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Lose to Gain, Die to Live, Suffer to Become...
Rod Shimabukuro7But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9and 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 on the basis of faith. 10I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3
While the above passage is speaking to me, I’m finding my heart observing and interpreting this in a different light.
I realize my observation’s of the text I choose is skewed by my interpretation of the Bible. My views, upbringing, class instructions, preachers, teachers, scholars - I’ve listened to and received from - ALL have had influences on my life in the way I process, study, teach and live out the Bible.
The past few years, I find my heart seeing more of who God, Jesus, the Spirit is on the Bible - and not as much of who “I AM” or what “I CAN BE” as a Christian. Thus the BOLD Emphasis’ above - knowing, being found, in Christ, His resurrection, His sufferings, His death...
My takeaway is:
I am attaining. While knowing Him, I’m growing in knowing Him. I get discouraged at how far I have to go in becoming like, acting or living like Jesus wants me to live. But today - I have the faith of Jesus, through Jesus, because of Jesus... I am happy in knowing that the process of losing to gain, dying to live, suffering to become more like Jesus is a part of my journey!
Jesus -
Would you strengthen, favor, fill Sean and Brandi - in light of losing Lori in this life. Would you remind the Murukami’s that You are alive, real and working in their midst. Thank you for my family, Yoshioka’s, for Beckei family - the Duewel’s and beyond. Please be with Chico today, Ray, the ‘ohana at Manoa. There’s much growth, much transformation, much dying, suffering to experience - may you enfold, embrace, empower, enable Your family of God!
