Using the language of a runner here in Philippians, Paul writes, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (NIV 84). He’s referring to crossing the finish line at the resurrection. And even though it’s in sight, you and I are not there yet. But by grace of God that He has given to us in our Savior, and the power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens us each day as we repent and rely on His mercy, you can be assured that you will.

In Philippians, Paul describes how he wants to know Christ “and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Now, when Paul says “somehow,” he’s not doubting in any way that God can do it. In fact, he’s quite sure of it, being a witness himself of our risen Savior who appears to him on the road to Damascus. And like us he's not trying to figure out how God will do that, but He knows with certainly that He will do it.

When suffering enters our life it's like the jarring sound of a needle on a turntable scratching across a vinyl record. However, the apostle doesn't see this as being, necessarily, a bad thing. In fact, among other things, it causes us to call out to our Savior in prayer. It also brings into high definition those words we confess when we say that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried."

Have you ever wondered what is the most powerful thing in universe? Astronomers believe it’s the energy that's released in the Gamma Ray Burst that comes from a Hypernova. That's a burst that's beloved to be as much as fifty times more energetic than a supernova. In their quest for more information on these events, astronomers want to know more about them. In Philippians, Paul casts his attention to something even more powerful, comforting, and of wonderful importance for you and me this very day.

Imagine how devastating it must have been for Paul, who at that time was still referred to as Saul, to discover that everything he thought earned Him good standing in God’s eyes was actually worthless. And yet, he was glad to learn this truth. What God gave him, and gives to us through faith, is worth so much more!

There were times when Paul must have felt like he was on a family road trip in the car. Here in Philippians, he writes, "Do everything without complaining or arguing.” The truth is wherever we gather before God together, seeking His mercy and forgiveness for our daily sins, we’re going to find ourselves in the company of other sinners doing the exact same thing. How we handle it shines a light on our gratitude for His grace, brings encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and can even serve as an eye-catching witness for others.

Jesus drove off all of those who were conducting business inside the temple courts. He overturned the tables of the money changers and drove off the dove dealers. He also healed many of the blind and crippled who came there to see Him and He taught the crowds. After all that commotion Matthew tells us, that “the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him. ‘By what authority are You doing these things?’” This is actually popular question these days and one we may even find ourselves asking.

We remember, and give thanks, for all of those, who have died in faith, and are now with the Lord. It’s understandable that we may shed a tear as we remember them. After all, we miss them. And even though the time is short, when we will see them again, it still hurts not to have them here with us as we await the day of the resurrection. However, if we’re not careful we may let those tears give way to despair – as if our Savior hadn’t come. God has given us a remarkable hope and a reason for hope amidst our tears.

In love for you and me, Jesus gave His life to redeem us from sin and death. Through faith we have received from Him the riches of His grace and the forgiveness of our sins. At the cross we see God’s love with crystal clarity. And Paul also reminds us that through faith, we’ve been given a corrective lens with which to view each other.

It’s surprising when you discover something about another person that you didn’t know – when you think you already knew all there is to know about them. In Ezekiel, God tells us something about Himself that might make us ask, "Doesn't everyone know this?" The truth is, they may not.