The Call to Holiness

I Thess.4: 7-8

For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

 

The will of God for many is an illusive reality. What is the will of God in this situation? How do I know what I should do? But in this instance it is clearly stated. God has called us all to holiness without a shred or hint of impurity. For this is the will of God., your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God. No confusion here! But sadly, I have heard many believers say that God has led them to a different person. They have justified their affair, destroyed their marriage, and gone their merry way. How this must grieve the heart of God!

 

But these verses do provide a clear guide for other situations as well. I must ask my self if there is any impurity in what I am choosing? Is lust involved? Is what I am choosing growing me in holiness? This teaching affects not just immorality, but what I watch (TV and movies), what I listen to (music, internet), and what I participate in. Some things do seem to be neutral, not taking me down a wrong path, but, at the same time, are they producing holiness in my life? This is the will of God for my life: holiness and self-control. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Am I using this great gift? Am I asking to be strengthened with His might for all endurance and patience with joy?

Serious stuff!

 

Father,

Strengthen me and grow me in holiness. Make all my choices be honoring to You. Show me how to grow in holiness.

In Him,

Amen



Hearing and Keeping

Lk. 11:28

But He said, Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.

 

Jesus was teaching about Beelzebub clearing up the claim that what He did was from the Devil. Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? But if it is by the finger of God that Jesus cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Jesus was that strong man who could fully guard his own house.


As  He continued teaching, a woman was listening and made this comment, Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed. Amazingly, she had listened and was very moved, but her comment was still off the mark. Jesus' next comment revealed the true issue. But He said, Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it. It all comes down to this simple message: hearing and keeping the Word of God. It is sad to think of so many people who hear the message but somehow miss the point. Hearing and Keeping the Word is a narrow path. Nothing else will do.

Father,
Keep me ever hearing and keeping. Draw my heart and mind into union with You and Your words. Grow my love of Jesus every day.
In His name,
Amen


The Word of God

I Thess. 2:13

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the Word of God, which is at work in you believers.

 

Paul had exhorted and encouraged them in fatherly manner to walk worthy of God who had called them into His kingdom and glory. Since they were called and chosen by God, as well as encouraged and exhorted by Paul, it was up to them to respond. How would they receive the call? Stony ground, thorny ground, or fertile soil? Thanking God, Paul offered praise because they knew and understood that the Word they had received was the Word of God not Paul's opinion in any way shape or form. It was this powerful Word that is able to transform hearts and lives. It was this powerful Word that gives the strength, power, and grace to believers so that they might walk worthy of God.

 

I wonder how many believers in America consider the Bible the very words of God? If they had  accepted it as what it really is, would it be collecting dust on so many shelves? Is there a crucial difference in saying the Bible is the Word of God and believing it to the degree that it is life-changing? Verbal assent is often insincere. What really matters is what is visible in the life! I truly know and believe that the Bible is the very Word of God. I hope and pray that it is visible in my life.

 

Father,

I pray for Christians in America that they would see and believe that the Bible is the very Word of God. Help me to continue to grow increasingly more dependent on it so that it becomes my very breath and life.

In the Name that is above all others,

Amen

Mary and Martha

Lk. 10:41-42

But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.

 

Even though Jesus was welcomed into the home of Mary and Martha by both of them, He was received in very different ways. As soon as Mary saw Him, she sat at His feet listening to every word that He said. But as the hostess, Martha was distracted with much serving.  From her point of view, she was doing all the work while Mary was sitting listening. How unfair! Her feelings were so strong that she went up to Jesus and asked, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Were her feelings unjustified? No, she was doing all the work! Even though her works were good, and even necessary at some point, were they her best choice? Had she focused on what was good but was neglecting what was the best? Had the routine of her life become more important that a meeting with the Savior? How many times have I fallen into this trap? Accomplishing my chores and schedules but neglecting my time with God.

 

Jesus answered her question, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her. Jesus had identified the source of her problem. It was not unfair distribution of labor; instead, it was anxiety. Anxiety was sucking the life out of her sapping her spiritual strength leaving her burdened and hurt!  Whereas Mary was at the feet of Jesus renewing her spirit. In reality, isn't this prayer? Isn't prayer where I sit at the feet of Jesus listening to Him and making my heart at one with His? Mary's priorities were in place. She knew that time with Jesus was of far greater eternal significance that being a good hostess. She was living out the principles of Phil. 4:19. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. The 'anything' in this verse includes the endless list of routines and chores that must be done to run a house effectively. It even includes receiving guests into our homes. When I am the hostess, do I pull a Martha? Am I more worried about the 'serving' than the quality of time spent with guests? Has my attitude lessened the opportunity for significant spiritual conversation? Something to think about and pray about!

 

Father,

Teach me choose the better part. Help me put every area of my life into right proportion so that I might bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Neighbors

Lk. 10:36-37

"Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." And Jesus said to him, "You go and do likewise."

 

 

The story goes that the lawyer wanted to put Jesus to the test by asking what he should do to receive eternal life. His motives were not right from the get-go. But following his inquiry, Jesus asked him what the law said. Of course, the lawyer knew this and was ready with his answer. You shall love the Lord your god with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. Jesus simply said, do this and you will live. 

 

The lawyer desiring to justify himself asked him who was his neighbor. I think he thought he had fulfilled this verse completely. He was assured the answer would reveal his many good works. But Jesus' answer delivered a surprise. He told the story of a man traveling to Jericho who was attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left by the road half dead. As he lay there, three men walked by. The first was a priest who saw the man and deliberately walked by on the other side of the road. Even though he was a man who religiously kept the law, he would not be bothered. Whatever he had going was more important than this man. The second was a Levite, a man involved in the temple as helpers to the priests. Unbelievably, the Levite responded exactly like the priest. Perhaps this was the attitude of organized religion. The third man, a Samaritan, took pity on the man and helped him. It is important to notice that the Jews would not associate with the Samaritans. They thought they were inferior in every way. But binding up his wounds, he took him to an inn where he paid for the complete care of the man. Jesus pointedly asked the lawyer, Which of these three, do you think, probed to be a neighbor? He answered. The one who showed him mercy. Even though his attitude earlier was to justify himself,  he now had true insight. He could see that neighborliness was showing mercy and was not dependent on distance, status, or heritage. Jesus told him to go and do likewise. This simple story really expands the idea of neighborliness. Often I think of the people who are on my street [and sadly I don't do very well there], but it really has nothing to do with distance or location. It has to do with my heart. When I see a need, do I get involved? Do I help even at a cost to me? Do I go out of my comfort zone to meet a need? Hard questions even in our society today where people are closed off and busy getting their own thing done. Once again, Jesus wants me to live counter-culturally, to go to the heart of the matter, and to seek to show mercy wherever it is needed.

 

Father,

Give me a heart of mercy. Give me the insight to see the need and then the strength to meet the need.

In Him,

Amen



His Reputation

Col. 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

 

What a reputation! I wonder how do we describe fellow believers today? Do we even get into their spiritual condition? Does it even enter our minds? Normally, we use their appearance or stature, sometimes even their occupation. Would I be describe as a godly woman? That is my hope and constant desire.

 

Epaphras was a servant of Jesus first and foremost. His life had been transformed, and he was ready and willing to be used as God willed. Even though he was away from his home, his home was never far from him. Struggling on their behalf in his prayers, his heart was heavily burdened for their spiritual growth. His concern was not superficial, but he wanted them to stand mature and fully assured in the will of God with no confusion that would impeded their spiritual growth. What an example for me! Is my heart heavily burdened for those around me? Am I praying faithfully?

 

Father,

Teach my heart how to be Your servant and Your godly woman. My heart is Yours. Mold it into whatever shape You desire.

In Him,

Amen

Sharing the Gospel

Col. 4:2-6

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each person.

 

Steadfast prayer is crucial for effectively sharing the word. All that I do must be bathed in prayer even to the degree of being watchful, watchful for temptations, for opportunities, and for intercession. As I pray for others, they in turn,  pray for me. This web of prayer opens the door for the word. Paul's life was always and only concerned with sharing the word. I am chagrined at my lack of sharing and even concern for sharing. Definitely, it is something that I need to make a matter of prayer.

 

Walking in wisdom is essential for sharing the Word with outsiders. No blundering! No alienating! In Spirit-driven wisdom, I must make the best use of my time, that is not choosing a good thing over the best thing. There are so many good things in the world that are enjoyable that it makes it difficult to choose the best thing, that is sharing the gospel. How easy it is to get involved in sports, hobbies, movie, TV, etc.! When I do share, my speech must be gracious, seasoned with salt. How is speech gracious? I think it means showing others the same grace that God showed me. His grace to me was and is limitless, forgiving, kind, and loving. Do these traits characterize my manner and my speech? It is in and through grace that I will know how to answer. Simply put, prayer+open door+gracious speech=sharing the gospel.

 

Father,

I confess I am not as consistent as I should be in prayer. Give me the strength to make the right choices. Help me be gracious in all that I do and say.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Dwell Richly

Col. 3:15

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

 

Immediately preceding this verse is a verse that talks about peace. I am to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, to which indeed I was called in one body. And be thankful. Does peace precede the rich dwelling of the Word? I know that when peace is ruling in my heart, my heart is trusting implicitly in Him as a sovereign God. I have relinquished control of myself to His plan and purpose even when the situation is adverse. Also I know the peace of God through the sacrifice of Christ. Sin no longer has me in bondage. His sacrifice has freed me from this curse and filled my life with peace. Perhaps, it is in this peaceful state of my soul that the Word can take root and dwell richly. It is in this state of peace, that I am part of the body. It is here that my soul is thankful. What a great gift!

 

What does it mean to let the word of Christ dwell richly in me? First, there must be an act of my will because in order to let, I would have to allow His Word in my life. Unless I allow the Word an entrance, there is not the least hope of a rich dwelling. Rich dwelling goes beyond a casual reading or even an infrequent reading. I think it must be a priority in my life: reading, meditating, memorizing, and praying these Words. These are transforming words! In them is the potential to become a new person. In them is the ability to teach and admonish others in wisdom. No more foot-in-mouth syndrome! In them I can talk, think, and feel in wisdom. Wow! In them is the music of the transformed life: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. No more singing the blues! In them is the spirit of thanksgiving. It is in this richness that I communicate with the Father. So many blessings from this rich dwelling! So why is it so hard to make time for the Word? That is the loaded question!

 

The result of this rich dwelling is in the next verse. And whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. If rich dwelling is in place, then there will not be the constant struggle to know the right thing to do or even to feel like a failure. How many times have I wished God would send down orders for each day? In truth He already has! If I am dwelling richly in the Word of Christ, I will be doing everything in His name! This is my answer for daily living and for all the decisions that I need to make. Dwell richly! Two simple words but how crucial for my life. 

 

Father,

Teach me to dwell richly in His Word with a heart of thanksgiving and praise. Draw me to You so that I will not be tempted to rely on myself. I confess I often do. Help me have the constant conversation with You.

In His name,

Amen

Seek and Set

Col. 3:1-4

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set you minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

 

The fact is established! I am raised with Christ! As a result I need to seek His things, the things that are above where He is. In essence I am to seek Him, and let Him be my all. Not only that but I am to set my mind on things above. Setting and seeking speak of an intentional placing not accomplished by happenstance. It is an act of my will, seeking Him and surrendering my mind to think only of heavenly things. Why? Because I have died, and now my life is hidden with Christ! I must become what I am! When He appears then, I will also appear with Him in glory. He is coming for me. I must be ready, filled with His grace and seeking and setting my entire being on Him. He is now my focus and my priority.

 

Sounds great! But how? Verse 5 says Put to death what is earthly in you. Sounds like an impossible task! But Paul specifically gives a list: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, covetousness which is idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, and lying. In the same way that I set and seek, I need to surrender my earthly desires and will to Him. These things need to be dead to me! They are part of my old self not my new self which is being renewed after the image of my Creator.  Since I once walked in them, it is easy for me to walk that way again, to indulge my flesh and get a degree of gratification. The choice is mine. It sounds like a no-brainer! Why would I choose any of these things over the heavenly things? It is my flesh. I have a constant battle with it and am constantly confessing and surrendering. The problem is when I let my heart wander repeatedly. Once again it is where I am seeking and setting. It is what I value as important. It is where my focus is. If I am seeking and setting, I should have no time left to allow the flesh to take control of my life. The positive and the negative, what a choice!

 

Father,

I do want the positive. I want to be seeking Jesus and setting my mind of spiritual things. Give me strength to grow. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Teach me Your will.

In Him,

Amen

Why?

Col. 2:20

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations...

 

Paul has built a logical case against earthly things claiming a believer's heart, things like visions, asceticism, and worship of angels which are merely shadows of things. These things puff up the sensuous mind and rely on human precepts and teachings. He simply asks if with Christ you have died to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them. Why do you give them any place at all in your life? Why are you not clinging wholeheartedly to the Lord? The question seems like a no-brainer, yet it is one that plagues believers. Paul assures them that These things have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. In fact they feed the flesh and human pride. Could that be the problem? Are believers indulging their flesh because it gratifies their flesh?

Or could it be that believers do not truly understand what it means to have died with Christ and then be raised in resurrection life? Are they trying to hold on to the world and to their new life in Christ at the same time? I am thinking that for every believer the reason might be different. For me, I must look deeply in my heart to discover what is in my heart. I don't want to feed my flesh, nor do I want to hold on to the world and Christ at the same time. I think I am beginning to understand what it means live in resurrection power. As I cling to Christ, I am realizing that He is in me making me grow in Him through His marvelous grace. I do purpose to submit to Christ in all things and let Him work in and through me.

 

Father,

Convict my heart and spirit whenever I fall into the trap of indulging my flesh. I confess that I do that many times. Continue to grow me in Christ so that I may honor You in all things.

In Him,

Amen

In Him

Col. 2:9

For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily...

 

Without Him where would I be? Lost and undone...I am blessed with all He has done for me. Such a powerful passage, one that I need to read, memorize, meditate on, and pray. It needs to become one with my soul. Keeping it in the forefront of my thinking should help me live in this reality.

• And you have been filled in Him-Filled with the fullness of the deity and filled with the One who is the head of all rule and authority-Amazing and so hard to understand that He would desire to do such a thing and that I should be the recipient of such a gift! How should I live in view of this?
• In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of he flesh, by the circumcision of Christ-My heart has been changed. He has cut off the body of flesh and given me His Spirit. So why do I struggle so much with the flesh? Am I not realizing and counting it to be so? Is my faith weak, or is sin too enticing?
•  Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were raised from the dead-Buried and raised...a resurrection that remade me a person who desires and nature is totally different. Yet, do I always desire this? If I did, would I be struggling with sin?
• And you who were dead in your trespasses and the circumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him...- I was dead in my sins! Dead, dead, dead! and in the circumcision of my flesh,  but God made me alive together with Him. New life-resurrection power!! Do I live like my life is energized by this new resurrection power? Do I truly understand the process? I know that it comes from God to me and is not hinged on what I do. It is not a work of flesh, in fact, it is contrary to my flesh. It must be through Him!! Relishing Him, thinking of Him, honoring Him, believing Him, serving Him...He must fill my life completely, every moment must be His!
• Having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.-Forgiveness is a glorious word! No more living in regret and fear of reprisal! He has cleared my path and has made me new by sacrificing Himself. What a gift! As I compare my paltry life and love to His, I am chagrined. How could I struggle so much? What kind of ingrate is that? My heart is filled with thankfulness to Him and praise to His name!

In Him I am complete. I am everything, all I am and ever hope to be!

 

Father,

Thank You for this great gift of love, Your Son. It boggles my mind to realize the gifts that You have given me through Christ. Continue to teach me to live ihis reality. I confess my weakness and sin.

In His name,

Amen

Rooted and Grounded

Col. 2:6-7

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

 

Paul warned the Colossians about being taken captive by philosophy, empty deceit, human traditions according to the elemental spirits of the world. All of these are not of Christ! Instead of continuing their involvement in these things that only pull believers down, they should concentrate on Christ. For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority. Once Christ dwells in the life, the things of the world are foolish, negative drains. It's all about time. Would I rather waste time on things that are temporal and earthly or on the things that are eternal, the indwelling Christ? Verses 6-7 are calling for a commitment of time and heart to the eternal things. My eyes must be focused on Jesus Christ. If I turn away to consider the things of the earth and allow these things to pull me down, then I lose out on the great blessing that I have in Christ. As I have received Christ Jesus, I must walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. This walk takes time! Nothing grows roots in a short period of time or in casual commitment.  Nothing is established by happenchance. I must walk in Him rooted deeper and deeper, totally grounded and established in the faith, and abounding in thanksgiving.

 

Father,

Continue to grow me in the faith. Keep me rooted and built up in the faith with a thankful heart.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 



The Passing Touch

Lk. 8:48

And He said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.

 

Jesus was on the move while the crowds were pressing in upon Him. But in this crowd was a certain woman who had been ill with a discharge of blood for 12 years, a woman whose faith was so strong that she knew she didn't need His full attention. She only needed a touch as He passed by. Coming up behind Him, she reached out and touched the fringe of His garment, and her discharge of blood stopped immediately. She was healed!

 

Even though she only needed this passing touch, Jesus knew something had transpired. He asked who had touched Him. Many people denied, and His disciples assured Him that the crowd was big, and it would be impossible to tell. Yet Jesus knew that this touch was different because the power had gone out of Him. She realized she had to confess and stepped forward trembling. Falling down before Him, she told everyone why she had touched Him and how she was healed. Jesus was not angry or impatient with her, instead He said, Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.

 

 Obviously, her touch was different from those of the pushing crowd. Hers was a touch of faith, a belief so deep that she knew her life would be changed. But what was a passing touch for her became a one-on-one experience with Jesus. Jesus gave her His full attention! So it is for me! If I have faith in Him, then He can do great things in my life. He will always have time for me to have a one-on-one experience.

 

Father,

Thank You for having time for me and for doing great things in my life. How wonderful are You! It is amazing that You choose to live in me and grow my faith.

In His name,

Amen

The Word

Col. 1:9-14

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with e knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

When I have previously memorized a passage, prayed it, and then read it at a later time in my daily Bible reading, it is like coming home! I have that wonderful feeling of 'I know this' and 'I need to pray this again.' How glorious is the Word! It never becomes stale with too much repetition. It is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to who we must give account. How powerful!

This prayer is so intense and insightful! Not only do I pray that others will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, but at the same time, I am praying that same thing for me. In essence the Word is  double-sided. On one side it is a mirror reflecting my heart and exposing my sin, but on the other side, I can pray that the Holy Spirit will do these same things in the lives of others.

As I am filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, I can begin to walk in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. I can bear fruit and increase in His knowledge. In order to do this, I need to be strengthened, not in myself, reform, or willpower, but in His power according to His glorious might for all endurance and patience with joy. God's end result is patience with joy and endurance not frustration, failure, discouragement. He makes all the difference! When life is lived in His power and grace, than the divine flows out through the human. He is the One who delivered me from the domain of darkness. He is the One who redeemed me giving me forgiving my sin. It seems silly after He has done all this for me that I would now try and live pleasing to Him in my own strength. How foolish!

Father,
Strengthen me according to Your might so that I might walk worthy of You and live each day with endurance and patience with joy bringing honor to Your name.
In Him,
Amen



Promise and Lesson

Phil. 4:19

And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

 

What a glorious promise and one that has been claimed so often! But I do think it is interesting to understand the context in which this promise is set. The Philippians had shared in Paul's trouble by sending him financial support when he left Macedonia and Thessalonica. Essentially, they had entered into partnership with him, something that no other church had done. Paul explained that he didn't seek the gift, but that he sought the fruit that would increase from their gift. What was that fruit?

 

The passage goes on to say that their gift was a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. Their generosity and love had resulted in commensurate spiritual growth. What they had done was acceptable and pleasing to God; and in that case, have had a degree of self sacrifice. They didn't just give from their abundance but from their heart of love and sacrifice. So Paul wanted to encourage them that God would supply their need even in this special set of circumstances. If giving to Paul had created a  whole in their financial budget, God's provision would be from His riches in glory, riches that are unlimited.

 

I know that I lived through some very poor years, years that I begrudged John for giving to the church. Even though I knew the promise, it was in theory and not in reality. But now I see that giving to God and His ministry brings with it divine provision. Giving while trusting for the provision would increase my relationship with God and my faith in His great power. Certainly, we gave all those years ago, but I didn't get the commensurate spiritual growth. It was low tide for me spiritually. My attitude and motives cheated me out of what could have been a time of great blessing. How hard it is to trust when conditions are so very dire! The flesh looms large and tends to put God in a small box, a box of my own making. What a great promise and lesson!

 

Father,

Thank You for teaching me every day. I confess my begrudging attitude and my lack of faith and trust. Continue drawing me close to You so that all in my life will be to the glory of our God and Father.

In His name,

Amen

Contentment

Phil. 4:11

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

 

Paul had learned a vital lesson: contentment. In any and every situation, he was content. Immediately I think of II Cor. 12:9-13. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." There fore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then I am content with weaknesses, insult, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. His contentment was not only in the areas of possessions and position, but also in the areas of hardships, persecutions, and calamities. It spanned his entire life. He wasn't plagued with the 'if only I had this or that' or 'when will this all end?' Whatever he was experiencing was dung in comparison to Jesus Christ. His eyes were so firmly fixed on Jesus that this life was only for the sake of the gospel. No doubt that is the secret: I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ. The secret to this contented life is Christ who dwells within me. All His massive power is resident within me and is readily available for my use. So why am I tempted to want things that I don't have or even need? Why do I often allow the pain of disease to rule my life instead resting securely in His care? I think it is my flesh! My flesh is grasping and greedy wanting everything, desiring to feel no pain, and wanting the easy life.

 

Paul wouldn't have said that he could do all things through Christ if it wasn't true. It is true! Christ strengthens me to the degree that all things in this life are momentary and fleeting, not worth gaining or having. So we (I) do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we (I) look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. The pain doesn't leave. It still wastes away this diseased body, but while that all is happening, my inner man is being renewed. My eyes are being focused clearly on the eternal. Thankfully, my flesh is being exposed for what it really is before I can see the great blessings and the eternal weight of glory. What an encouragement and a promise to cling to: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

 

Father,

Grow me more and more each day. Focus my eyes on Jesus so that I might rest fully in and on Him contented in the flesh but prepared for glory.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Worry Free

Phil. 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

What glorious verses! God, the God of all peace, gives peace to His own. But Paul begins this section with Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say, Rejoice! Immediately, the word always sticks out. How hard is it to rejoice always?? Every minute even second of the day? My flesh doesn't naturally rejoice; in fact, it appears that fleshly default mode is grumbling, questioning, disappointment, and any other number of negative feelings. That is why the verse says to rejoice in the Lord. It can only be in Him and through His grace. Perhaps there should be a disclaimer, Not Humanly Possible!

 

This grace-filled rejoicing is the precursor to the worry-free life. Verse 6 says don't be anxious about anything. Anything seems to be broad enough to cover anything! But how is this life a reality? Prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. When prayer is slackened, worry jumps in to fill the void. I am blessed, as are all Christians, with a simple father-child relationship. So why do I neglect to pray, to ask my Father, and allow worry to destroy my peace? So foolish! God has promised that if I pray with the attitude of thanksgiving, thanksgiving for whatever He has placed in my life, His peace will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. It is almost formulaic! Prayer and Supplication + Thanksgiving= Peace of God.

 

As if this is not enough, He gives me another practical method (involving the thought life) to ensure this peace. I have found that often after praying, I allow my mind to wander and figure out all manner of scenarios, what if's, and if only's. (I am pretty sure that this is not trusting in the peace of God.)  But Paul encouraged these believers not to do this when he said, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Are the what if's and the if only's true? Absolutely not! I know I shouldn't do this, but do I count these times as sin? As disobedience? I need to be on guard constantly that I don't allow my flesh to take over in the worry arena.

 

Father,

Thank You for these great promises of hope. Build my faith and trust in You, Your Word.  Prompt me always to come to You in prayer and trust You to take care of all that I need. I do rejoice in You!

In His name,

Amen

 

Because Christ Has Made Me His Own

Phil. 2:12

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.

 

It all begins with Him! I don't press on to earn His favor or to ensure my entrance to heaven. I press on because He has made me His. He has chosen me to press on , to make my walk and the blessed hope my own. I own it but through Him! I cannot consider myself as having made it no matter how much growth or lack of growth there is. Salvation is not a free Get-Out-of-Hell card! My freedom means that I am free from sin to live for Him, not free from sin to fall back into it and let it control my life. The one thing that Paul did was forget the past, the sin, the bad times, and even the good times so that he could strain forward. He worked as hard as he could but through the grace of God working in Him. His eyes were constantly on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Where are my eyes focused? Is the prize part of my everyday vision? Having this mindset means growth and maturity. It means growing until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Wow! This is what I desire! ...to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Father,
These verses are my desire. Teach me and mold me so that I might grow into mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Unite my heart with Yours so that my vision is focused on You alone.
In His name,
Amen



Focus

Phil. 3:7-8

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 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 ...

 

Paul began Ch. 3 with the command to rejoice in the Lord. Sounds simple but not really in reality! He went on to say warn against false teachers and those who mutilate the flesh. Can I rejoice as I watch out for the things that want to erode and alter my faith? I am to put no confidence in the flesh, this flesh that is with me 24-7, this flesh that is always pulling me down into some negative slough of despond. Can I rejoice when my flesh is hurting or in pain? Can I rejoice when my flesh is trying to assert self-sufficiency over God sufficiency? In order to rejoice I need to alter my focus, my view of life.

 

Paul stated emphatically, But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. He counted all fleshly things, things that gave him status in this world and in religious circles as loss. They meant nothing! He could rejoice because this world had no significance for him except as things were related to Christ and his ministry. In fact nothing had value when compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. For the sake of Christ all the suffering, pain, loss, calamity, injury were merely rubbish, things to be cast off and thrown away. What is left? Rejoicing in the Lord. Rejoicing can be a reality when my world view has completely changed, when my focus is no longer on what's important in the world, and when I look to Jesus instead of allowing pain and illness to become my focus. What great words! Paul counted these true. He believed them so much that he lived them in reality. Do I believe this words enough to change my life? Or do I just want to read and appreciate them, but see them as something I would have to grow into much later down the road? Strong Words! Words to pray

 

Father,

Teach me this world view. Guide me down Your path so that each step takes me closer to You and more distant from my flesh. Help me count all things as loss for the sake of Jesus.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Genuine Concern

Phil. 2:20

For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.

 

As I am reading and studying I Cor. 13, I and considering how this love would look in the body of Christ. Timothy provides a great example of this love, a love that was genuinely concerned for the welfare of the body of Christ. This was his reputation. As opposed to the many who seek after their own interests, he sought the interests of Christ. Earlier in 2:3-4 Paul stressed this citing Christ as our example. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Not only this but Paul reminds the Philippian believers of Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. Quite the recommendation! He had an unwavering servant's heart that resulted in faithfulness and genuine love and service. What great phrases to use to examine my own heart!

 

Father,

Examine my heart and teach me to love genuinely. Give me a heart for the body.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Working Out with God Who Is Working In

Phil. 2: 12-13

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only is in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

 

How clearly Paul stated the relationship of my work and God's working! I am to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, growing and pursuing what will produce godliness in my life. Then immediately in the same sentence, he stresses that it is God who works in you to will and to work for His good pleasure. My life lived by the grace of God does not mean that I do nothing, but it means that what I do will be energized and powered by God so that His purpose will be accomplished in my life. In I Cor. 15:10 Paul states this same dichotomy again. But by the grace of God I am what I am and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Even though it is clearly stated, it is hard to understand how this works. What do I do? What does He do? It would be so much easier if I had a guide sheet to follow, but then it would be by my works. Where would the faith walk be? Would I be trusting Him? What purpose would faith and trust have if I knew what to do? How quickly would my flesh jump in to conquer and control of this were the case!

 

In this same passage Paul mentions grumbling and questioning. The absence of these should be a reality in my life so that I might be a blameless and innocent child of God in the midst of this crooked world. If I just tackled these two areas, I could accomplish them for quite awhile, but would MY doing them make me blameless before God? No, but if my heart's desire was to obey, and I sought God's help and grace for obedience praying and saturating myself in His Word, then these same two actions could be done for His good pleasure. They could make me a blameless, innocent child of God. Perhaps this dichotomy is one of motives and beginnings. Where is my heart before I obey? Do I seek grace in every situation? Am I praying all the while so that the Spirit is there constantly guiding my steps and actions? Am I praying His word as I obey His Word? Am I asking Him to teach me how this dichotomy works? Or am I just plowing ahead letting my self-will take the lead? Self-will is wrong no matter how right the choice! I must let His will take control of my life so that all I do will be a shining light in the world holding forth the Word of life.

 

Father,

Teach me how this works. Even though I don't fully understand, I will trust You to make it a reality in my life. I will surrender and obey. I confess that many times I have tried to accomplish things in my own strength. Convict me mightily whenever I do that again.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Unity and Humility

Phil. 2:5

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.

 

What specifically was Paul meaning when he referred to the mind of Christ? The passage begins with unity. Paul's joy would be complete if they were of the same mind and same love, begin in full accord and of one mind. In addition to unity, he stressed humility. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Unity might be doable but counting others more significant crosses over the line. It is human nature to want to gratify and nurture self. No doubt that is the point! This unity and humility can not be accomplished in the flesh, but it must be Spirit grown and controlled. How? By having the mind of Christ!

 

Certainly Christ was the example. His unity of mind and love with the Father was clearly taught. He did nothing apart from the Father's will. As I seek His unity, then my heart must be at one with the Father and the Son. When this is a reality, then I will be unified with the body of Christ. If all members of the body are in this state of spiritual unity, then there will be no discord. The vertical relationship makes the horizontal relationships a reality.

 

Concerning humility, Christ was the perfect example as well! He gave up all that was rightfully His to offer Himself for humanity. He made Himself nothing and became a servant humbling Himself to the point of death, death on a cross! As I think about His humility, I know that I could never do that unless He was totally controlling and working in me. But He is not asking me to die for someone else only to count them more significant than myself. When I compare that to dying, it seems like so much less, but when I think about what it would mean practically, somehow it assumes its rightful size. The point being: I need to cultivate the mind of Christ by praying specifically for humility, by seeking it as I study and read, and by following the promptings of the Spirit. I need to loosen my grip on my desires and plans and give way for God to open up doors of humble service to others.

 

Father,

Reveal to me where my heart wants its own way. Give me a humble heart willing to learn and to serve. Teach me the mind of Christ so that my choices will glorify You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Choice

Phil. 1:21

For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

 

It was Paul's desire and expectation that Christ would be honored in his body whether he lived or died. If he were to live on in the flesh, it would mean fruitful labor, or if he died he would be with Christ. Yet, even though His desire was to be with Christ, he knew that his life in the flesh was necessary for his ministry with the Philippians. What a choice! To Paul living was for Christ. He did not regret what he had or hadn't done in his physical life or long for more time to fulfill dreams or to pursue family relationships. Instead, his life was all about ministry. He cared deeply for the Philippian's growth in the Lord. He wanted to hear of them (whether he saw them in person or not) that they were walking worthy of the gospel of Christ.

 

When I think about dying, I think of all that I will miss with the family, all the events and accomplishments of the grandchildren that I won't see. I don't immediately think of the ministry that I will be missing. Even though Paul was not married and had no family that he interacted with, he still made that choice, the choice to live for Christ alone. But I am wondering if this was part of what Paul was referring to in I Cor. 7 where he said the unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. Perhaps that is the crux of the issue, divided interests. Even though I am married and have a family that are a huge part of my life, I think Christ still needs to be first in my life. Perhaps for those married, that is the choice. Is Christ first?

 

I must ask myself if I am walking in a manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ? Am I standing firm in one spirit with other believers striving side by side for the faith of the gospel? These areas were Paul's concern for the Philippian believers, but in v. 28 he took it one step farther when he encouraged them not to waver when persecution came. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of the Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now have and that I still have. Am I willing to suffer for His sake? No doubt these are the issues that are involved in making this choice.

 

Father,

I ask that You purify my choices. Give me Your strength and wisdom to walk in a manner worthy of You and to be willing and ready to suffer for Christ.

In His name,

Amen

Delighting in the Word

Ps. 119:92

If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

 

God's Word is established forever! Unwavering! Unchanging! He is faithful to it because His Word is synonymous with Him, and He is forever faithful! I can cling to such faithfulness and build my life on His Word. What a joy! Verse 92 says that delighting in His faithful Word is the way to endure afflictions. I have found that some afflictions pull me away from the Word while others draw me to it. Why is this? Perhaps in some the flesh becomes so strong in its pain that it blocks the help that the Word offers. That is why my spirit must cling to what is true and be my guide in all of life. His Words must never be forgotten because they are life-giving. I must constantly fill my life with them so when adversity comes, I can be ready to withstand and stay strong. In faithfulness, God has afflicted me. No doubt it is so that I can cling to Him all the more. What a delight are His words!

 

Father,

I do delight in Your words. Help me to build my life on them and withstand adversity by Your power alone.

In Jesus name,

Amen