Philippians 3:12-21. Ordinarily when one is anticipating a trip or vacation they will do some advanced preparation and planning. First of they will decide where they want to go. Find out what is there and what they want to do when they get there. What is the best way to get there: the route the mode of transportation, etc.? They will prepare what they will need to take along. Of course, one will also need to estimate the cost. Most of us have no problem figuring out that trips and vacations need some sort of planning. Many lose sight, however, of the fact that this journey through life needs planning and preparation and that there is a goal to consider. There are many intermediate goals, but there are only two ultimate goals. Either there will be an eternity in heaven with Christ or an eternity in hell alone. No one will just stumble into heaven. Without planning there is only one destination ? hell. If you decide that you' d rather not go to hell as your final destination, there are some things that you need to know. There is only one Travel Agent, His name is Jesus. There is only one mode of transportation ? faith in Jesus. And there is only one currency that will pay for the trip ? the blood of Jesus. There also only one trip guide ? the Bible. You can make a trip to northern Alaska in the winter with no luggage but, you will either be confined to your hotel or freeze to death. Read I Corinthians 3:10-15. Please don't be satisfied with just getting into the door of heaven, especially when He's given us our whole life to prepare. Notice Paul's attitude in our scripture today, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (V 13f). How are you doing with your "planning"? If you plan a vacation, you can put the date on your calendar, but the day we leave for heaven or the other place is only on God' s "calendar." Are you ready?

How to Miss Your Goal