May 06, 2013
Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the people of Philippi. Even though Paul was in prison he was still doing the right thing. Even in his time of trouble, Paul continued to tell others about Christ and encourage them in their own walk of faith.
Paul said, "What has happened to me has helped to spread the Good News." (Philippians 1:12) Paul's crime? He was a believer in Christ. That's it. He had done nothing wrong, but the trouble he was in gave him a platform to reach many people with the news of Christ. The purpose of putting him in prison was to stop him from speaking truth, but the exact opposite happened. It didn't discourage the other believers. It instead strengthened their faith, and others who were not believers were exposed to Truth for the first time.
Paul said because prayers were being said on his behalf, and because the Holy Spirit was helping him, "I know this trouble will bring my freedom." (Philippians 1:19) True freedom, not just freedom from jail. Living Paul's life took courage. He knew that. But standing strong did not come from his own strength and power. It came from the Holy Spirit Because of that he could say, "I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life on earth, whether I live or die. To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me." (Philippians 1:20–21)
Psalm 73 talks about people "looking for profits" on this earth. Paul was looking to please Christ and bring honor and glory to HIM and heaven would be his profit, the ONLY profit that matters. What is the point of gaining the "profits" of this world if you lose your soul? Take this whole world, just give me Jesus. That is the profit I want. It is the only important thing.
Every-knee-will-bow. I choose to bow now, serving Him with all my heart now. With no regrets, I choose to surrender all—NOW!
I am so grateful for Dad's life and for the time I got to spend with him during his last days. What a blessing. I am happy for Mom that everyone could come since this was so important to her. (How sad to realize "everyone" does not include my sister. By her own actions, my sister has estranged herself from our entire family. It is equally sad to think about how much fun, unity, and laughter there was because my sister was not there. How sad!)
Hallelujah! Psalm 16:15 - "I shall be satisfied when I awake."Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the people of Philippi. Even though Paul was in prison he was still doing the right thing. Even in his time of trouble, Paul continued to tell others about Christ and encourage them in their own walk of faith.
Paul said, "What has happened to me has helped to spread the Good News." (Philippians 1:12) Paul's crime? He was a believer in Christ. That's it. He had done nothing wrong, but the trouble he was in gave him a platform to reach many people with the news of Christ. The purpose of putting him in prison was to stop him from speaking truth, but the exact opposite happened. It didn't discourage the other believers. It instead strengthened their faith, and others who were not believers were exposed to Truth for the first time.
Paul said because prayers were being said on his behalf, and because the Holy Spirit was helping him, "I know this trouble will bring my freedom." (Philippians 1:19) True freedom, not just freedom from jail. Living Paul's life took courage. He knew that. But standing strong did not come from his own strength and power. It came from the Holy Spirit Because of that he could say, "I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life on earth, whether I live or die. To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me." (Philippians 1:20–21)
Psalm 73 talks about people "looking for profits" on this earth. Paul was looking to please Christ and bring honor and glory to HIM and heaven would be his profit, the ONLY profit that matters. What is the point of gaining the "profits" of this world if you lose your soul? Take this whole world, just give me Jesus. That is the profit I want. It is the only important thing.
"Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ... standing strong with one purpose, that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News, and that you are not afraid of those who are against you. All of this is proof that your enemies will be destroyed but that you will be saved by God. God gave you the honor not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for him, both of which bring glory to Christ... when you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves... think and act like Christ... do everything without complaining or arguing. Then you will be innocent and without any wrong. You will be God's children without fault. But you are living with crooked and mean people all around you, among whom you shine like stars in the dark world. You offer the teaching that gives life. So when Christ come again, I can be happy because my work was not wasted. I ran the race and won." From Philippians 1:27 – 2:16There will come a day when "every knee will bow to the name of Jesus—everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and bring glory to God the Father." (Philippians 2:10–11)
Every-knee-will-bow. I choose to bow now, serving Him with all my heart now. With no regrets, I choose to surrender all—NOW!
*****
Jane died five years ago today and tomorrow it will be two years since my Dad
died. My Mom (who is 84 years old) decided she wanted to prepare a meal and bring everyone back home for a family dinner one last time. So, yesterday that is what we did.
Fifteen of us gathered at Mom and Dad's farm. We reminisced and talked about Dad and his many "isms" and sayings. There was a lot of laughter. The great grand-kids fished, went for walks around the farm, and played in the creek. We took lots of pictures. Mom gave my husband and me the old iron farm hay rake my Dad had and our son loaded it up to take to our place. Dad certainly was missed, but his memory lives on in all of our hearts.
Fifteen of us gathered at Mom and Dad's farm. We reminisced and talked about Dad and his many "isms" and sayings. There was a lot of laughter. The great grand-kids fished, went for walks around the farm, and played in the creek. We took lots of pictures. Mom gave my husband and me the old iron farm hay rake my Dad had and our son loaded it up to take to our place. Dad certainly was missed, but his memory lives on in all of our hearts.
I am so grateful for Dad's life and for the time I got to spend with him during his last days. What a blessing. I am happy for Mom that everyone could come since this was so important to her. (How sad to realize "everyone" does not include my sister. By her own actions, my sister has estranged herself from our entire family. It is equally sad to think about how much fun, unity, and laughter there was because my sister was not there. How sad!)
It was a lot of work for Mom to get the house and all the food ready. There was an over abundance of food (as usual). Mom made everyone's favorites, even making our son's favorite chocolate ice cream cake
roll! Mom had a great time, everyone was relaxed and we all enjoyed our time together. What wonderful memories she and her kids,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have of that special day. Thanks, Mom!
*****
The following comes from Jane's hand written notes in her KJV.
Philippians 1:21 - Death to a Christian is gain because it means:
Philippians 1:21 - Death to a Christian is gain because it means:
- Heaven
- Holiness
- Heart's desire
- Him
Culture—that which comes into being whenever man begins to interact with his environment. Christian culture becomes a reality when Christian people give themselves back to Christ (Romans 12:1–2) mentally, intellectually, spiritually—"bodies" the particular package by which that total being comes into the world. Our Savior must become center of all our pursuits.
Next Entry: Philippians 3:1–21
No comments:
Post a Comment