The Gift

Paul wrote…

Philippians 3:8-9 English Standard Version (ESV)
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

What have you lost over the last nine weeks? Write a list:
1.
2.
3.
Etc…

What things on your list crave your attention and your worship? The enemy wants to confuse you and loves to make you feel hopeless and angry at God.

The good news is…there is scripture to point our hearts right back to what really matters. Read the above verses again and meditate on them. Talk to God. Be honest with Him. He delights in that. Share your list with Him.

When things fall apart and crumble who do you turn to? Who do you depend on? Who do you fall on?

The verse above is a reminder from Paul that He put his faith in Jesus Christ and received God's gift of perfect righteousness. And this gift isn’t just for Paul. It’s for everyone. The moment we believe…the moment we accept Jesus into our heart, we are then IN CHRIST and we receive his righteousness. Because we are IN CHRIST, God accepts us in the same way He does His own Son. Just as He loves the Son and delights in Him, so He loves us and delights in us. I know…sometimes this is hard to believe.

As you talk with God about your above list, I pray you release whatever you are holding on to. I pray that your faith deepens this week and that your worship is filled with joy.

SONG :
Lord, I Need You by Chris Tomlin

Pastor Ian