Devotional Guide for Thursday, November 9

Philippians 3:7-11

Reflect
Is there anything you so desperately desire that you would be willing to give up anything or everything to obtain it?

Yesterday we read all the accolades Paul had accumulated, but today we read he is willingly giving them up in pursuit of Jesus. “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.” (v8)

What challenges me about this verse is the value Paul places on knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. He places this above anything else he has or could achieve in life. He goes on to say in verse 10, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…”

What a strong emphasis Paul is placing on his knowing Jesus. Not just as a person of history, but truly knowing Jesus and experiencing the power and trials, that come from this relationship.

As you think about your own life and then the relationship you have with Jesus, what value do you place on knowing Jesus personally?

Pastor Terry
 
Pray for Daniela Pilz (Athletes in Action)
Daniela is working with the student-athlete ministry from Power To Change, called Athletes in Action (AIA). She’s been serving with them for the past five years in Edmonton. Her roles are walking alongside female athletes through mentorship, Bible studies and Chapels, and equipping future Christian leaders inside the athletic body at the University of Alberta and the MacEwan University. Her vision is to help athletes grow as believers and to share Jesus with those who are exploring faith. Her passion is to see Jesus become more evident inside the athletic community and to see lives transformed by the power and love of Jesus Christ.