Day 13: Because of Him
Reading for Today
Philippians 3:7–11 (NLT)
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
Friend, we serve such an awesome God! I don’t know about you, but I am feeling stronger and more connected and empowered than ever! Today’s reading takes us to the book of Philippians hands down, one of the coldest books in the bible! This was Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi and is considered one of the prison epistles, in other words these words were written while Paul was imprisoned. He spends this book sharing with this church the glorious mystery of salvation being not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles.
In times previous Jews were taught that their salvation was through good works and following rules such as specific sacrifices, fasting perfectly and often, and doing other ritualistic acts. However, the new church taught that it was no longer one’s acts that saved, but rather faith in the sacrifice of Christ. Paul was teaching the church at Philippi that now it was no longer needed to do all of these things but now we prefer it to experience Christ’s power.
This fast for many has brought about a renewed strength and sense of the presence of God. There are things that I am still believing God to resurrect in the last few days of the fast. The specific wording Paul used here means to know God through experience. Paul shares with the church that he would rather suffer with Christ and experience death in his flesh so that his spirit can know God’s resurrecting power. By living a lifestyle of fasting, we are submitting our flesh to continually be challenged and changed to be more like Christ.
As we mount this final week of the fast, remember the uncomfort is only temporary compared to the things God is working out in our future. Tap into the glory of the pain knowing that It’s Bigger than You! What we are seeking from God is far greater than our ache for food. Food only brings a temporary comfort that doesn’t change anything. This week dig in and know that what God is doing is going to be the seed for even greater in the future.
Fasting Tip: Make a list of the things you are believing God to resurrect or change for you in this last week of the fast.
Fasting Food Suggestion
Are you looking for a quick easy smoothie idea? One of my favorite smoothies is the strawberry peanut power plus from Smoothie King, but I didn’t to keep buying them, so I found the perfect-ish home recipe (all quantities can be modified to suit your personal flavor preferences). Here’s what you need:
½ cup frozen strawberries
1 sliced and frozen medium banana
3-4 medjool dates
1 cup almond milk or yogurt
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
Protein Powder of Your Choice
You dump everything into the blender and mix on high until well combined. If you want it thicker you can add ice but the frozen fruit normally does the trick. If it comes out too tart,, you can add honey to cut the tartness.
Pour in your favorite cup and enjoy as a nice meal replacement!