November 21 – 28, 2025
DISCERNING THE REAL CHRIST
Philippians 3:7-10 “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, 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 is by faith.”
Paul can barely write a sentence without referring to Christ. Why? Because Paul lived through his heart instead of his head! He lived his life according to the heartbeat of God. Paul was totally and completely God-centered, not self-centered, not Pastor-centered or commentary-centered, but Christ-centered only! Paul didn’t just read about Christ or take someone’s word about Christ. He personally encountered Christ! We must do the same! Once we personally encounter the living God by spending time in His presence, nothing else will matter.
Once Paul experienced knowing Jesus, the benefits of knowing Him were of such great worth to him that all the things of the past were like rubbish to him. Everything that Paul considered in the past to have value, all the things the world had to offer, he no longer wanted! Why? Because there is a huge difference between knowing Jesus and knowing OF Jesus. How do we get to know Jesus? We need to experience Jesus. Jesus is NOT a religion; Jesus is a relationship.
Once Paul started a relationship with Christ, he was then able to move on from his past. He started looking forward to his future as he looked toward Jesus. When our lives become focused on Jesus, we won’t get so caught up in or so focused on our past either. When our lives are focused on knowing Jesus personally, our lives will become like the hymn: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow faintly dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
Devote yourself to knowing Jesus, pursue Him. Why? Because in case you haven’t noticed, Jesus IS pursuing you!
This is an excerpt from a 90-day devotional written by Emil and Karen. To order the full devotional, click on the TO ORDER DEVOTIONAL page.