OUR DAILY BREAD             Thurs., March 2, 1995
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READ:   Philippians 3:7-14

                   KEEP PRESSING ON

 "Not that I have already attained, or am already
       perfected....I press toward the goal."

                        - Philippians 3:12, 14

Many years ago, a promising Greek artist named
Timanthes was under the instruction of a well-known
tutor.  After several years, the young painter created
an exquisite portrait.  He was so thrilled with what
he had painted that he sat day after day gazing at his
work.

One morning, however, he was horrified to discover
that his teacher had deliberately ruined his painting.
Angry and in tears, Timanthes ran to him and asked why
he had destroyed his cherished possession.  The wise
man replied, "I did it for your own good.  That painting
was retarding your progress.  It was an excellent piece
of art, but it was not perfect.  Start again and see if
you can do even better."  The student took his advice and
produced a masterpiece called "Sacrifice of Iphigenia,"
regarded by some as one of the finest paintings of
antiquity.

God never wants us to be content with our accomplishments.
He wants us to reach even higher plateaus of service and
Christlikeness.  Paul recognized this, for even though
he was a godly man and accomplished much, he admitted that
he still needed to advance in holiness (Phil. 3:12-14).

Child of God, don't be satisfied with your spiritual
attainments.  With His help, keep pressing on!

                                -- Henry G. Bosch

         When you've reached a plateau,
        And your strength's almost gone,
         But the Lord still says, "Go,"
          That's the time to press on.

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           THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
-------------------------------------
       If you think you've arrived,
               think again.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Joshua 10-12

======================================================================
Our Daily Bread,  Copyright 1995,  used by  permission  of Radio Bible
Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan  49555, USA.  Written permission must be
obtained  from  RBC for  any further posting  or  distribution.  Radio
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This copy  redistributed by Larry Holder (larryh@utm.edu) with express
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and lists that have expressly consented to receiving a copy.    <><
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