Click here to read Philippians 4.
This reading may get posted twice. It was set up to be on-line by 6am this morning but blogger must have been down because it is not on. I'm sorry for the delay.
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- Charter Oak Church
- Charter Oak Church is a family of Jesus followers who want to reach out to those who are searching and equip believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Verses 6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
ReplyDeleteI could have picked so many verses from this chapter. But today, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that needs to be completed in the next 2 days. There is much to be done, but I am giving it all over to God so that I am not anxious. I want the peace of God to be evident in me today and tomorrow.
Paul has shared with us through his letter to the Phillipians, his love and concern for the people who are striving to live their lives as Christ followers. He celebrates even in trial because it means that the Kingdom might be furthered; reminding us that at these times, in particular, live in a way that honors God. Be brave when faced with adversity. God is bigger and claims the final victory. Our suffering may bring others to faith.
ReplyDeleteIn our daily walk, we should be humble, and unified with one another, care about the other more than we care about ourself. He calls us to be obedient as Christ was obedient without grumbling or arguing. God will work in us to make us willing and able.
At all times, the people are watching us. Be a light that shines among them. The children of God should be different from the sons of men. Rejoice in Jesus Christ and have no confidence in the flesh.
Paul tells us that what the world sees as valuable is worthless without the wonderful knowledge of Jesus Christ.
As long as we're here on this earth challenges will fall on us, the world's treasure will entice us, our past will seek to hold us captive...Keep running toward the goal, the prize of being called to heaven. Don't quit, don't give in.
And finally in chapter 4, Paul sends us out with the greatest of encouragement. Rejoice in the Lord, be gentle with others, worry about nothing, pray about everything and be filled with peace that noone understands. Keep focused on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, proper. Be content in all circumstances through Christ who will strengthen you.
Verse 11-13 "I have learned the secret of being content."
ReplyDeleteI get encouragement and humility from these verses. Paul had to learn contentment. I believe he learned this through becoming more submissive to God with every area of his life. That takes GREAT faith - which I don't have at this point.
Where do I start? I can easily say I am going to have greater faith, but how do I go about DOING it? Paul obviously went through some hard times. He understood what it was "to be in need". I don't think I can understand that. Can we as Americans understand that? We have so much. I need help in this area. I don't feel God calling me to sell everything I have, but I think He definitely wants me more aware of those in need.
I think being content is a strong indicator of our sanctification process. I have farther to go than I realized. The good news is that God is ready to take the journey with me.
Verses 6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
ReplyDelete...Instead of letting my heart and mind be anxious, I need to turn to God with joy and thanksgiving, and give my concerns to Him. He will gladly carry my burdens, and bring me peace when things seem overwhelming. Krista
12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rich, above, that I don't know severe need or hunger. But I do find myself often in need of time. So I apply these verses to my situation of being overwhelmed with stuff to do in the next week and a half.
Sometimes I have plenty of time, but right now I don't seem to have enough. Can I be content in this circumstance? Yes, if I remember: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to think about the lovely things. I often think about what I have learned from leaning in to God and really listening. I reflect back on sermons or small group experiences that have helped me through difficult times. The hard part is putting it into practice. So often, I fall short in this area. Tonight, I had a chance to speak to a group of Christian high school students about participating in the Relay for Life. I told these students what role God has played in my life as a cancer survivor and chairman of the Relay for Life. This is definitely out of my comfort zone. I relied on God to put the right words in my mouth to inspire this group to want to partipate in our Relay. I felt his peace and knew that he was with me as I spoke.
Lord, thank you for picking me to be your servant. I am hungry to serve you. Help me recognize situations that I can enhance by sharing my love of you with others. I pray for those that are feeling the "time crunch." Help them accomplish what they need to accomplish so that they have time to sit and reflect on the word of God.
I am determined to stick to this challenge. Being able to participate by blogging is a blessing to me. It makes the experience richer to see how others are being touched by different passages.