But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7-8

Making Goals. Paul is basically saying that nothing else matters compared to knowing Jesus—it’s better than all the high points, and it transcends failure. If you’ve made New Year’s resolutions, don’t just have “to do” goals—to do more working out, less eating, more reading, etc. Those are all great, but the most important goal should be to have a closer walk with Jesus—that is how you will truly be changed. The degree to which you renew your connection with God will determine your success in reaching your other goals.

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I PRESS ON toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

Moving Forward. If you want to move on and grow, you’ve got to let some stuff go—including past hurts and aches that have been defining your life up to this point. We need to guard our heart and be selective about what gets in (Proverbs 4:23). Instead of meditating on painful moments from the past that keep you loss-centered, use them as reference points of God’s faithfulness—by His grace you’ve made it this far! Shake off the heaviness and look ahead with confidence. God who began a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6).

Knowing Jesus. Knowing Jesus is what we can carry into eternity. Seek to know Him. Turn off the TV and the phone and spend some time with God. Write down the things He shows you. Spend time fasting and praying this month. In 2011, let’s make it our primary target to reinforce our connection with God and press on toward His call for our lives.

It’s good to know Jesus!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2011 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

At the end of the day we need God — He is an ever present help in time of need (Psalm 46:1). As we forge into the New Year, I want to focus on who Jesus is in our lives and what He came to earth to give us.

One of the facets of God’s character is Wonderful Counselor. “Your testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors” (Psalm 119:24). If you don’t know who to talk to about a certain situation, go to the Word and receive God’s counsel. The Word is more precious than a field of rubies, than doorknob-sized diamonds; these words of God are the truth that created the world! When you spend time with God and in His Word, He replaces confusion with clarity.

O Lord, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah. But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:1-3

God is not weak toward you but mighty (2 Corinthians 13:3). You can rely on Him to intervene in your situation. God is so trustworthy that we can cast all of our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Look in the Word and realize that Jesus is able to bring you through whatever perplexing deal is trying to wipe you out. Make yourself speak words of faith over your situation. God said that the mountains move when we speak to them (Mark 11:23).

It’s amazing that God, the Creator of the universe, would so choose to give His only Son for us. Because of that great gift, the fear of death is resolved. The price has been paid and we can have fellowship with God and receive help and counsel from this Eternal Father. Thank God that we don’t have to embrace a religious routine; instead we can have a vibrant relationship with the Creator of the universe who is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace!

There is nobody like my Jesus,

Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. Proverbs 4:18

God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Psalm 119 tells us that the entrance of God’s Word brings light (119:130a). So, to get where God wants us to be, it’s important to pull out the owner’s manual, the Bible, and read the instructions.

We must keep ourselves filled with the Word of God and keep our spirits sensitive to the Holy Spirit by daily surrendering our lives to God’s plan. This requires us to deal with offenses and make constant adjustments to lay down things that don’t please God. Don’t get overwhelmed! Even small changes produce big results.

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body. Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:20-23

Don’t let your purpose be thwarted by bumps in the road. Clear off your spiritual windshield so that you can see things the way God does. You have a heavenly Father who delivers on a very profound level. He gave His Son. Meditate on that for a while. If God can cleanse you of sin and save you for all of eternity, He can certainly cover every other deal in your life.

The rubber-meets-the-road part of this letter is that I believe God wants to use you in the upcoming days to impact others. You aren’t just striving to be a “nice Christian”—the goal is to reflect who Jesus truly is so that your message to the world is clear. You might be the only Bible some people read. Make it your goal to please God and finish strong. Cast your worries on Him (1 Peter 5:7).

He can stabilize any situation. You are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37). With man it may be impossible, but with God all things are possible (Mark 10:27). He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). So trust Him. Stop looking in the rearview mirror at past mistakes and step forward into the great big beautiful plans God has for you. The best is yet to come!

Happy New Year!

Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2008 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.