The grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ, be with you
all. Amen
Philippians 4:23
It's
an odd verse to use in closing out this brief look in the book of
Philippians. This Friday blog will be the last one I'll do on
Fridays. There are churches beginning to come together again which
will hopefully begin to get folks back on track. If not, I would
encourage you to stay in the Scriptures whether your church begins to
meet or not. We will all feel some isolation at times that don't
necessarily have anything to do with a pandemic. It is the Word that
will feed and heal us. Riding on the spiritual coat tails of others
will never suffice.
Through
this book, I see Paul giving these people he loves so dearly a sense
of hope and a sense of destiny. Some of you have heard from me how I
break the word “hope” down.
H-aving
O-nly P-ositive E-xpectations.
Paul
encouraged HOPE all through this book not only for those then, but
also for us today. Keep in mind that hope always looks forward,
never backward. So let's be doing just that.
The
book of Philippians should be an easy read for us. It contains only
four chapters two of which contain 30 verses. All total, there are
only 104 verses in the entire book. This book is so full of familiar
verses that a one seated reading is not laborious at all. It's not
only a book of instruction, but of great encouragement and practical
for our every day living. I've been reading this through a few times
for my own help and hopefully for you as well.
Paul
gives his friends such words of encouragement that are trickling down
to you and me in our day. One of my first acquaintances with this
book came through a very distant relative who at the time as teens,
she and I were only a couple of years apart. Her life verse was
1:21. (Any Scriptures I share in this blog will be from Philippians
so I will only use references.) I had never read this book or much
of anything in it at the time. As I did though, her verse took on
real meaning for me as well.
“For
to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
That's
a mouthful. You don't know how often I've questioned myself as to
how much meaning that verse has for me. It's a verse toward the
beginning of this book. Paul felt it was wonderful living and
serving Jesus, but to die and be with Jesus would be best of all. We
so cling to life on this earth that it would seem nothing could be
better despite it's trials. There are many times in my life when I
have looked back, but when in Heaven, there will be no looking
back. ALL WILL BE WELL.
In
this life, we struggle to really know Christ as faithfully and
lovingly as is possible. It isn't an easy endeavor however. In
3:10, we see
That
I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings, made conformable unto His death.”
and the fellowship of His sufferings, made conformable unto His death.”
I
can't tell you how often I've heard this verse quoted. It sounds so
good, but if someone claims that verse as her/his own, it's a lot to
come to grips with. Jesus' power looks good but are we willing to go
through the sufferings and even die in order to know Him. Death
might mean dying to self or in our age, it could mean physical death.
So, how badly to I want to know Him? Is any suffering I go through
cause for my griping and complaining. When was the last time I died
to self or to things that bring pleasure to self that might not be in
my best interest. Turning it all over to Jesus and relying on His
Spirit will bring us where we should be if we are sincerely seeking
Him. ALL WILL BE WELL.
There
are other verses that speak for themselves not just to claim, but to
incorporate into our very beings.
I
can do all things through Christ strengtheneth me.” (3:13)
“Not
that I speak in respect of want:
for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content”
(4:11)
for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content”
(4:11)
How
I praise Jesus for the strength he instills into my life both
spiritually and physically as well. In that strength, I can do more
than I think I can do. He equips me in every way to be for Him what
He wants. In that same vein, Paul speaks of contentment. I think I
am pretty content most of the time, but most of the time just doesn't
work. Several years ago, I heard a good definition for contentment.
The person said, “Contentment is letting God be God.” I love
that because it is so true.
No
matter the state or condition of my circumstances, I have to learn to
be content in the fact that God is in and ever with me. I can
rejoice in the good and rejoice as well through the difficulties. We
are strengthened by our Father to do and be anything for Him. In
that strength I can be content no matter my circumstances. Remember:
ALL WILL BE WELL.
Thank
You Father, for this precious book so full of Your encouragement and
instruction so that we might really know You better, putting into
action our service for You and toward others. Our gratitude too for
Your faithfulness and patience with us when You see us struggle
unnecessarily, but as You wait for us to come to You with our every
need. Thank You for Jesus who paid it all. In His precious
name...Amen
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