“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 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 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 and is by faith.” (Philippians 3:7-9, NIV).
In this world there are many things that hold the promise of profit. How ironic it is that many of those promises have left many folks feeling deceived, betrayed, hurt, confused and even empty. In this day and time I don’t have to convince anyone that that the world is not delivering on its promises. So all I would like to do is to remind us; whatever was to our profit in this world cannot be compared to the promises of our Lord. For he is faithful to keep them every one; and he is has never, no not once disappointed me. He has kept me, loved me, forgiven me, strengthened me, enlightened me, walked with me and delivered me in times when by human standards it was simply impossible.
I know of no one wiser, no one nobler, no one stronger, no one who loves so perfectly and completely. I know of no one who is so faithful, so kind, so forgiving and understanding and yet encourages me to reach to heights previously unknown or even anticipated. And here we are, Jesus and me, as if standing on top of the highest mountain surveying the world, gazing towards the heavens, and hearing him say reach for the heavenlies, for they are yours in Christ.
And all this besides the fact that I have suffered at one time or another a major set-back in every area of my life. Physical, financial, emotional and spiritual. The loss of tens of thousands of dollars, a life-long disease that has the capacity in just a few hours to claim life, the death of a couple of my very best friends within months of each other, struggles within the family, and even the sad betrayal of a couple of friends.
And still, Jesus lives! Still he comes! Still he blesses! Still he leads and loves and touches and blesses and still he causes me to see, to feel, to know, to breathe, to experience the greatest pleasures in knowing Christ.
He is and always will be my Messiah, my Christ, my Jesus, my Lord! For he is faithful to keep his promise, every one! Thank you Jesus for walking with me; thank you for being my very, very best friend. For in you I have never suffered loss, but count it all gain through you my Lord! There is none but you.
Rich in Christ Jesus,
Keith