Only Jesus #119

Philippians 3:4
...although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more.

Philippians 3:7
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:9
...indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we shoud not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; (NAS)

The Bible reminds you that there is security in no one else or no place else other than in God The Apostle Paul's security, value, worth, trust and confidence were not in his credentials. Because of his religious background, his heritage, his family, his wealth, and his social standing he could have easily bragged about his standing with God and his fellow man. Yet his true trust was in the person Jesus Christ.

Jesus was the one who had died for him, had called him, and given him eternal life. Paul realized that anything and everything else in life would never give him that kind of security and hope. It was Jesus and Jesus alone that was worth counting all things as loss. It was Jesus that brought him to the realization that he could not trust in himself.

It was the God who raises the dead and gives eternal life that gave him worth. He did not need to brag about his personal accomplishments or his heritage, because it was Jesus and Jesus alone that gave him hope of resurrection and eternal life.

For that reason he counted everything loss. He gave up his credentials and standing in the world in order to follow Jesus. He found in Christ someone who not only could forgive sins, but give him life in its fullness. He counted victory in loss. Could you find purpose for your life by ceasing to trust and have confidence in anything other than Jesus?

__________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Dennis & Sandy's home.

We had a great retreat in Ohio this past weekend. The Homebuilders class of the Dublin Baptist Church was a joy to be with. The food and fellowship were outstanding. Sandy and I enjoyed sharing our lives and experiences with them.

Yesterday I had my liver tube exchanged. The procedure went well. Thank you for your prayers. God has been good to take care of us and know He will continue..

We are home for the holidays. We do have a couple of speaking engagements. One will be at the Mission Service Corp retreat in Avondale, AZ. MSC is a volunteer missions organization of the North American Mission Board. We will be sharing with volunteer missionaries.

We look forward to some time with our family for a few weeks. It has been a busy fall season and we are ready for a break.

May God bless you and watch over your special needs today. He is ABLE!

In Christ's love, ~ DGW