Philippians Ch. 3

The past is the past

Scripture: vs 5-11 (Paul outlines his pedigree to show that if anyone has a starting point to brag on themselves, then it is him. He goes on to say, that once he valued his lineage, traditions, religious practices, etc . but now he doesn't really care about it. He cares about the cause of Christ and wants to really know him. Greg Laurie said it best. Some want to know about him, but a true Christian wants to KNOW HIM. To Fellowship with HIM, to suffer for HIM, and the Christian knows that there will be a ressurrection and we will live in eternal glory with GOD (the prize) based on our faith in HE who has the power that enables HIM to bring everything under his control, and will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (vs 21).

Observation: I confess, I have been thru a phase in my journey where it seemed like I was just trying to know about HIM rather than really know HIM deeply. Have you been there? Are you there? What is the key to starting to really know HIM deeply and fellowshipping with HIM?

Assessment: I think the key is to take a step back from a hectic pace, take a deep breath, and pray that GOD shows me how he wants me to fellowship with HIM more, how he wants me to love HIM more, and how he wants me to share with others about the love that he has for humanity and what is purpose and plans are for them.

Prayer: I don't know all the answers to those topics, but my prayer is that he shows me the answers somehow, someway, somewhere. I was fortunate to share with one of my coworkers the other day in a brief, loving, gentle way the plan of salvation thru Christ. We were able to discuss the beginning of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament to the culmination of the cross and the ressurrection in the New Testament. GOD gave me an opportunity to share his plan of redeeming the world and I felt grateful for the chance. I hope that the seed was planted and it starts to take root. I see more and more that GOD works in those short quiet moments. I hope there are more of those to come. What a powerful prayer Paul had, Do I have it in me to pray like that?: "I want to know Christ and the power of his ressurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somewhow, to attain to the ressurrection from the dead." I like the know Christ part and the ressurrection of the dead, but what about the suffering and like him in his death? Something to think about.