11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
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What an encouragement. I have been blessed beyond measure, yet I still find myself at times looking for more. Paul is reminding us that we have been filled with the power, through Christ, to live contentedly wherever He has placed us. That means when God is blessing with plenty of money, after a pay cut, after a lost job or any time.
We must remember that God is in control. There is nothing that happens that is outside of His watchful eye. His plans are not always the same as mine, but His plans are always better.
The final verse (v13) reminds us that on our own we are hopelessly lost to be discontent, at times even in the best situations, without Christ who gives us strength. That is our selfishness.
Are you content in Christ today? Are you living your life to the fullness that you have been called to?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Philippians 3- Perfect in Christ
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
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What a prize, what a goal, what a calling: to be made in perfect Christ likeness. That is our unattainable goal here on earth, yet we strive to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us and begin the transformation through His power. What an majestic God we serve, who can transform a person like me, into perfection.
Thank You Lord for my salvation! Give me strength, humility and power to walk in Your ways and to live Christ in every thing I do...
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Read More
What a prize, what a goal, what a calling: to be made in perfect Christ likeness. That is our unattainable goal here on earth, yet we strive to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us and begin the transformation through His power. What an majestic God we serve, who can transform a person like me, into perfection.
Thank You Lord for my salvation! Give me strength, humility and power to walk in Your ways and to live Christ in every thing I do...
Monday, May 10, 2010
Philippians 2- Relationships with other believers
1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
...
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I was reminded of a relationship to a coworker I have by this passage. I work with another believer who I often have a difference of opinions with. These are work related, not theological, mostly unimportant topics. However, this verse brings me back to the root of the matter... I'll repeat the verses now, because they are so clear they need no interpretation or explanation (emphasis mine):
"make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,..."
Wow! Lord help me to love You and bring glory to You and Your Son. I am dependent on You alone to make this change in me...
2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
...
Read More
I was reminded of a relationship to a coworker I have by this passage. I work with another believer who I often have a difference of opinions with. These are work related, not theological, mostly unimportant topics. However, this verse brings me back to the root of the matter... I'll repeat the verses now, because they are so clear they need no interpretation or explanation (emphasis mine):
"make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,..."
Wow! Lord help me to love You and bring glory to You and Your Son. I am dependent on You alone to make this change in me...
Friday, May 7, 2010
Philippians 1- Worthy of the Gospel
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
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This verse is definitely one that we all need to act out. These believers were encouraged to be known for their firm stance in on the gospel in which they were of one mind. The Christian community in general is not known for this. Unbelievers see the "church" as a splintered group of factions, that do nothing but fight among ourselves.
I really appreciate this verse because it gives us individual instruction "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ", as well as how we should behave as a community.
Does your community know you (and your church) as one that is "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel"?
Read More
This verse is definitely one that we all need to act out. These believers were encouraged to be known for their firm stance in on the gospel in which they were of one mind. The Christian community in general is not known for this. Unbelievers see the "church" as a splintered group of factions, that do nothing but fight among ourselves.
I really appreciate this verse because it gives us individual instruction "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ", as well as how we should behave as a community.
Does your community know you (and your church) as one that is "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel"?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Ephesians 6- Slaves (employees) of Christ
5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;
6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, ...
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When I read this and other related passages, I am reminded that my work is not all futile as Solomon proclaimed in Ecclesiastes. Regardless of my position, title compensation level or status, I am still here for one reason; To serve Christ and bring Him glory.
As these verses indicate, bringing Christ glory with my job is done by working diligently, and with devotion. My actions are viewed by believes, unbelievers and even heavenly beings. What I do is proof of Christ's saving power in my life.
It is important to note that later on in this same chapter Paul is reminding us that we need to be dependent on God's power to enable us, not our own:
"10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."
6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, ...
Read More
When I read this and other related passages, I am reminded that my work is not all futile as Solomon proclaimed in Ecclesiastes. Regardless of my position, title compensation level or status, I am still here for one reason; To serve Christ and bring Him glory.
As these verses indicate, bringing Christ glory with my job is done by working diligently, and with devotion. My actions are viewed by believes, unbelievers and even heavenly beings. What I do is proof of Christ's saving power in my life.
It is important to note that later on in this same chapter Paul is reminding us that we need to be dependent on God's power to enable us, not our own:
"10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ephesians 5- Make the most of your time
15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit...
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This section of scripture came with perfect timing. I have been trying to be effective in accomplishing my job, but progress has been slow. There are so many legitimate things that require my attention, that I have very little time left to do the truly important things in my position.
We have been called to "...do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Colossians 3:23-24). When I am not effective, I am not serving Christ as I should. My work related activities are a direct reflection of what Christ has done in me.
Are you displaying Christ in your work? Lord help me to make the most of the time you have given me!
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit...
Read More
This section of scripture came with perfect timing. I have been trying to be effective in accomplishing my job, but progress has been slow. There are so many legitimate things that require my attention, that I have very little time left to do the truly important things in my position.
We have been called to "...do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Colossians 3:23-24). When I am not effective, I am not serving Christ as I should. My work related activities are a direct reflection of what Christ has done in me.
Are you displaying Christ in your work? Lord help me to make the most of the time you have given me!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Ephesians 3- Strengthend to know God's love
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
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Lord, help me to be motivated to serve you in everything. Help me to meditate on your Scripture. Use your Spirit to teach me. Remind me to be prayerful. Draw me close to You. I am nothing on my own, so strengthen me so that I may serve You.
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Read More
Lord, help me to be motivated to serve you in everything. Help me to meditate on your Scripture. Use your Spirit to teach me. Remind me to be prayerful. Draw me close to You. I am nothing on my own, so strengthen me so that I may serve You.
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