back at the beginning, I believed He was calling me to a place where I was simply going to serve but it turned out to be a place of much, much, much suffering. In the midst of the suffering, when it became overwhelming I contemplated what I should do. In my mind there were only two choices, leave or leave!!!. (Smile) I could not see any other option. At this point staying could not possibly have been an option, God couldn't have wanted me to suffer like this. It simply became a matter of when. [From Message, “Humility, A Place of Honor”]
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This is the place Joseph found himself in when Mary became pregnant with someone else's child.

[“Joseph was faced with a difficult choice after discovering Mary was pregnant. Joseph thought he had two options: divorce Mary quietly or have her stoned. But God had a third option. In view of the circumstances, this had not occurred to Joseph. But God often shows us that there are more options available than we think.” Living Translation Commentary]

“But now the Lord who created you, O  Israel, says: Don't be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:1-2

Joseph was chosen and called by God for more then just becoming Mary's husband. Placing Himself in such a vulnerable position, Jesus could have died before His time and we would have been lost without a Savior. In actuality, Joseph was being called to a higher level of servitude to serve his Lord and Savior. Matthew 2:13-15

[“Although Joseph seemed to be doing right by breaking the engagement, only God's guidance helped him make the best decision." Living Translation Commentary]

After being told it was his Lord and Savior his wife was carrying, knowing his choice would cause him shame, humiliation, and trouble, Joseph obeyed God and moved forward. Matthew 1:20-24. “…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.” Philippians 3:13-14

This is not simply a 2014 Word, it is a word that encompasses the life of a child of God. God wants us to be mindful that to fulfill His purpose we will be called to make a choice. That choice will not be about running and saving ourselves but dying to ourselves, so that someone else might not die prematurely before receiving Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Maybe you are currently in a job where your co-worker is a bully, mean and hateful or in a marriage where infidelity has been discovered or some situation that is calling you to opt out. And you hate going to to work or home. The only options you can see is to leave or stone him/her to death. (Smile) There is another option, one you would not consider without God's guidance. What if those you want to leave don't know Jesus as their Lord and Savior yet? This just might be the place and purpose you were called for.

["When our decisions affect the lives of others we must always seek God's wisdom.” Living Translation Commentary]

We must know in 2014 and every year, when we submit to God's plan it won't be a great celebration for you. There will be suffering, shame, humiliation, and trouble but remember it's not about us 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 and the bible says this is what we were called to. 1 Peter 2:21 So in 2014 don't be ignorant of the fact that there will be suffering in choosing to go forward with Jesus. But there will be glory after this thing you must go through. Not for you but for Jesus!

In submitting to God's plan, which was the only way it could have been done, Jesus made it to the cross where He died at the appointed time giving us an opportunity to live and never die. Through all that he suffered, Joseph was instrumental in millions not having to die but to live eternally which includes you and me. So choose to go forward with Christ. Any other choice is a step backwards.

1. But remember,”If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him…” 2 Timothy 2:12

2. So, (NLT) "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." Romans 5:3-4

3. And then, (TLB)“After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever.” 1 Peter 5:10

4. So that you will be, (TLB) “…one of these dishes made of purest gold—the very best in the house—so that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes.' 2 Tmothy 2:20-21 Prepared for the next assignment.

God says, "____________ (insert your name) I simply need a willing vessel. Are you willing?

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Yes, I chose to go forward with Christ and served my leader until God said it was time to move on. I was humilated, talked about, laughed at and shamed. But because I went through I stand today in my wealthy place entrusted with this website to encourage you and keep you alive so that many will not die but live eternally. Psalms 66:10-12
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Closing Hymn: (Smile) [Click here - "Moving Forward"] by Israel Houghton

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