Hello world!
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ (Phil 3:7,8 NASB)
I have always wondered how Paul was able to make this statement and more than that be able to live it. When I came down to IHOP, I like so many others here left friends, family, and my career behind to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. I put my house (want to buy a house) on the market and thought that it would sell relatively easily well 2 years later and my money supply quickly dwindling I am starting to get a better understanding of this verse. Will I stand strong in Christ when I have no more savings and I have to turn my house over to the bank? It is a question I ponder from time to time
The one thing I like about Paul is that he not only makes broad statements like this, but you can find in his writings ways in which to walk out what he says:
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Rom 5:3-5 NASB)
One of the main things I am learning here at IHOP is to trust Jesus and learn to persevere through all of the trials that have come my way. Have I been perfect at it, not by a long shot, but those mornings when I do not want to get out of bed and go to the prayer room I force myself to get up and go. I need to win these small battles so that when a big one hits like no money to pay the mortgage I can walk out Philippines 3:8, because I daily lived Romans 5:3-5.
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