Not that I have . . . already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 
-Philippians 3:12

In 1856, Charles Spurgeon, the great London preacher, founded the Pastor's College to train men for the Christian ministry.  It was renamed Spurgeons College in 1923.  Today's college crest shows a hand grasping a cross and the Latin words, Et Teneo, Et Tenor, which means, "I hold and am held."  In his autobiography, Spurgeon wrote, "This is our College motto.  We...hold forth the Cross of Christ with a bold hand...because that Cross holds us fast by its attractive power.  Pur desire is that every man may both hold the Truth, and be held by it; especially the truth of Christ crucified."

In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he expressed this truth as the bedrock of his life. "Not that I have...already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12).  As followers of Jesus, we extend the message of the cross to others as Jesus holds us fast in His grace and power.  I  have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
-Galatians 2:20

I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
-Philippians 3:12

Our Lord holds us in His grip of love each day - and we hold out His message of love to others.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, Your cross is the focal point of history and the turning point of our lives. Hold us tightly as we cling to Your cross and extend your love to others.  Amen.