Day 6 - Rejoice in Knowing God

DAY 6: REJOICE IN KNOWING GOD

by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 10th, 2026

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order 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 comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—” ––Philippians 3:8–9

DEVOTION

How would you answer this question: What makes you right before God?
Is it something you do for Him? That’s religion.
Is it simply what you know about Him? That’s information.
Is it growing up in a Christian household?
What about a spiritual moment your parents chose for you when you were a baby?
Or maybe it’s something you’ve achieved—your effort, your morality, your success.

 

Take a moment to really process your response, because your answer matters. It affects at least two key areas: your eternal destination and your present joy.

 

In Philippians 3, Paul gives us a glimpse into his spiritual résumé—one that brings perspective and clarity to this question. He writes:

 

“circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.”
(Philippians 3:5–6)

 

I know many people with strong character and genuine passion for God, but I don’t know anyone who could confidently say, “as to righteousness under the law, blameless.” If right standing before God could be earned, Paul would have earned it. He had the education, the moral discipline, the religious zeal, and the family lineage to boast in.
Yet Scripture teaches something very different than works-based righteousness. Jesus made it clear that salvation isn’t ultimately found in something you do, but in Someone you know (Matt. 7:23). The goal isn’t religion—it’s relationship.

 

Paul continues:

 

“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
(Philippians 3:8)

 

What a statement. Paul takes everything he once trusted—his accomplishments, reputation, and religious credibility—and calls it “loss” compared to knowing Jesus. He even uses the strong word skubalon (v. 8), often translated as rubbish, garbage, or even dung, to emphasize the contrast.

 

In other words, Paul is saying: even his best efforts can’t compare to the righteousness found in Christ—or the invitation to truly know Him.

 

And that gives us every reason to rejoice.

 

Throughout Philippians, Paul repeatedly calls believers to rejoice in the Lord. One of the clearest moments is this:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
(Philippians 4:4)

 

Today, as you go deeper, rejoice in this: God invites you to know Him.
Rejoice in the good news of His grace and forgiveness.
Rejoice in His calling on your life.
Rejoice in the gospel—that your salvation is not the result of your work, but His.
Rejoice that God knows you completely and loves you fully.

 

Go deeper in joy today by knowing God.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank You that being made right with God isn’t something I earn—it’s something You give. Forgive me for the times I trust my performance, my background, or my knowledge more than I trust You. Help me to rejoice in Your grace and mercy and to grow in my  relationship with You today. Iin Jesus’ name, Amen!

NEXT STEP

Take intentional time today and write an honest answer to this question: “What do I tend to trust to feel right with God?” Then surrender that to Jesus in prayer and thank Him that righteousness is received through faith, not achieved through effort.

4 Comments

  1. Buy Private Proxies

    very interesting subject , great post.

    January 14, 2026 at 7:26 am
    Reply
  2. Acamy

    There’s always a reason to rejoice in every season! Forever grateful that my salvation is not based on my own works because I never would’ve made it. Hallelujah!

    January 10, 2026 at 8:47 am
    Reply
    1. Heiden Ratner

      That’s a good word. Amen!!

      January 10, 2026 at 1:15 pm
      Reply
  3. Heiden Ratner

    Rejoicing in His goodness and gift of relationship today. Love how Dr. Tony Merida said it, “not an earned righteousness, but a received righteousness.” Let’s go deeper today!

    January 10, 2026 at 8:12 am
    Reply

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