What 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 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 on the basis of faith.

Philippians 3

What 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 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 on the basis of faith. v8-9

I pray that I may have this perspective that I should place ALL of my confidence not in the flesh and not in the world but in Christ my Lord and Savior. 

Referring to the heroes and faithful of the Old Testament, the author of Hebrews writes:

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.  Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.  Hebrews 11:13-16

My Prayer: Lord, I know I have a true home, and that is in heaven with You.  I have read and heard much about heaven and it sounds like an incredible place and I look forward to being with You in heaven.  Yet now my time on earth is riddled with worry and other sin and I need Your forgiveness.  Thank You that You love me despite my sin but please forgive me and help me turn from this sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me understand that I am a foreigner on earth and that I should live with the end in sight...and that I exist solely on earth to glorify You.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.