Heavenward

by Pua Palakiko on June 13, 2026

SCRIPTURE:

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: 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.

Philippians 3:13-14

 

OBSERVATION:

Paul had a past that may have caused him to cringe at the thought of the idea of who he was before. He is living in the tension of what he has been and what he hopes to become. The only way that he gives healing to his past is the hope he has for his future is HEAVENWARD.

APPLICATION:

I think I have often cringed at the things I have done not just in my past but even from yesterday. I can see why, Paul has this burden to move forward and keep heaven as the goal and prize because he knows when we dwell too long on a failure, a mistake, or who we were before it paralyzes us to move. Paul the apostle becomes a great candidate and mentor to lean into because his life is a reflection of what Gods grace can do for someone. Paul is very transparent in his letters and he often testifies of his past; not to get any pity party or woe is me rewards but so that people can see how God can take wretched man and make him whole. 
Heaven is homebound. The longer I live here on earth, the more sweet taste of heaven’s victory becomes more appetizing. I desire to live a life that forgets about the past, too forgive myself of a mistake, and heal if I have been wounded. Keep my eyes on the prize. Heavenward and know earth is temporary. Jesus is etched out on my heart so that whoever I was before no longer attaches to my identity. Couple things to keep my mind on the prize: 
• Be Forgive and give forgiveness = Clean slate 
• Heal and be hopeful = Moving forward 
• Press through and Eyes on prize = Heavens Homecoming

PRAYER:

Jesus thank you for being a savior who rescues and a lord who guides. Thank you for taking a wretch like me and making me whole. Lord I pray that today I walk  like I have won because you are the ultimate prize. Even though Heaven seems miles in the distance and yet can be so close instantly. I know that the reality of heaven starts now because your presence is with me. Lord, when I trip-up over a mistake or a failure, remind me of the power of repentance can do and  let me recline in your love. Heaven is homebound and I can’t wait to see you Jesus. But for now lord guide here, give me strength and may I make moves not excuses. 
Amen 
About the Author

Pua Palakiko

Pastor Pua-kiele Palakiko has been with New Hope Oahu since 2007. In the summer of 2008 during a youth camp, God called her  into Full Time Ministry and Pua began serving as a Youth Leader in the Youth Ministry. She is now on staff as the Equipping Pastor, overseeing leaders of our  Youth + Young Adults Ministries and our Children’s Ark Ministry. She oversees our Emerge Internship and has the honor to train, build and equip future church leaders. She is also a gifted speaker and worship leader.


Pua has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries and a Master’s Degree in Formational Leadership. She is humbled and honored to have the privilege to see God's people “Discover, Develop and be Deployed in their God giving gifts.”

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