I love reading letters that Paul has written because I imagine how meaningful the words must have been to a new church in Philippi. Once again Paul is in chains for what he believes. I think what we read about the situation that Paul is in call tell us a lot about being leaders. The people that followed what Paul was teaching, that is the message of Christ, were motivated by the willingness of Paul to be in chains for his stance. Paul was leading a revolution in Rome and people were ready to fight and die by the example he was setting. "As for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." I wish these were words I was living out. That everyday was a radical day of uprising in our faith. I wish I could view my relationship with Christ and the importance of others knowing him the way I do with the same intensity as Paul. That if I'm granted tomorrow, I will share the gospel until I am horse. But if today is my last, then tomorrow I will praise God in His presence. Remember, someone is likely watching your actions. A negative attitude is showing someone the wrong impression of the victory in Christ. Instead we should carry on with a renewing joy each day just as Paul did.
My prayer is the same as Paul's, "that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
Tomorrow is Philippians 2, can't wait to read what everyone thinks.
God Bless,
Nick
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I was listening to Focus on the Family this morning where they were talking about Paul Harvey. They talked about a story Paul would tell every Easter. Here is the link to the story: http://www.doubleqcountry.com/artman2/publish/BULLETIN_BOARD_18/PAUL_HARVEY_S_EASTER_STORY_JESUS_AND_THE_CAGE_2896.shtml
ReplyDeleteI really found the story of the cage very cool and finally realized what was done for me. What Paul was doing and what Jesus did for him, and all of us. Jesus bought the cage from Satan and let us go.
I also find it interesting that Paul finds joy in those who preach the Word, regardless of reason, because the Word is being preached. This to me shows his compasion and his realization that it is not his place to judge, that task is left for someone else.
I sometimes struggle with what is read about God in the Old Testament versus God in the New Testament. I found it interesting that the suffering is different yet the same. The war being fought is different yet the same. Paul, like David, hold their heads up and proclaim God and his protection through everything.
I am, at the same time, doing 48 Days by Dan Miller. I am working through the section where I am finding my vocation/calling. This is a bit difficult but need to work on my heart and listen to what God is telling me to do. I feel that this is in internal war for me that I need to just hold my head up and realize that God has won this fight and I need to just let go.
I pray for the strength to do this, the Church, and everyone for the continued strength to do the Lords work regardless of what it is.
This chapter helped me to see tough times in a different light. They are an ooportunity to strengthen my faith. Rather than feel sorry for myself and the situation I need to remember that Satan is trying to trap me and get me to turn away from God.
ReplyDeleteWow! Paul is the perfect example of a Christian. The man is in prison waiting to be executed for his beliefs and hes still telling the guards about Christ. Thats remarkable. He's willing to die to preserve Christianity. And when he says he is pressured by the desire to depart and be with Christ-which is far better-but to remain in the flesh is more necesary for you, almost brings a tear to my eye.
ReplyDeleteI pray that God gives me the strength to carry his message in my heart for the rest of my life.