Passionately Pursuing the Knowledge of the LORD

Passionately Pursuing the Knowledge of the LORD (Philippians 3:8-10)

Philippians 3:8-10, 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, 9And 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: 10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.

Those who are totally dedicated to the Lord have a passionate love for Him. Paul spoke about his love for the Lord when he expressed his desire to know the Lord Jesus Christ and be close to Him. He demonstrated his love by his obedience to God's Word. When we lose our love and passion for Christ, we are on the path of defeat. This is what happened to the church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:4). Love is strengthened for the Lord by delighting and reading His Word, obeying it, and spending time with Him in prayer. Prayer is the great need in our personal lives. We need prayer more than ever in our families, churches, and in our nation.

The following statement is what a prospective school teacher said to her school administration when she was being interviewed for a job. Here is what she said to her interviewers:
Let me see if I've got this right.
1. You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them, a love for learning?
2. You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self- esteem and personal pride?
3. You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job?
4. You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams?
5. You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card?
6. You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps?
7. You want me to do all this and then you tell me… I CAN'T PRAY?

All throughout the Bible, the Scriptures instruct us to pray. Here are a few:
Luke 18:1, And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Romans 12:12, Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
I Thessalonians 5:17, Pray without ceasing.
I Timothy 2:8, I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
I Peter 4:7, But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Points to Ponder:
· The purest expression of our love for God is not found in our words but in our actions.
· Ask Him to help you show His love to those around you as you live for Him.
· God allows us to come to know Him and His love—and the result of that is deep heart knowledge.

Questions to Consider:
· When it comes to loving difficult people, how am I doing with being patient with God’s timing?
· How can you show patient, kind love toward those who irritate you?
· How would I say I rate at being loving with those around me?

PRAYER: Father, Your love is powerful and patient. Allow me to recognize You, listen to You, and know the blessing that comes from obeying Your voice. I’m choosing today to relinquish control and desire to follow You. I love you, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

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