February 23, 2021
Philippians 3:10, “...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death."
The apostle Paul before Christ was a self-righteous Pharisee who prided himself in his knowledge of the law. After Christ, Paul realized this was all rubbish. His new passion now was to know Christ more and more. He was not talking about head-knowledge about Christ but knowing Him in a personal and intimate way (John 17:3).
As believers, by His Word, we too have learned about Christ and what He has done for us in salvation. But we must all ask ourselves, do we intimately know Him? Do we desire to continue to foster our relationship with Him? Do we have a passion for seeking Him in our devotion and prayer time? Are we truly seeking His Kingdom first and foremost above everything else?
As we get to know Him, we also can experience His resurrection power that has given us newness in life, a life of victory, and a life that can be impactful for His Kingdom. Do others see that resurrection power working in our lives?
As Paul was willing to suffer for Christ, are we too willing to share in the fellowship of His sufferings in light of rising persecution? Are we embracing our times of suffering as a means of glorifying God?
Paul saw himself conforming to His death as he was willing to die for His Name's sake. We too have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Are we willing to die to ourselves and take up our cross daily to follow Jesus?
I pray that we would all know Him in this way.
Your brother in Christ,
- Ray
The apostle Paul before Christ was a self-righteous Pharisee who prided himself in his knowledge of the law. After Christ, Paul realized this was all rubbish. His new passion now was to know Christ more and more. He was not talking about head-knowledge about Christ but knowing Him in a personal and intimate way (John 17:3).
As believers, by His Word, we too have learned about Christ and what He has done for us in salvation. But we must all ask ourselves, do we intimately know Him? Do we desire to continue to foster our relationship with Him? Do we have a passion for seeking Him in our devotion and prayer time? Are we truly seeking His Kingdom first and foremost above everything else?
As we get to know Him, we also can experience His resurrection power that has given us newness in life, a life of victory, and a life that can be impactful for His Kingdom. Do others see that resurrection power working in our lives?
As Paul was willing to suffer for Christ, are we too willing to share in the fellowship of His sufferings in light of rising persecution? Are we embracing our times of suffering as a means of glorifying God?
Paul saw himself conforming to His death as he was willing to die for His Name's sake. We too have been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Are we willing to die to ourselves and take up our cross daily to follow Jesus?
I pray that we would all know Him in this way.
Your brother in Christ,
- Ray
TODAY'S PRAYER REQUESTS:
Juliet - Please continue to pray for our dear sister who will be having surgery TODAY, February 23 to remove a mass from her spine. That the Lord will have His hand upon all the details, that the mass will NOT be cancerous, that it will not be intertwined within the nerves of her spine, and will be able to be completely removed. Pray for Julie to sense God's presence as she will not be able to have her family with her; and for the recovery to be swift.
Sandra L. – Please pray for as the hysterectomy will be performed TODAY, February 23; that all or any cancer cells left will be GONE! Also pray for a smooth recovery with no complications and for chemo not to be necessary. Pray for strength and for GOD to fill me with HIS perfect peace and for my faith to carry me all the way through; for my anxiety to be gone, forever. Perfect love casts out all fear!!! 1 John 4:18 (submitted 2/13)
Norah Rae - please continue to pray for this precious little one to grow healthy and strong; we praise God she is home with mommy and daddy now.
Noah P. – has been hyperventilating before going to sleep, which is causing his extremities to contract and feel pain from his head to his feet. Please keep him in prayer. (submitted 2/22)
Grace – (UPDATE) Still on ventilator, but her organs are shutting down. Grace is a believer, although her husband Wiwik is not. Please pray for his salvation as he is so very distraught, he hasn’t seen Grace since she was taken to the hospital. Thank you for all the prayers for Grace and Wiwik. (submitted 2/22)
Melissa W. – broke her arm last month. Please pray for healing, as she has been in much pain and unable to sleep. Thank you for all the prayers. (submitted 2/21)
Juliet - Please continue to pray for our dear sister who will be having surgery TODAY, February 23 to remove a mass from her spine. That the Lord will have His hand upon all the details, that the mass will NOT be cancerous, that it will not be intertwined within the nerves of her spine, and will be able to be completely removed. Pray for Julie to sense God's presence as she will not be able to have her family with her; and for the recovery to be swift.
Sandra L. – Please pray for as the hysterectomy will be performed TODAY, February 23; that all or any cancer cells left will be GONE! Also pray for a smooth recovery with no complications and for chemo not to be necessary. Pray for strength and for GOD to fill me with HIS perfect peace and for my faith to carry me all the way through; for my anxiety to be gone, forever. Perfect love casts out all fear!!! 1 John 4:18 (submitted 2/13)
Norah Rae - please continue to pray for this precious little one to grow healthy and strong; we praise God she is home with mommy and daddy now.
Noah P. – has been hyperventilating before going to sleep, which is causing his extremities to contract and feel pain from his head to his feet. Please keep him in prayer. (submitted 2/22)
Grace – (UPDATE) Still on ventilator, but her organs are shutting down. Grace is a believer, although her husband Wiwik is not. Please pray for his salvation as he is so very distraught, he hasn’t seen Grace since she was taken to the hospital. Thank you for all the prayers for Grace and Wiwik. (submitted 2/22)
Melissa W. – broke her arm last month. Please pray for healing, as she has been in much pain and unable to sleep. Thank you for all the prayers. (submitted 2/21)
Today at Calvary Chapel El Monte
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
No events scheduled for Today.
Please, pray for Juliet and Sandra who will be having surgery today.
No events scheduled for Today.
Please, pray for Juliet and Sandra who will be having surgery today.