DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
BACK AND FORTH
Phil 3:12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
NIV
One of the most difficult things to do in the course of human existence is to forget the past. Even with the greatest of attempts it seems nearly impossible to forget situations or people who have caused distress or harm in my life. Another problem to try and forget is my own failures and faults which includes my own inability to remain true to the course and to please God first and foremost in my thoughts. This type of thinking and feelings of guilt can cause a reduction if not a complete stop in my growth and further walking forward with God. No matter what the past faults, or successes for that matter, living there within them can only bring just another failure. Being chained to the past simply put, constrains me from moving into the future. How can I gain a closer walk with my Lord, if I am forever indulging in my past failures or successes? Oh sure, can I learn from past failures and successes? Yes! Can I use them to improve my chances in the future? No! Only Christ and Christ alone is my salvation, my strength, my power, my chance of improvement. Only Christ can bring the desired result in my spirit, if I can only forget the past and strain forward toward the future, the goal, submitting myself to him and him alone. I cannot go back, I can only go forth.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
What Ever Happens
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
WHAT EVER HAPPENS
Phil 1:27-30
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
NIV
Does it matter what circumstances come into my life? Whatever happens sure seems to cover it all. No matter what happens to me or to someone who I care about a great deal these words exhort me to continue to conduct myself in such a manner in which I bring honor to the gospel of Christ. This certainly bears some effort on my part as far as exhibiting faith in Christ. Now, does this comply with the sovereignty of God? Understanding He has a plan and He is the one who started the good work in me certainly is a start. But it is also how I react to situations in life that show the world my faith. How I conduct myself does reflect what my faith is made of. I remember the day my son, who never lived a day in this life, here in the open air of this world, was buried at the foot of my father’s grave. The world was watching. Did I weep, maybe for me, but not for my son? How could I deny God my son, when he offered His Son for me? Faith means believing, whatever happens. Lord, continue to help me face whatever happens without fear but with faith.
PHILIPPIANS
WHAT EVER HAPPENS
Phil 1:27-30
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
NIV
Does it matter what circumstances come into my life? Whatever happens sure seems to cover it all. No matter what happens to me or to someone who I care about a great deal these words exhort me to continue to conduct myself in such a manner in which I bring honor to the gospel of Christ. This certainly bears some effort on my part as far as exhibiting faith in Christ. Now, does this comply with the sovereignty of God? Understanding He has a plan and He is the one who started the good work in me certainly is a start. But it is also how I react to situations in life that show the world my faith. How I conduct myself does reflect what my faith is made of. I remember the day my son, who never lived a day in this life, here in the open air of this world, was buried at the foot of my father’s grave. The world was watching. Did I weep, maybe for me, but not for my son? How could I deny God my son, when he offered His Son for me? Faith means believing, whatever happens. Lord, continue to help me face whatever happens without fear but with faith.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
In others I think
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
IN OTHERS I THINK
Phil 2:19-20
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.
NIV
To have the concern for another beyond myself seems such a noble thought. Indeed should not I take a lesson from the man called Timothy? One who served others beyond his own interests, not just Paul but the church at large? No matter the cost, the time, the distant, or the danger Timothy was the one who could be counted on to get the job done for Christ. I must ask myself, am I ready to do the same? Should Christ call will I respond without thought of my own interests. Do I take a genuine interest in the welfare of my fellow servants of Christ? If so, how do I show that? How do I respond to their needs? Is it metered out based on the amount of free time I have after seeing to my own needs and desires? Based on what percentage of that free time I am willing to give up from pursuing my own leisure moments? Am I truly willing to give myself whole heartedly to the cause of another? That is the question; what is my answer?
PHILIPPIANS
IN OTHERS I THINK
Phil 2:19-20
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.
NIV
To have the concern for another beyond myself seems such a noble thought. Indeed should not I take a lesson from the man called Timothy? One who served others beyond his own interests, not just Paul but the church at large? No matter the cost, the time, the distant, or the danger Timothy was the one who could be counted on to get the job done for Christ. I must ask myself, am I ready to do the same? Should Christ call will I respond without thought of my own interests. Do I take a genuine interest in the welfare of my fellow servants of Christ? If so, how do I show that? How do I respond to their needs? Is it metered out based on the amount of free time I have after seeing to my own needs and desires? Based on what percentage of that free time I am willing to give up from pursuing my own leisure moments? Am I truly willing to give myself whole heartedly to the cause of another? That is the question; what is my answer?
Saturday, September 4, 2010
What's my Reputation?
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
WHAT’S MY REPUTATION?
Phil 2:15-16
15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Have you ever heard it said that Christians are lousy tippers? And then leave a tract for the wait person. The question of course is: what kind of reputation do I, as believer, have among those people who do not know the Lord. Do they think I am the best person they have ever had contact with? Do they think I am generous and giving, caring and concerned about them and their life? Do they think I am the best listener they have ever had a conversation with? Do they feel the love and compassion in the way I speak with them? Do they see how I treat my spouse and think, “Wow, they really love each other”? Do my neighbors see me respecting them by keeping my home and yard in great condition? The way I am perceived is how Jesus is perceived, how the church is viewed and how well the gospel will be received by these who watch me. And make no mistake, I are being watched, weighed and measured as to how I act and react to them. These verses suggest I should live in such a manner that I am like a shining star in the universe, blameless and pure. And I will leave that vision to your imagination.
PHILIPPIANS
WHAT’S MY REPUTATION?
Phil 2:15-16
15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Have you ever heard it said that Christians are lousy tippers? And then leave a tract for the wait person. The question of course is: what kind of reputation do I, as believer, have among those people who do not know the Lord. Do they think I am the best person they have ever had contact with? Do they think I am generous and giving, caring and concerned about them and their life? Do they think I am the best listener they have ever had a conversation with? Do they feel the love and compassion in the way I speak with them? Do they see how I treat my spouse and think, “Wow, they really love each other”? Do my neighbors see me respecting them by keeping my home and yard in great condition? The way I am perceived is how Jesus is perceived, how the church is viewed and how well the gospel will be received by these who watch me. And make no mistake, I are being watched, weighed and measured as to how I act and react to them. These verses suggest I should live in such a manner that I am like a shining star in the universe, blameless and pure. And I will leave that vision to your imagination.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Complaining
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
COMPLAINING
Phil 2:14
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing,
NIV
Of course everything does not really apply to some things. After all certain areas in my life just don’t fix into my plans and the way I want it. And then there are those people who simple rub me the wrong way. Why shouldn’t I complain about them? Oh I forget, everything means everything. If this is true then what ever it is I put my effort to, I should be completely content about it. That would apply toward my daily tasks as well as my life itself, my position in society and in the body of Christ. All that I do is done with peace in my heart, in the attitude of being a servant to all, as Christ demonstrated. The problem arises if I think more of myself then I ought to. Thinking I know more, know better, and handle situations better then another, placing myself in the judges sit and passing judgment on another persons actions.
Now to this arguing I have to decent to the normal concept of this word, to argue gives the impression of having an argument with another, yet within the Greek lies a double meaning, one to have a debate externally, and also to have an internal discussion. When coupled with the idea of not complaining, which is indeed an internal attitude of the heart, this arguing within surely applies. To argue, or discuss with myself the values of Christ, or to doubt about what it is I am doing, is it the right thing, is this really what God has called me to? I am not trained in this area, I have no ability, and I really wanted to do something else, why would God have me here? These two words fly in the face of the word blessed. Consider the first Psalm, Blessed…to be happy, content, fulfilled, satisfied, complete, agreeable, and comfortable surely contrasts with complaining and arguing. Both conditions of the heart and mind of man, and as sure as they are, as a man thinks, so is he. So who am I?
Just a note to anyone who is reading this or any of my devotions: you are most welcome and in fact I encourage you to make comments, insights or whatever.
PHILIPPIANS
COMPLAINING
Phil 2:14
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing,
NIV
Of course everything does not really apply to some things. After all certain areas in my life just don’t fix into my plans and the way I want it. And then there are those people who simple rub me the wrong way. Why shouldn’t I complain about them? Oh I forget, everything means everything. If this is true then what ever it is I put my effort to, I should be completely content about it. That would apply toward my daily tasks as well as my life itself, my position in society and in the body of Christ. All that I do is done with peace in my heart, in the attitude of being a servant to all, as Christ demonstrated. The problem arises if I think more of myself then I ought to. Thinking I know more, know better, and handle situations better then another, placing myself in the judges sit and passing judgment on another persons actions.
Now to this arguing I have to decent to the normal concept of this word, to argue gives the impression of having an argument with another, yet within the Greek lies a double meaning, one to have a debate externally, and also to have an internal discussion. When coupled with the idea of not complaining, which is indeed an internal attitude of the heart, this arguing within surely applies. To argue, or discuss with myself the values of Christ, or to doubt about what it is I am doing, is it the right thing, is this really what God has called me to? I am not trained in this area, I have no ability, and I really wanted to do something else, why would God have me here? These two words fly in the face of the word blessed. Consider the first Psalm, Blessed…to be happy, content, fulfilled, satisfied, complete, agreeable, and comfortable surely contrasts with complaining and arguing. Both conditions of the heart and mind of man, and as sure as they are, as a man thinks, so is he. So who am I?
Just a note to anyone who is reading this or any of my devotions: you are most welcome and in fact I encourage you to make comments, insights or whatever.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
No Moaning ir Groaning
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
NO MOANING OR GROANING
Phil 2:14-16
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life —
How often do I have something to moan about, to complain about? It may be my job, the weather, the pastor, the style of worship, the music, the person in front of me or simple my life itself. My health may be a real issue, or my spouse or children may not always be who I desire them to be or act in manner that I think they should, and on the list can go. But do I moan anyway? It is true I do not moan out loud, but do I moan inwardly? And then to top it all off I argue, not with others, but with my own self. The Greek word used here implies just that, to be mixed, or divided within. I know full well how I should be, and yet do I want to be that way? Those things I wish I did not do I do and those things I want to do, I do not. Mixed emotions of how I should be and am, and all the while not being as self examining as I should, but grumbling about others who are not the way I think they should be. How in the world can I be a shining star? Oh how I need Jesus!
I cannot do it alone, I need to depend on him more and more. Help me Lord be that bright and shining star to the world. Help me Lord see myself as you see me and see others as you see them. With your help I will not moan, I will not groan, even inwardly. Instead I will rejoice.
PHILIPPIANS
NO MOANING OR GROANING
Phil 2:14-16
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life —
How often do I have something to moan about, to complain about? It may be my job, the weather, the pastor, the style of worship, the music, the person in front of me or simple my life itself. My health may be a real issue, or my spouse or children may not always be who I desire them to be or act in manner that I think they should, and on the list can go. But do I moan anyway? It is true I do not moan out loud, but do I moan inwardly? And then to top it all off I argue, not with others, but with my own self. The Greek word used here implies just that, to be mixed, or divided within. I know full well how I should be, and yet do I want to be that way? Those things I wish I did not do I do and those things I want to do, I do not. Mixed emotions of how I should be and am, and all the while not being as self examining as I should, but grumbling about others who are not the way I think they should be. How in the world can I be a shining star? Oh how I need Jesus!
I cannot do it alone, I need to depend on him more and more. Help me Lord be that bright and shining star to the world. Help me Lord see myself as you see me and see others as you see them. With your help I will not moan, I will not groan, even inwardly. Instead I will rejoice.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Who am I?
DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
WHO AM I?
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
NIV
I wonder how often I exhibit my best behavior when in the presence of fellow believers, putting on my best front, my most excellent facade in order to have everyone consider me as a “good Christian”. I wonder if I actually believe my salvation is dependent upon how others think of me. Or do I just have a certain level of pride not desiring anyone see me in a negative way. Do I truly believe if others really knew the truth about me, they would not fellowship with me? An old friend once told me the difference between a persons’ personality and his character is the personality is who I am in the presence of others and the character is who I am in the absence of others, when I am all alone.
Here Paul speaks to the character of these people, and God speaks to me regarding my character as well, not my personality. True, it is important to behave in such as manner as to reflect Christ to others. But this behavior should not be a false facade; it cannot stand the test of time, like so many facades which have been installed on old building to present a new and shiny appearance, the building within still continues to rot. I can see in this passage it is God who works in me, not on me. He does not construct something on the outside to make me look good to others, he renovates the inside first creating within me a new heart, and thus builds from the inside out, making the whole a new creation.
Now I am also responsible to continue in the walk, to continue to strive onward toward the goal. I am also to continue to live in such a manner as to reflect the grace of God to others. All this and more is implied in working out my salvation, and doing this with such an awesome concern of knowing the end of those who leave the path and return to the old ways. So I must continue to be open to his working in me, changing, building, renovating, renewing me, so I am who I am because of him.
PHILIPPIANS
WHO AM I?
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
NIV
I wonder how often I exhibit my best behavior when in the presence of fellow believers, putting on my best front, my most excellent facade in order to have everyone consider me as a “good Christian”. I wonder if I actually believe my salvation is dependent upon how others think of me. Or do I just have a certain level of pride not desiring anyone see me in a negative way. Do I truly believe if others really knew the truth about me, they would not fellowship with me? An old friend once told me the difference between a persons’ personality and his character is the personality is who I am in the presence of others and the character is who I am in the absence of others, when I am all alone.
Here Paul speaks to the character of these people, and God speaks to me regarding my character as well, not my personality. True, it is important to behave in such as manner as to reflect Christ to others. But this behavior should not be a false facade; it cannot stand the test of time, like so many facades which have been installed on old building to present a new and shiny appearance, the building within still continues to rot. I can see in this passage it is God who works in me, not on me. He does not construct something on the outside to make me look good to others, he renovates the inside first creating within me a new heart, and thus builds from the inside out, making the whole a new creation.
Now I am also responsible to continue in the walk, to continue to strive onward toward the goal. I am also to continue to live in such a manner as to reflect the grace of God to others. All this and more is implied in working out my salvation, and doing this with such an awesome concern of knowing the end of those who leave the path and return to the old ways. So I must continue to be open to his working in me, changing, building, renovating, renewing me, so I am who I am because of him.
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