Devotions
from The Woods @Wanamaker
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But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ -yes know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:7-11 My mother, who was a woman of great faith, lived her life in this passage. Every day for her was another day to glorify God by serving him in prayer or serving someone else. She had her hardships, in 1974 my parents buried a son who was killed in an accident, a few years later another son severely injured, and she watched a third son almost killed. Her faith never wavered and she would lay all her trouble down at the feet of Jesus. We all go through trials of various kinds and how we respond is critical to the kingdom work of God. I am certain that in our hardships we become the people that God has intended for us to be. My Mother and Father were very good at being the people God intended and living the life he had for them. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may become mature and complete, not lacking anything. James1:2-4 The enemy is doing all he can to get us to let go. Do not be deceived for our God is a mighty God, a sovereign God who is still on his throne and he will have the last word in the matter of our lives. In the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 is mentioned a time for things in life 28 times. Not once does it say to quit! We must continue to seek the Lord in all we do as we watch the world around us crumble. In 1985 my dear mother started a Thanksgiving dinner to feed those who had no place or no one to go to. Since then a Christmas dinner has been added and many come each year to enjoy this. We never give up and we leave a lasting impression on this earth that is a benefit to those around us. Not that I have already obtained this, or have arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 Have an amazing day!!!! On behalf of my family I thank all who have reached out in prayer and with food to help Josh and his family. It is truly a blessing to know you all and be part of this church family. Pastor Marty
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AuthorNotes from the Staff @The Woods Archives
March 2023
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