Philippians 3:4-21
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Great teachings from Paul today in Philippians chapter 3! Verses 7 through 9 are so very true - "I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him." How do these words of Paul's speak to you? Have you ever valued & loved "things" in your life more than your relationship with Jesus? Can you now look back and realize that those things - love of power, money, prestige, or material goods, etc. - are worthless because of what Jesus Christ has done for you on the cross? Can you now see that love of those things is garbage - garbage that can prevent you from growing closer to Jesus if you do not throw it out? Is there any garbage in your life today that you should be throwing out...?
Today we also read Paul's amazing teachings in verses 12 through 14 - "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." How about you? Are you all that you should be? Are you focusing all of your energies on reaching the end of the race and receiving the prize for which God is calling you? Are you forgetting the past? Are you looking forward to what lies ahead? Are you looking forward to heaven? In this race called life, is your focus on heaven as your prize?
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Philippians titled "Paul's Perspective on Perfectionism" is at this link.
Worship Video - Today's readings in Philippians remind me of the Chris Tomlin song "Jesus Messiah:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz64E2y0_UI
Is Jesus your Messiah? Click here to meet your Messiah!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:8 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you consider everything in your life a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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