Place Christ Before All Else

But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. - Philippians 3:8

Have you been wanting to serve the Lord and do His work but have always felt hindered by your own inadequacies? Do you always keep your eyes on others or compare your abilities to others and think that you will never be able to be used for the Lord because of so many disadvantages in you?

You may be lacking in the outward advantages that you see in those around you. But the Lord determines each one to be used uniquely.

Peter and John were going to the temple to pray, when a man crippled from his birth was being carries to be laid at the gated called Beautiful to get for alms. Seeing Peter and John the man asked them to give him a gift. "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk," Peter said and took him by his right hand and lifted him up. He began to walk and leap and praise God. They were arrested and the next day stood before the council of magistrates, elders and Council. Peter spoke up with boldness and confidence for he was filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8). Verse 13 of the same chapter says, "Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools (common men with no educational advantages), they marveled; and they recognised that they had been with Jesus."

"... they recognised that they have been with Jesus," that was it! Being with Jesus made the big difference in the life of these disciples and the council members recognised it. It was not the learning in the school or any other training that they had received that enabled them to stand up and speak the word of God with freedom, boldness and courage.

Beloved child of God, what you need in your life is to spend time with the Lord Jesus. In His presence you will be transformed. In His presence you will be equipped. In His presence you will be endued with power. The world will recognise the difference in you because they will see that you spend time with Jesus. Your disadvantages will be transformed to God's advantaes. You will be a mighty instrument in the hands of the Lord.

True disciples of Christ are those who consistently follow the footsteps of Christ our Master.

-Daniel O.C