Glad to be poured out

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Philippians 2:14-17

Our culture hates the thought of being walked over or treated as a doormat. In fact it's more acceptable to be complaining and disputing than it is to be seen as blameless and harmless. Paul doesn't seem to mind though. He'd rather know that he hasn't put all that effort into holding fast to the Word of Life, to then see those he discipled blend into the crowd just as crooked as everyone else. He was glad to be poured out if it meant others were standing strong in their faith!

God's working in you for His good pleasure

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12,13 NKJV

The key to applying this passage is knowing who is doing what. Thankfully it's God's job to work His will in us and our job to put our faith and trust in Him. I work out my salvation each day simply by spending time with Him and building my faith and trust in Him. John 6:27 says not to labour for food which perishes but to labour for that which endures to everlasting life and is given by Jesus. When asked what work we should do, He said to "believe in Him".

I guess believing/trusting is called working out our salvation because it doesn't come naturally to us, and therefore requires effort, not because we are earning something. That's probably why we shy away from using the word work when talking about salvation. We know it's God's grace that has saved us, not anything we do/could ever do ourselves.

Stepping up and stepping out, not stepping back

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV

I've been thinking about what it means here to have the 'mind of Christ' or more specifically to 'humble ourselves'. Strong's concordance defines the use of 'humble' here as Jesus 'stooping to the condition of a servant'. We know from how He lived that 'making Himself of no reputation' didn't mean Jesus gave up or neglected what He could serve others with. Humbling oneself appears more about stepping up and stepping out with what we have to serve others rather than stepping back.

Be of good cheer!

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” Acts 23:11 NKJV

So, Paul was actually under arrest at this time, and God's saying to him "Be of good cheer"! I don't think God is a sadist; He just has inside information. He knew how satisfied Paul would be in testifying about Him! I'm feeling a little shaky today, knowing that my youngest daughter could potentially have serious health issues. But I know there will be something to testify about through this journey as well!

Whether in pretence or in truth...

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill...What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. Philippians 1:15,18 NKJV

Something that cuts me to the heart is when my motives are questioned. I think alot of us avoid stepping out and speaking up because of what others may think our motives are. Paul wasn't worried about people's motives in speaking about Jesus - He just wanted the word to get out! I am learning more and more not to be afraid to declare what Jesus has done! If it's perceived as coming from a wrong motive, so be it; at least the word is getting out!

God's providence and my chains

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philippians 1:12-14 NKJV

What are my chains? What's weighing on me but will actually turn out for the furtherence of the gospel? I think my chains are this deep connection I have to people who are now all over this nation and other countries - a connection that usually grieves me because attached to it is a sense of longing and loss, but a connection that brings me a huge sense of anticipation because I know we are connected for a reason! A greater reason that will unfold over time...

My prayer

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:3-11 NKJV

This was an emotional passage for me. It reminded me of all the friends I've been in ministry with who I now don't see regularly. They are in different seasons and different circles now, but still so close to my heart. This is my prayer for you, mighty warriors.

Are you ready to pray?

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:18-20 NKJV

Have you ever thought about what comes after the verses that describe the Armour of God (Eph 6:10-17)? Basically, Paul indicates that once you're fully protected, then you're ready to pray. Something inside me rises up when I think about that! This prayer business is powerful stuff to handle! I hope there's someone out there who's fully geared up and ready to pray for me to open my mouth and boldly make known the mystery of the gospel. Who knows what earth shattering activities might occur!

Speaking to one another in song

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:18-21 NKJV

Last night as our Creative Ministries team got together to learn new songs and talk about writing our own, I was so encouraged as I looked around the room and imagined each person bringing forth their own song. Why not? I thought. Why not?! There's a song in all of us - what's yours?

Something new today

that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV

Strong's concordance translates the word 'new' as 'unused, fresh, novel'. This speaks to me about the way God can daily breathe something fresh and novel into our character! I wonder what renewal will take place today as I put Him on...

Journey out of depression

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 3:11-16 NKJV

This passage always reminds me of my journey out of depression. What kept me locked into that headspace was a sense of mourning at the state of people's hearts, a desperation to see a massive change in society and yet continual reminders that humanity is so depraved. I saw it in myself; I saw it in the people I love and trust; I even saw it in my kids. But these verses told me and are still reminding me that God is making changes. That's all I need to know.

Endeavouring to keep the unity

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJV

This past week of sickness has knocked me out physically but these verses have really challenged me to keep my heart and mind fighting for the best attitude! Every time I wanted to just yell at someone, or something, or entertain my pity party, I felt a little nudge inside, saying, "bear with one another - endeavour to keep the unity!"