Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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PRESSING FORWARD WITH CHRIST BESIDE US 
Bible Reading:    Philippines 3 :4-14 
Key Verse:Philippines 3:8 
I consider everything loss compared to the surpassing greatness of Christ Jesus my Lord.

DEVOTION

Apostle Paul’s definition of a Christian is one who is in Christ. All the salvation one can  attain takes place in Christ and Christ alone. Through our absolute faith in Jesus, we are  justified and sealed in him and further during our continued life in him we get sanctified by  the shed blood on the Calvary. Here in today’s devotion from Philippines chapter 3 we see  Paul’s great desire to be found in Christ is highlighted. 
What does it mean to be in Christ? What are the obstacles that stand in the way of knowing  Christ and be in Christ? To be in Christ involves obedience,surrender,faith and hope.  Unless we have an earnest desire to know Christ and grow in him daily, we cannot press  forward to reach our final goal. Jesus assures all those who put their trust in them the  assurance that he is with us in our race and enable us to successfully finish it and wait for  the crown. 
The knowledge of Christ will be a pleasant experience, and it is so elevating that it will  completely bear us up above all trials, doubts and sorrows. He will gird us with the golden  belt of his eternal joy. Like Paul we are called to let go of the past and fix our eyes on Christ, the author and finisher of life. He is the alpha and the omega and with him on our side we  can run the race with renewed strength, grace and hope. Our Lord will cloth us with the  garments of salvation and robe of his righteousness if we come to know of him in our  journey. Finally, if come to know of him we can as Paul, count the riches of the world as  dung and pour contempt on all our pride. May this devotion enable us to seek him and find  him. 

PRAYER

 lord thank you for the hope that you have given us to run our race looking at You. We pray for the strength and endurance to not get stuck in ruts but to look for opportunities  that you provide to seek you and find you. Amen. 

Thought for the day
                                                        
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died, my richest gain I count  but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. 

Dr. Thomas K. Jose
The Mar Thoma Church Staten island

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