Reading for Day 5
September 5
Phil. 3:1-11
Psalm 5:1-12
Prov. 1:24-28
My brother was talking to one of his teachers one day about the simple gift of salvation that comes through faith alone in Jesus Christ. His teacher had been for many years devoted to her religion (a Christian religion). She had built the rituals and routines of her church into her life in a way that included a lot of dedication and sacrifice. She was intrigued with her student’s simple understanding of salvation in Jesus and the confidence and assurance of salvation that included heaven and an eternity with God. After all her efforts she did not have assurance and confidence. After a thoughtful pause she said something like; if I accept what you have to say, everything I have done up to know will have been wasted and I can’t do that.
The Apostle Paul in Philippians 3 came to the exact same place of understanding as this teacher and his response was “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” He was willing to take the loss and move forward.
One of the biggest challenges for each of us is to be able to understand where the truth ends and our rituals begin. Change has never been easy for us in the church. It was not easy for Paul either. We are challenged to stay focused on Christ and allow other things fall away when necessary.
I am challenged to make sure that I am not holding on to something that prevents me from moving forward in Christ. Total surrender is the goal.
Reading for Day 6
September 6
Phil. 3:12-21
Psalm 6:1-10
Prov. 1:29-33
September 6
Phil. 3:12-21
Psalm 6:1-10
Prov. 1:29-33
11 comments:
The power of his resurrection...WOW
David
Great!
It seems we usually fear losing the things we have. Maybe we should fear keeping a lot of the things we have?
I just recently finished a biblestudy called No Other Gods with some friends. This passage reminds me so much of the lessons we've been learning, specifically how even "good" things can become idols in our lives if they take precedece above God.
Dear Pastor:
Sorry I was no able to get on line they are to fix it soon.
I came to Panara Bread to let you know.
Bill & Dorothy Merritt
Pastor Eddie,
We were a little late getting started but we went back and caught up. Glad to be on board with so many people from church. Thanks for the time you take to do this. We love reading what others have to say, also.
George and Linda Hillenburg
:)
Ps.5 is a good warning of how much God hates evil and disobedience and in contrast the rightous are protected, blessed and are surrounded with favor.
d
It can be hard at times not to fear things we can't control. The voice in our head wakes us up in the middle of the night.
Prov 3:33 sure seemed to address this.
Mick
have read days 5 & 6. Sometimes it is way to easy for me to put my Bible on my nightstand, and forget to read. But because so much of what we do at hillenblogs home is with computer, i am reminded constantly to get in the Word, since this is a very prominent part of our homepage. I am blessed so much by this, as it is keeping me in the Word, and the passages we are reading are exactly what I am needing. That of course, is no coincidence, but just another example of how much He desires time with us, and He knows exactly what we need.
I love Phil 3:13, no matter what has happened in the past we must persevere for Jesus. My prayer today is that my conduct will reflect my love for Christ. Let me not be complacent, nor turn away, and listen, so as to live in peace & safety.
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