
Pressing Toward the Goal: Lessons from a Dream and Scripture Reflections
In a dream not too long ago, I was traveling with a group of people in a race on a bicycle. Someone beside me was talking to me about a pleasure of darkness of this world that is available to buy at a price.
>"For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures], and forfeit his soul?" Mark 8:36 [Amplified Bible]
I don't want to hear it, I love people, I said. I'm a Christian, and not just a Christian in name only, but a true follower of Jesus. I want to be your friend, but I am on my way that most of this world is not. I said this boldly and he looked at me surprised and didn't say a word.
>"Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?" Amos 3:3
I was passing him up and maintained my course forward proclaiming Jesus is returning soon, time is running out. Then I woke up.
Dream Interpretation Seen in Scriptures
As I thought about this I recalled what the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12-21
12 "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."
The Race of Faith: Hebrews 12:1-3
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
What does it mean to “run the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1)? | GotQuestions.org
Jesus is returning soon, time is running out
This article explains many of the “natural signs, spiritual signs, sociological signs, technological signs, and political signs,” foretold in bible prophecy coming to pass that indicates the end of the age and Jesus Christ's promised return, a time foretold to include various and increasing environmental calamities, plagues, moral decline, wars, growing governmental dominance/deception ("with all power, signs, and lying wonders," 2 Thessalonians 2:9), and how to prepare. Are we living in the end times? | GotQuestions.org
What is the end times timeline? | GotQuestions.org
How can I overcome my fear of the end of days? | GotQuestions.org
More Bible prophecy fulfillments and resources for growing in faith and hope is in previous posts if interested.
"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!" Psalm 31:24