Trot for TBI

This past Sunday, our pastors spoke about Philippians 3. There are 21 verses – we will talk about verses 1-11 this week, and finish the chapter next week.

The book of Philippians begins with a call for rejoicing.

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a protection for you.

Paul goes on to describe his own credibility and qualifications in verses 2-6.

Watch out for “dogs,” watch out for evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh— although I once also had confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.

Paul continues in verses 7-11 by saying that these qualifications, which would have given him much authority in the Jewish synagogue, meant nothing to him in comparison to knowing Jesus. Righteousness can only be found through believing in Christ. Merriam Webster defines the term “righteous” as “acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin… morally right or justifiable a righteous decision… arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality righteous indignation… slang : GENUINE, EXCELLENT.”

But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

I have recently become aware of some possible issues with getting to our shop. Thanks so much for your patience as we figure this out!

All issues should be resolved. If you are still experiencing problems, please email booksbymalinalli@gmail.com.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading recently – not only in the Bible, but also some mysteries and books about crime, as I’ve written some short stories for Reedsy. For example, Anna’s Not So Dreary Day. I’ve posted one other so far.

https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/31661598 – Here’s the list on Goodreads of all the books I’ve read so far this year!

I also recently started a YouTube Channel! I have a video in Spanish and will post a couple of others about pronouncing the English and Spanish alphabet in the near future.

Have a blessed Wednesday and a wonderful weekend afterwards! Please follow my YouTube page!