Seeking Jesus From the Edges – Knowing Jesus Personally.

Seeking Jesus From the Edges –
Morning Devotions – Knowing Jesus Personally –
Prayerfully prepared by Pastor Calvin Cook – August 13, 2024

Scripture focus – Philippians 3:7-11 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order 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 comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found was blind but now I see”, filled by heart this morning. I have probably sung, heard, or meditated on these words thousands of times in my faith journey. This morning was like the first time hearing the words and harmonic singing in my soul.

Especially the words – “I once was lost but now I’m found”. As we speak about a life of discipleship, it is more than just saying we know Jesus, it is following. Even when our whole life seems to be crumbling and falling apart, it is or has to be knowing, believing, following, loving, and especially, especially knowing that in our miserableness that we are saved from sin, redeemed, and brought into the glorious light of eternity.

When we take our eyes off the journey of following Jesus and place other things in its place that is when the miserableness of being a wretch presents its worthless self. I am keenly aware that when we don’t allow Jesus to intersect with our everything, I stress everything – we will not experience the fullness of our relationship with God. To this there is a purpose and that is loving God, loving others by showing God’s love to an entire world, even those who desire a lesser way. Which means above all things, sharing and proclaiming Jesus in the midst of everything becomes essential.

When weakness comes – trust more and believe more and embrace that mustard seed faith to move whatever mountain is in the way.
The final thought and maybe the most important is about self, myself and yourself. Do we really know Jesus for who Jesus is. We use all the words, we have all the thoughts, but do we know the Jesus personally? Or is it through pre-conceived thoughts that have been implanted by someone through a nice story. Do we know the Jesus who has claimed victory over death, sin, and hell? Do we know the Jesus personally who said, “I love you, I have called you by name, you are mine.” Do we know Jesus enough to make a complete commitment for Jesus to be our all in all.

I pray and may we can pray together “Jesus, I want to know you more.” Amen