RUBBISH

Picture every worthy act,

each goal you’ve met, each righteous deed

lying on a rubbish heap.

God lights a match to burn that trash,

and as the flames leap high and dance,

there emerges one thing you should keep.

Refined by fire as purest gold

the holiness God designed you to hold

is the gift your loss allows you to reap.

“…I consider everything a loss

compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,

for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…”

Philippians 3:7-8

zēmia²²⁰⁹ – prob. akin to the base of 1150 (through the idea of violence); detriment: damage, loss.

skubalŏn⁴⁶⁵⁷ – neut. of a presumed der. of 1519 and 2965 and 906; what is thrown to the dogs, i.e. refuse (ordure): - dung.

            Paul had quite a pedigree. He was taught the law and observed it from his childhood. When examined by the most legalistic people of his day, he would be declared faultless. This reputation is what he considers refuse. Any accomplishment in his own strength is something to be thrown to the dogs. The only thing of value is knowing Christ intimately.

            We all have accomplishments which may lead us to pride. I have the IQ and abilities to qualify me for “gifted” programs in elementary school and honors classes in high school.  My bachelor’s degree work was sufficient to earn the College Honor Award of Sigma Alpha Iota, a music honor society, meaning that I had the highest GPA of my graduating class of fraternity sisters.  I was also inducted into Alpha Chi, a college honor society.  On the GRE my lowest score (language) was in the upper 600’s and my highest (logic problems) was over 750 out of a possible of 800 points.  The entrance requirement for my graduate program was 750 on the language and math portions together.  I had almost that on the math portion alone.  I completed my Master of Education degree with only one B, and the committee who reviewed my professional paper urged me to complete a doctorate in the future. RUBBISH!

            Those accomplishments are evidence of abilities given to me by the Lord, but those strengths are not what carry me through each day of life. When trials come, I turn not to my intellect but to my knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through his word. The older I get the more I realize that the most important goal of life is to know Jesus intimately. Everything else must be secondary to my relationship with him. I am thankful that he provided the Bible to enable me to know him more each day.  He also gave me his Holy Spirit to make the word clear to me and reveal exactly what I need for each season of life. It’s exciting the way each time I study a passage it seems to have a fresh meaning to me.

            Father, help me to remember that my own accomplishments, my own good deeds are nothing of value. Help me to glory in what Jesus has done for me and rely on his righteousness working in and through me. Help me to understand your word and know Christ more intimately. Allow your Spirit’s work to evident in my life daily. 

CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST ALONE

I place my trust in Jesus Christ

and rely completely on him.

I count all my accomplishments as loss

lest I put confidence in them.

“For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God,

who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.”

Philippians 3:3

pĕithō³⁹⁸² – a prim. verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by anal. to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflex. or pass. to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): - agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.

sarx⁴⁵⁶¹ – prob. from the base of 4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extens.) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by impl.) the human nature (with its frailties [phys. or mor.} and passions), or (spec.) a human being (as such): - carnal (-ly, + -ily minded), flesh (-ly).

            You may remember the scene from The Sound of Music when Maria is on her way to her first meeting with Captain Von Trapp and his children. She’s swinging her guitar and singing about confidence. She concludes, “I have confidence in me.” Then, after a moment of hesitation, she musters up her courage, rings the doorbell, and mistakes the butler for Captain Von Trapp.

            Sometimes I try to pep talk my way into being more self-confident.  However, it would be far better to remember that I need to be Christ-confident. He is not only the sole source of my salvation, but he is also the supplier of my strength for each moment of each day. Any accomplishment the world would attribute to me must be an opportunity to give glory to Jesus. The power I need to live righteously must come from him.

            My flesh is weak, and I often fail to reach the mark. Praise the Lord I don’t need to be confident in my own strength. I must learn more and more to depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit within me and not to trust my own abilities. I must remember that it is God who “circumcises” my heart, who cuts out the rottenness and replaces it with his love. I am not able to give myself a makeover and be instantly like Christ. God works in me and causes me “to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Romans 8:29).

            Father, I put my trust in you daily because I know I cannot trust myself. Help me to remember that any ability I have is a gift from you and not a reason for pride. Help me to recall that nothing I have or can do measures up to your standard of righteousness. Thank you for the righteousness you have given me through faith in Jesus Christ. Remind me daily to put my confidence in Him alone. 

POURED OUT

May my life be poured out in service to the Lord,

in encouraging others to study God’s word.

May I invest time in people rather than things

in sharing the Savior who makes my heart sing.

“Even if [my lifeblood] must be poured out as a libation on the sacrificial offering of your faith [to God], still I am glad [to do it] and congratulate you all on [your share in] it: And you also in like manner be glad and congratulate me on [my share in] it.”

Philippians 2:17-18 (Amplified Version)

spĕndō⁴⁶⁸⁹ – to pour out as a libation, i.e. (fig.) to devote (one’s life or blood, as a sacrifice) (“spend”): - (be ready to) be offered.

thusia²³⁷⁸ – sacrifice, (the act or the victim, lit. or fig.): - sacrifice.

            “He poured himself into….” Complete the sentence. It is descriptive of giving one’s all in pursuit of a goal or a pleasure. How would you fill in that blank to describe yourself?

            The apostle Paul poured himself into bringing people closer to God. He was willing and ultimately did pour out his life’s blood to further the spread of the gospel. He continued to minister even while in prison, whether well provided for or barely surviving. He viewed himself as the drink offering poured over the burnt offering which was the faith of the Philippians. Moreover, he was glad to be pouring his life into the Philippians and the many other churches he had a part in establishing.

            Has someone poured his or her life into yours by leading you to know Jesus or by discipling you? The best way you can thank that person it to give of yourself to a brother or sister as well. The mantra of evangelism is “each one, reach one.”  In discipleship it is “each one, teach one.”  I was blessed to participate in a small discipleship group when I was in my twenties. As we would complete a Bible study booklet, our leaders would encourage us to find two people we could lead through that step in the program. Then he would take us to the next level. As we moved to level three, we were to teach level two to our two friends and encourage them each to find two friends to begin level one. My desire to memorize God’s word comes from that experience. I believe a solid foundation of Bible study was laid in my life through the pouring out of Keith and Kathy. The strong Bible study basics they entrusted to me helped me to lead many elementary students closer to Christ during my teaching career. The book you are reading is a result of their faithfulness to teach others what the Lord had taught them. I believe I honor their sacrifice each time I write and share that writing with other believers.

            Father, show me how to wisely invest my life in others. Help me to use the gifts you have bestowed upon me to lead people into a right relationship with Christ and then to help them grow in you. Help me to honor the sacrifice that others have made to bring me to where I am spiritually by helping others to “know You and make You known”.

FATHER SEES

This is the song yesterday's post referred to. I wrote it in about the year 2000 with some specific people in mind, but it applies to all those who serve quietly behind the scenes.  I was blessed to be able to share it with my Dad before he passed away. Sometimes I still cry when I sing it.

Father Sees

By Karen Sue Hale

For George S., Susan M., Daddy and everyone with a servant’s heart

You’re not the kind of person 
to stand in front of a crowd.

You may never preach a sermon, 
and you barely sing out loud.

Your service for the Lord is often 
behind the sense;

And though you’re always 
hard at work,

People seldom see those things.

But Father sees…and Father knows…

Though your work seems unrewarded,

Your heavenly treasure grow.

And someday soon the Lord you’ll meet,

And you’ll have the joy of laying crowns

At our precious Savior’s feet.

Father Sees.

You always make the coffee 
after opening the doors,

And joyfully you carry out 
so many mundane chores.

The most important work you do
is seldom ever seen…

When you do battle for us 
in prayer upon your knees.

Chorus

You help prepare the dinner 
while on the stage I sing.

While I enjoy the crowd’s applause, 
you clean up everything.

But the thing that others never see, 
happening several times a week

Is the way that you encourage me 
as the will of God I seek.

Chorus

I remember as a little girl 
I’d stand upon your feet,

And then we’d walk together. 
Oh, Dad, those times were sweet.

As a teen I helped you 
as you kept the churchyard clean,

Lovely grounds and buildings evidence 
of a work that seemed unseen.

But Father sees…and Father knows…

Though your work seems unrewarded,

Your heavenly treasure grow.

And someday soon the Lord you’ll meet,

And you’ll have the joy of laying crowns

At our precious Savior’s feet.

Father Sees.

SHINE LIKE THE STARS

Without complaining, may I do all God asks.

May I cease from arguing and complete each task.

As I humbly serve, may the Lord’s work endure

As he changes my heart to make me blameless and pure.

May his spirit so fill me that I shine like a star

And draw others to him from near and afar.

May I hold out his life-giving word to the world

And share Christ with man, woman, boy, and girl.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, 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 as you hold out the word of life…”

Philippians 2:14-16a (NIV)

akĕraiŏs¹⁸⁵ – unmixed, i.e. (fig.) innocent: - harmless, simple.

phōstēr⁵⁴⁵⁸ – an illuminator. i.e. (concr.) a luminary, or (abstr.) brilliancy: - light.

            I am blessed to know a handful of people who seem to do everything without complaining or arguing. They delight to do the unseen, unrewarded, behind-the-scenes tasks at church. They usually aren’t found on the platform on Sunday, but they may be found repairing it or affixing extensions to it for the big production at Christmas or Easter. They may not teach a Sunday School class, but they make sure the chairs are in order and there’s plenty of cream and sugar for the coffee.

            These are not the people lauded as extremely “spiritual” by others; but without them, those in the public eye might crumble. I have found these friends to be pure and simple in the sense of leading uncomplicated lives. Their smiles have brightened my cloudy days as the stars illuminate the sky. Their willingness to do whatever God places in their path illustrates the word of God to everyone who comes in touch with them. They “preach” volumes without ever speaking publicly.

            In the workplace this person stands out as the one who tackles an extra task without trying to talk his way out of it or complaining about it all day long. He quietly continues working while his co-workers are spewing out everything that is wrong with the company, the boss, or other employees. He is careful to choose words that bless rather than curse; and if he does have a concern, he takes it with respect to the proper authority. This is a rare person, and he shines like a brilliant star. He has an excellent opportunity to witness to others as they note his “strange” behavior.

            The song on the next page is dedicated to three such people, but I believe most of us have these type of people in our lives. We are blessed to know them, and I firmly believe the Lord will say to them, “Well, done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, 23).

            Father, help me to complain less and serve more. Help me to stand out in a crowd as one of your lights. As the old song says, “Let others see Jesus in me.”

WORK OUT WHAT GOD WORKS IN

Though saved by grace,

   we run the race

        out of gratitude

           and in servitude

               to him who died

                   and was crucified,

                       who arose and lives

                           this grace to give.

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”

Philippians 2:12b-13 (NIV)

katĕrgazŏmai²⁷¹⁶ – to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by impl. to finish, fashion: -cause, do (deed), perform, work (out).

ĕnĕrgĕō¹⁷⁵⁴ – to be active, efficient: - do, (be) effectual (fervernt), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).

            “Whoa! Wait a minute! I thought my salvation was secured by Christ’s atonement for me on the cross. What is this ‘work it out’ stuff?”

            That’s where my mind went the first time I was introduced to this verse. I’ve also heard people try to interpret this that we somehow have to earn our salvation. FALSE! Look at the meaning of the two words for work. The first one, our part, is to keep on performing what God has called us to do. We are to finish the race, accomplish the task, give our all to serve the Lord. We are to behave daily according to what the Lord has revealed in his Word.

            But take note of the second word for work, God’s part. He is going to energize us for the tasks he asks us to accomplish. He will actively work in our lives. He will infuse us with the power we need to do his will. He will show forth himself in our lives that others may see his glory in the way we work out our salvation.

            What is getting me to heaven? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What enables me to live like I’m going to heaven?  The Lord being mighty in my life. I am to work out my salvation through the power of Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I can only perform as a Christian if I have already responded to God’s saving grace. I exhibit outwardly that which Jesus has already done inwardly.

            Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” The snares in my path, the work involved in living for Jesus, are nothing compared to the Holy Spirit he has placed within us.

Lord, help me to remember I can work out my salvation because you work in me. Empower me to run the race in a way that honors and pleases you.

EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

Before Christ may I bow

And submit to his will.

May I take time each day

To be quiet and still

And to know he is God

And Lord over all.

May I rise from my prayer

to obey the Lord’s call.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

hupĕrupsŏō⁵²⁵¹ – to elevate above others, i.e. raise to the highest position: - highly exalt.

kuriŏs²⁹⁶² – supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by impl. Mr. (as a respectful title): - God, Lord, master, Sir.

            After Christ had completely humbled himself and become obedient to the Father by substituting his life for ours on the cross, he was returned to the highest place at the right hand of God.  Someday every creature will have to acknowledge that Jesus is the supreme authority, the Lord. 

We have the opportunity to do that now and humbly obey him by living lives of service here on earth. Our Christ-like humility will be rewarded. I remember singing this verse as a young person – “Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10). I later learned that the opposite is also true; for Jesus said, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” (Matthew 23:12).

Humility is not bad-mouthing yourself or downplaying accomplishments. It is giving God the glory for the abilities and opportunities He as given you. It is obedience to do the tasks the Lord has called you to do whether you receive any praise from your fellow men or not. Humbling yourself is saying “yes” to God no matter what He asks of you. It is acknowledging Jesus as Lord with your actions as well as your words.

 Bowing the knee can be the position of the knight before his King, or the conquered before his foe. I prefer to be the first. If I choose to serve Jesus now, I bow to his command and become more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). If one does not acknowledge Jesus as Lord now, he or she will be the defeated one forced to bow before the Conqueror when Christ returns to judge the world.

Father, I thank you for the opportunity to know you and to serve you now. Thank you for the Spirit’s call to me and giving me the faith to believe. I pray for those loved ones who have not yet bowed to you that you would draw them through your Holy Spirit. Lord, show me how to tell others about the importance of surrendering to you.

LIVING IN HUMILITY

Humility, servitude, obedience…

Lord, you epitomize all three.

I’m instructed to have the mind of Christ.

Lord, develop these attitudes in me.

“Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,

 he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”

Philippians 2:6-8

tapĕinŏō⁵⁰¹³ – to depress; fig, to humiliate (in condition or heart): abase, bring low, humble (self).

            Jesus was a part of the Trinity, the God-head, equal with God the Father. Yet he was willing to bring himself down to our level and become a man. The incarnation of the Son of God has been fascinating to me for many years. The fact that our Lord would confine himself to the body of an infant and suffer all the trials of growing up obedient to parents he had created amazes me each time I think of it.

            When I was only in first or second grade I was drawn to one particular song on a favorite Christmas album. Perhaps it was because it was in a foreign language or because the baritone’s voice was exceptional, but I would listen to it over and over even though I had no idea what it meant. A couple of years ago I looked up the translation of the lyrics by using the Latin dictionary at http://lysy2.archives.nd.edu/cgi-bin/WORDS.EXE.

Panis angelicus fit panis hominum,             Bread of angels became bread of man

Dat panis coelicus figures terminum,           Give Bread of heaven limited form.

O res mirabilis manducat Dominum,            Oh, astonishing fact! Devour the Lord.

Pauper, pauper, servus et humilis.              Poor man, servant and humble.

Or as Michael Card so aptly put it, “Manna became Man.” Christ took on limited form so I might come to know him and have salvation. With the humility that Christ demonstrated in his incarnation in mind, how then shall I live?

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” Matthew 20:25-28

            Father, help me to lay aside my idea of what my life should be and follow wherever you lead. As a supervisor at work, let me remember to serve my employees as well as my boss. When called upon to lead in your work, help me to remember it is a call to be a servant. 

SERVICE

SERVICE

Karen Sue Hale

September 3, 1987

Service…

This one word sums up

Christ’s ministry on earth

beginning with His birth.

He came

in humblest of forms

as a tiny babe, not a man,

to best serve the Father’s plan.

He obeyed

His earthly parents’ rules,

and yet He was aware

of the Heavenly Father’s care.

He worked

in Joseph’s carpenter shop

laboring with His hands

to meet customers’ demands.

He preached

great sermons throughout the land,

yet healed the sick and lame

and served others wherever He came.

He died

to pay for all my sin,

as my substitute to serve,

suffered what I deserved.

He rose

in victory from the grave,

and He serves today too

interceding for me and you.

Service…

to follow Christ I must serve;

meet others’ needs as I can

while witnessing to God’s plan.

Jesus

should be first in my life;

I must serve Him above all else

then serve others before myself.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”

Philippians 2:5

            Father, seeing my granddaughter, only a few days old, helped me to realize anew exactly how much Jesus humbled Himself to become a helpless infant. Help me to be humble, obedient, and of service to you. As the psalmist prayed, “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths.” Lord, help me to have the wisdom to walk in them.

NOT LOOKING OUT FOR NUMBER ONE

Lord, help me see beyond my needs

and for the needs of others intercede.

Let me see myself as saved by grace,

unworthy to even enter the race,

but because of Christ given power to run.

As I press on let me show your love to each one.

Make my sole ambition to walk with you,

to see each day with hope renewed.

May your Spirit within me reach out to others,

to the lost as well as my sisters and brothers.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

 but also to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

hupĕrĕchō⁵²⁴² – to hold oneself above, i.e. (fig.) to excel; part. (as adj., nor neut. as noun) superior, superiority: - better, excellency, higher, pass, supreme.

            So much for the advice to “look out for number one.” The world’s way is “dog eat dog” and “every man for himself.”  But that is never the way of our Lord. Our main purpose is to live for him. Our main goals should be tied to serving God and, therefore, serving his people. Ambition is not bad. It’s just important to examine the driving force behind your plans. The Lord tells us to serve our earthly bosses wholeheartedly, so earning a higher level degree in the field God has called you to (teaching, engineering, science) can be an unselfish ambition.

            Not only are we to refrain from being “me first” in our thinking, but we are to actually think more highly of others than we do ourselves. “What about a healthy self-esteem,” you may ask. I believe we need to have a healthy Christ-esteem. In other words, in my own flesh and my own power, I’m basically lower than a worm. However, when the Holy Spirit comes to live in me, I have the ability to allow Christ to shine through me. It is not me that is worthy, but Christ who lives within me (Galatians 2:20). This will also enable me to see others as Christ sees them. They are either lost and in need of a Savior, which means I need to be a positive witness to them. Or they are saved and in need of a sister (or brother) to encourage them along the way. Either way, I must consider their needs as much or more than I consider my own. As I realize that everything I have is from God, I can live unselfishly sharing my time, energy, and means with others.

            Father, help me to live the once popular acronym J-O-Y: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Joy comes from obedience to you, and your word clearly teaches me to reach out to others in your name. Strengthen me to serve you by serving others. 

ONE SPIRIT

Lord, through your Spirit, make us one,

united with you and with your Son.

Help us love each other as you love,

with tenderness and compassion from above.

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,

if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit,

if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”

Philippians 2:1-2

kŏinōnia²⁸⁴² – from 2844; partnership, i.e. (lit.) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction: - (to) communicate (-ation), communion, contribution, distribution, fellowship.

agapē²⁶ – from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; spec. (plur.) a love-feast: - (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.

sumpsuchŏs⁴⁸⁶¹ – from 4862 and 5590; co-spirited, i.e. similar in sentiment: - like-minded.

            Paul’s desire was that the Philippians would be unified in love and purpose. This echoes Christ’s desire as he prayed for believers saying, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:21-23).

            We sing “We are one in the Spirit,” but do we practice it? God’s Spirit has the ability to unite us if we draw near to him. In order for us to be one in love, spirit, and purpose, we must each be in fellowship with the Spirit of God. Then the type of love that can come only from the divine influence in our lives (grace-charis⁵⁴⁸⁵) will enable us to be like-minded. We can only be one in spirit if we are each abiding in Christ (John 15). When we become more closely associated with Christ and become intimate with him, we also become closer to other Christians.

            Father, Christ prayed that we would be one with you and then with each other. That is my prayer. Help us to stand united in our faith and love through the power of your Holy Spirit. Let our love for each other be a witness to the world. Help us to forgive as we have been forgiven and love through the power of your grace. 

SOME FAVOR!

Lord, sometimes I fear

that persecution is near,

that you will not allow us

to continue in sin.

Lord, do what you must

to mature each of us.

Draw us closer to Jesus,

and complete us in Him.

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him,

but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had,

and now hear that I still have.”

Philippians 1:29-30

charizŏmai⁵⁴⁸³ – to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue: - deliver, (frankly) forgive, (freely) give, grant.

paschō³⁹⁵⁸ – to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful): - feel, passion, suffer, vex.

            Some favor! That’s what I thought as I read this, especially in light of the full definition of the word translated “granted”. But then the Lord brought to mind James 1:2-4.

             Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many

             kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops

             perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be

             mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Paul had just finished telling the Philippians to have good conduct, stand firm, and fight for the faith together no matter what happened. He encouraged them not to be frightened by the opposition because they would be saved by God. Then he tells them they have been given the favor of suffering for Christ.

            The trials God allows in our lives can be faced with joy because we know he is maturing us to be like Christ (Romans 8:29), and the end result will be our glorification when he returns to take us to the place he has prepared for us (John 14:3). I know it is true in my life and have heard others testify that the greatest times of growing closer to God are the hard times.  I grew tremendously right after my husband left me. My pain and fear drove me back to church where I was nurtured and discipled by a fantastic group of singles. My years of longing for children and struggling to continue to trust God to give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4) strengthened my relationship with him, especially as I had well-meaning people tell me I just needed to accept the fact that I would always be single and childless. Ministering to my father during his last days in the hospital brought me even closer to God.

            We have not faced the trial of persecution that Paul and his Philippian friends were all too familiar with, but I know people who have. It served to make them stronger in faith.  Beatings, imprisonment, and even being exiled from his homeland made one Romanian friend more resolved to share Christ than ever. My Ukranian friend and her family continued to proclaim Christ after he father was imprisoned. The persecuted church abroad has a great sense of what is truly important. It is difficult to learn those lessons in a land of plenty.

            Lord, I pray for a great awakening in America; but I feel it may only come after a time of persecution. Lord, strengthen your children for the trials you allow, and help us to face them with joy.

TO LIVE IS CHRIST

 New Year’s Song

If this were to be my final night upon the earth,

I know I’d have confidence that I’ve received new birth.

I know that I would be with You, Lord, the moment that I died;

and yet to think that I could die tonight, my eyes fill up and cry...

Because there’s so much here to do…

I have some friends and family who still do not know You.

And even though I say with Paul for me to die is gain,

for then I’d be with Jesus Christ, and I would have no pain;

I must also say with Paul for me to live is Christ.

So if I’m given one more day please let me live my life

in praise to You, dear Lord,

telling others what You do through Your word

making sure that all my friends have heard

bearing witness to the world about Your love.

If this were to be Your final night upon the earth,

would you have the confidence that you’ve received new birth?

Do you know you’d go to heaven if you died tonight?

If not, I pray you’ll open up your heart to Jesus Christ...

Because there’s so much love right here.

You could have a brand new life to start a brand new year.

There are people here who’d love to show you how to start.

Just come to one of us if God is speaking to you heart.

Then we will show you in His word how you can know him too.

Believe me when I tell you it’s the best thing you can do

to give your life to Christ, to allow Him to come in

and change your life so that you can know for sure tonight

that you will see heaven’s light because of love.

If this were to be your final night upon the earth,

do you have the confidence that you’ve received new birth?

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21

kĕrdŏs²⁷⁷¹ – of uncert. affin.; gain (pecuniary or gen.): - gain, lucre.

            My grandmother died of lung cancer in my bedroom in October of 1985. In December of the same year I was planning the New Year’s event for our singles group at church. With Grandma’s death so fresh in my mind, I was pondering life and death and purpose. What did it matter if I had another year or not since I knew I was ready to be with the Lord? After all, to die is gain. As I re-read the entire passage around this verse, I realized that Paul chose life in order to bring assurance of life to others. The Lord gave me the song above to share that thought with the singles on New Year’s Eve.

            Father, help me always to live with the purpose of “knowing Christ and making Him known” as Dawson Trotman so aptly put it. You have gone to prepare a place for me as you tell us in John 14, and it will be glorious gain to be with you. However, help me to trust you here and now to fill me and use me to bring others to your kingdom.

THE IMPORTANT THING

Lord, keep my focus on the important thing…

That Christ be preached both far and near.

No matter what the speaker’s motivation,

Let your word come through loud and clear.

“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way,

whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.

And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.”

Philippians 1:18

prŏphasis⁴³⁹² – an outward showing, i.e. pretext: - cloke, colour, pretence, show.

chairō⁵⁴⁶³ – a prim. verb; to be “cheer”ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impers. espec. as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well: - farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hail, joy (-fully), rejoice.

Televangelists – no, Paul didn’t have to deal with them. However, he is talking about the very type of person we think of when we hear that word. Before the verse above Paul described people that were preaching out of selfish motives and some even to try to cause him further harm. Then he makes the conscious choice to focus on the most important thing – that Christ be proclaimed.

Paul also chooses to rejoice. He can be calmly happy because he knows through the Spirit that God is in control even of those who are insincere. He knows that God sees beyond the words and looks into the motives of people. God sees our inmost thoughts. Paul can trust God to deal with those who are out for their own gain and knows that God has the power to even further his kingdom through them.

The Lord uses whom he chooses to use. It does not matter if I approve of their methods or even their motivation. The important thing is that the Gospel be proclaimed. God can even use those who think they are working against him to unwittingly drive people toward him. I don’t need to fret about those who seem insincere or motivated by selfish gain. I can follow Paul’s example and trust God to shine his light on people.

Paul once referred to himself as “the chief of sinners” (I Timothy 1:15). If God can use a sinner like Paul to proclaim his word, he might even choose to use a sinner like me or you. Apart from his marvelous grace we are all completely unworthy to serve him. How dare we waste our energy fretting over whether or not someone else is proclaiming him rightly? We just need to expend more energy telling others the good news and trust God with the results!

Father, help me to keep my focus on what is important…knowing you and helping others to know you. Let me worry less about how others are using the gifts you have given and expend more energy in hearing your voice on how to use what you’ve placed within me. 

Superlative Supplication

When we pray for the growth of fellow believers,

Are our prayers boldly superlative or mundane?

Do we pray for showers of what God wants to give,

Or do we content ourselves with light rain?

God is able to do beyond all we desire,

But we ask so little in his name.

Pray that your friends will be filled to the brim

With his Spirit and never be the same.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more

 in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best

and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,

filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ –

to the glory and praise of God.”

Philippians 1:9-11

pĕrissĕuō⁴⁰⁵² – to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (trans.) to cause to superabound or excel: - (make, more) abound, (have, have more) abundance, (be more) abundant, be the better, enough and to spare, exceed, excel, increase, be left, redound, remain (over and above).

plĕrŏō⁴¹³⁷ – to make replete, i.e. (lit.) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (fig.) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish ( a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: - accomplish, X after, (be) complete, and, expire, fill (up), fulfill, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.

            When Paul asked God for something, he used superlatives. He prayed expecting God to answer to the fullest. One reason he could do this was he knew he was praying for things the Lord wanted to do. He was praying within the will of God.

            We know God wants our Christian friends and relatives to grow in their relationship with him and to honor him in all that they do. So, let’s pray boldly that he will enable them to do so! Dare we pray like this for our children, both biological and spiritual? It’s amazing that we do not. So often our prayers are watered down. Pray for huge things believing that God is able to do them. Then wait expectantly to see how he answers. It may not be the way we envision it, but he will answer in his own time, in his perfect way.

            Father, I pray that you will fill the children you have so graciously given me with your love until they overflow. As they grow in their relationship with Jesus, develop their discernment that they may remain pure. Let the fruit of Christ’s righteousness be extremely evident in their lives. I pray that their lives and my own would bring glory and praise to you since it is only by your power that we can do any good thing. Thank you for redeeming us, and thank you for continuing your work in us until the day of Christ Jesus.

God Will Finish the Work

Oh, Lord, help me yield completely to you.

Take me out of the way of the work that you do.

For I’m just a branch, and you are the Vine.

I am powerless unless in you I’m entwined.

Any good work people see in me

Is the project you started and you will complete.

“I thank my God every time I remember you….

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:3 & 6

ĕpitĕlĕō²⁰⁰⁵ – to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by impl. to terminate, undergo: - accomplish, do, finish, (make) (perfect), perform (X –ance).

 Ultimate Make-over

            Perform the jaw reconstruction necessary to correct my overbite, and whiten my teeth while you’re at it. Tone and firm my abdomen after ridding me of excess fat. Remove the unsightly moles from my face and back. Free me from glasses.  Style my unruly hair, shape my eyebrows, and use make-up to mask anything that can’t be permanently repaired.

           

If I won a spot on that television show where someone is granted their dream make-over, it would change my outward appearance. All of the things I listed would make it easier for me to look good each day, but none of them would change who I am. And none of them would make me what I really need to be.

Have you ever just exhausted yourself trying to be all that others want you to be, all you wish you could be, and what you think God expects you to be? 

Face it; we are not capable of re-making ourselves. However, there is One who is able to take an old, broken down me and bring forth a new creation! (II Corinthians 3:17) It really isn't a matter of trying but of dying (Galatians 2:20).  We must daily die to ourselves and allow Christ to live through us. God will be faithful to completely finish the good work he starts in us. We just have to keep placing ourselves in his skilled hands. The ultimate "make-over" can be yours. Just trust yourself to the Master Creator and be amazed at what He will do!

Father, I thank you that self-improvement is not what you desire of me. I thank you that you are orchestrating life’s ups and downs to make me more like Jesus. Continue to “mold me and make me after your will,” as the old hymn says. I can no more make myself more like Jesus than the lump of clay can turn itself into a beautiful vase. So Lord, I rest in your ability to form me according to your will and submit to your hand as you spin this pottery wheel called earth each day, shaping me with every turn.