Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

Ever wonder what the word 'that' encompasses? I have. Now I think I am getting closer to understanding. I believe God's promises are clear declarations of what 'that' is. The high calling of God is disclosed (and hidden) in His promises. When we press in to apprehend that, we take into ourselves the substance of His life - the life contained in the words spoken in the promises:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. Jn 10:27-28

He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. Jn 14:21b

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Ps. 84:11

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Js 1:5

These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. Mk 16:17-18

Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it Jn 14:14

See the astounding and limitless gifts in His promises to us? There is absolutely no reservation on His part. Whatever. Anything. I will do it. It's staggering! . . . if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, . . . nothing will be impossible to you Mt 17:20 (portions)

This is the Everlasting God saying that if you will trust what I've promised, the realms of eternity are yours right here, right now. This, from our own Father who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.

Can we dare, for a few moments, permit ourselves to consider (to imagine and pretend) this wondrous gift given to us. Can we conceive how important it was to our Father that we know and receive His blessing? - He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Rom 8:32

Here then is offered the never ending and ever glorious gift. And, like our Good Father, He tells us how to get 'that' which got us.

First, we're told, He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature. In other words, 'Go ahead and consume My promises so you'll become united with Me in My eternal, glorious likeness.'

Then, as the Holy Spirit disclosed to James, we must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double- minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Don't take that word negatively. Take that as the Father telling us simply to 'ask with a believing, childlike heart, and all I have is yours.' And, that we'll miss out on His gifts if we always waver in doubt.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy - that which lay before us! Nothing short of abiding in the immediate and intimate presence of our Savior . . . and all the promises He brings.