Who enjoys ironing clothes? Or, in south Louisiana, we say pressing clothes. Whatever you call it, I still don’t enjoy pressing clothes. It’s one of the least domestic chores that I like. Pressing clothes mean setting up the ironing board, adding water to the iron, and waiting for the iron to get hot. Then, I have to make sure the iron is on the right setting to press the clothes. This entire process takes about 60 seconds but I still don’t like it. But what I do like is a nicely pressed blouse, skirt, or pants. It makes you look and feel great. Right? But, the only way to get that finished looked is by intentionally pressing those clothes with a hot iron.

WHAT DOES PRESS MEAN

The word press as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary means “to apply pressure to (something) to flatten, shape, or smooth it, typically by ironing. It also means to “move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force.”

The definition of press brings new meaning to the scripture, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

APPLY THE PRESSURE

The number one reason why you should iron your clothes is to apply pressure and heat to the crinkles and creases so that you can look your very best.

Likewise, God wants us to be intentional about living to our highest calling in life.

God wants us to apply some pressure to our goals in life. This means we are to press to the mark (goal) of the highest calling of our purpose. He wants you to be the best version of yourself.

APPLY THE HEAT

Achieving our highest calling means applying some heat to ourselves that will shape our destiny on the road to purpose.

Achieving our highest calling means applying some heat to ourselves that will flatten distractions. Flatten doubt. Flatten fear. Flatten unbelief.

Achieving our highest calling means applying some heat to ourselves that will smooth any evidence of sin blocks on the road to purpose.

Achieving our highest calling means applying some heat to ourselves to smooth out the things that we are too proud of to be ashamed of.

Don’t allow the life you live to become an enemy to Jesus Christ. Stop wearing the wrinkles and creases created by the sin blocks in your life. What you’re calling a road block is a sin block. And, you have the set authority to remove the sin blocks from your life, but you must apply the heat.

Achieving your highest calling means you have to apply some heat to yourself, that continuous physical force, called pressing that will flatten, shape, and smooth the creases in your life.

When you apply the heat of God’s word and do the hard work that comes with the highest calling; then, you’re on the road to purpose.

God wants you to be intentional about living to your highest calling in life.

LET’S PRESS!!!!

Dear Heavenly Father,

I desire to achieve MY highest calling in this life. While on this road to purpose, I’m experiencing some sin blocks that I have control over. I bring every sin block to the cross and leave it. Remove the wrinkles and creases created by sin blocks. I don’t want the life that I live to become an enemy to Jesus Christ. I AM A FRIEND OF GOD!

Holy Spirit, reveal to me the things that I am too proud of to be ashamed of. I surrender so that I can be intentional about living to my highest calling in life.

Press me, Holy Spirit, so that I may apply pressure to my goals.

Shape me, Holy Spirit, so that I can take on the character of Jesus Christ.

Flatten me, Holy Spirit, so that I can reveal the beauty of my high calling.

Smooth me, Holy Spirit, so that I can clearly see my target.

Apply the pressure.

Apply the heat so that I may live to the highest calling in my life.

In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen!

~inspiring hope and seasoning faith,

Dr. Regina M. Daigre

P.S.: DEVOTIONAL READING Philippians 3:14-21