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4 If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 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 9 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. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 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, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 3:4b-14 NIV)
Today is Tuesday, the 1st of April, 2025; it's also that funny day called April Fools Day; so don't fall for any pranks today. There are no April Fools' content in this email. I'll leave that fof your family and friends to have fun with you.
When a first responder retires from his/her career, they place what is called their last call. The officer/firefighter will radio in to their headquarters and shares whatever is allowed or required and the dispatcher will acknowledge that call. The officer then replies with the appropriate code that says s/he is now off-duty. On social media this morning I saw one of a police chief in the patrol car with his youngest granddaughter in the passenger's side of the cruiser. It was an emotional call for the chief and his emotions were having an impact on his granddaughter. His wife was the dispatcher and that made it doubly emotional. But the chief said that being a police officer is a calling and he said he was glad her responded to that call. Today's devotional is about one who responded to a call above all calls; the Apostle Paul shares his lineage as a Jew, a Pharisee, and then as a disciple of Jesus. We can't help but note all the very Hebrew and Jewish things he achieved, including the sad chapter of persecuting the Church of Jesus; but all that paled to what he truly desired after he encountered Jesus; his heart wanted to "gain Christ, and to be found in Him," with a strong and true faith in Christ Jesus. Though he had seen and met Jesus face-to-face, he still desired to know Christ; for that encounter only ignited a hunger to know Christ more fully. His conversion was simply hearing the fire of the starter's pistol to run a race for Christ all his life. Have you heard, "On your marks? Get Set! Go!"?
Lent is a season of stripping away, a time to reflect on what truly matters. In this passage, Paul speaks of letting go of everything he once valued—his status, accomplishments, and self-righteousness—because nothing compares to knowing Christ.
Paul’s words challenge us to examine what we hold onto. Are there things we cling to that keep us from fully pursuing Christ? Our achievements, possessions, or even religious practices can sometimes become sources of pride or security rather than expressions of faith. But Paul reminds us that all these things are nothing compared to the joy of knowing Jesus.
Lent calls us to let go—not just of material things but of anything that keeps us from drawing closer to God. It is a time to press on toward the goal, to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to run the race with endurance. We are not perfect, but by God’s grace, we are being made new.
As we continue this Lenten journey, may we, like Paul, release what is temporary in order to grasp what is eternal. Let us press on, not looking back, but moving forward into the life Christ has called us to.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to let go of anything that keeps us from fully knowing You. Show us where we place our confidence in things other than Your grace. During this Lenten season, renew our heart and give us the strength to press on toward You. May our lives reflect the surpassing worth of knowing You above all else. In Christ Jesus' strong name we pray, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time today to reflect on what you may need to release—whether it’s pride, past mistakes, or distractions that keep you from pursuing Christ fully. Make a commitment to press on toward Him, whether through prayer, fasting, or a renewed focus on His Word.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
