Starting is important, but it is just the beginning.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said…

Key verses for the year:

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.  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,  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:12-14

There is always a gap between where you are and where you want to be.

You must press on to possess what you do not have yet.

The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.  Luke 16:16

Today, the Kingdom of God is available to everyone, but you need to press into it.

Till we all come to… a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children…  Eph. 4:13-14

Definition of Press: to act with steady force; to push persistently against

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  Hebrews 12:1

The Key to Winning is Stamina

We press against:

• Obstacles 

Be watchful in all things, endure afflictions… fulfill your ministry.  2 Tim. 4:5

• Fatigue

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Gal. 6:9

• Negative Mindset

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.  2 Corinthians 4:8-9

There are three stages to any great work for God:

First Stage: It is impossible

Second Stage: It is difficult

Third Stage: It is done

       ~ Hudson Taylor

We press on to possess what has possessed us.

…that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.  Philippians 3:12

God leads by impressing something upon our hearts.

I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light… that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision…  Acts 26:17-19

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, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14

What is your burning bush experience? 

We need to be both Convicted of Sin and Convinced of Calling.