Boast in Jesus Christ

Our Love for God

Loving God by Trusting Christ

Renounce Everything for Christ

Philippians 3:1-6 The Message

To Know Him Personally

3 And that’s about it, friends. Be glad in God!
I don’t mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don’t mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry—so here goes.
2-6 Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they’re interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ’s praise as we do it. We couldn’t carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God’s law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God’s law Book.

For Reflection

Though I sometimes get in trouble for it and many times I weaken, My two life rules have been, "Make it all fun and if it ain't fun, don't do it." and "Never work with unpleasant people. They suck the energy right out of you. Just give them a lick and a promise and get outta there!" (I am often surprised by how many people become more pleasant.) 

I should have added, "Steer clear of the barking dogs." They make life a misery. On the other hand, there may be a ring of truth in their mischief. While they are disruptive,  perhaps if one listens to what is underpinning their worrisome prattle, one may find a way to love them too.

Pray

Pray so that you will be more able to perceive others as God sees them.  Pray so that you can escape from life's distractions.

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