Day 60: Losses and Gains

I have so much--a wonderful family, terrific friends, the most adorable pets, a wide array of talents (not trying to sound boastful, but I can't deny that God has blessed me in that respect), an excellent home, plentiful food, adequate clothing, and a few small luxuries. God has truly blessed me, but none of those blessings hold a candle to the ultimate gift: Jesus Christ. He is our Savior, our Salvation, our Hope. He faced ridicule, humiliation, torment, and pain just so EVERYONE else could live a good life. And those who invite him in to their hearts and keep the commandments of God will be given eternal life. That is amazing.

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
~Philippians 3:7-9 (KJV)

Christ suffered and lost his earthly life so that all the children of God would gain eternal life. Whatever you have, Jesus paid for it with his blood. Nowadays, the world is so materialistic, it's blinded many people and, as a whole, has lost sight of what's really important. I mean, you definitely need the basic necessities for living (food, shelter, clothing, etc.), and it's okay to have a few extras here and there, but don't put your faith in your physical stuff. You don't have to give up everything you have, just "lose" the idea that your possessions are more important so that you can "win" eternal life through Jesus Christ. Only he has the ability to save. People and the things that people make aren't righteous--God and Jesus are. As I said yesterday, the things of this earth are temporary and nothing physical will last forever. God, however, is eternal, as is his son. So, why should we even consider putting faith in something that will eventually break down to dust instead of putting our faith in God??? It seems pretty obvious to me. No amount of stuff could ever equate to the sacrifices that God and Jesus both made out of love.

Lord, thank You for this day, for it was beautiful and good and productive. Thank You for my family, friends, and pets; I ask that You please watch over them, bless them, and keep them safe, strong, happy, and healthy. Please also watch over and bless those who defend Your name and Your children as well as those who are in need of defending. Thank You for all of the countless blessings You have given me. Thank You for my health as well! Lord, please forgive me of my sins and continue to guide me down Your path. Thank You for sacrificing Your one and only son so that I may be forgiven. Lord, thank You for Your eternal, everlasting love. I pray that everyone on earth has the opportunity to feel Your love and bask in Your light. Lord, I pray that I am able to accomplish any task that You set before me, and I hope that I have at least one opportunity to lead someone to love You. NO MATTER WHAT, I shall ALWAYS love You, Lord. I shall follow You forever and ever and ever! I'm Yours, Lord, for all time. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.