Month: November 2024

On The Things to Dwell On

Philippians 4:6-8 NASB.  6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Philippians 4:6-8 NLT. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Philippians 4:6-8 MSG. 6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.  8 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

Philippians 4:6-8 VOICE. 6 Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. 7 And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.  8 Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.

Observation

Philippi was a Roman military colony on the Egnatian Road, the main road between Rome and Byzantium (modern day Istanbul, Turkey).  This community of Christians (mostly converted Gentiles) faced struggles from inside and out that seriously undermined their peace.  The predominant religion was the Roman Caesar as God and Savior.  There were also those within the Christian community that preached the necessity to follow Jewish practices, such as circumcision, to “seal” their commitment to Christ. 

At this time Nero was Caesar, a ruler infamous for using humans as torches to light the road or as fodder for animals to tear apart for gruesome “entertainment” in the arena.  It is remarkable to note that Paul is writing this warm, transparent and engaging letter of encouragement while imprisoned in Rome waiting to see this same Caesar face-to-face. Truly, Paul is speaking from his own experience in how to dwell in that peace that passes all understanding despite every challenge, circumstance and fear.   I am an encourager, so I love the Book of Philippians. What Paul says in this passage is really part of the bottom line of any encouraging message and hearkens back for me to Joshua’s challenge to “choose this day whom you will serve.”  

These passages written during treacherous times issue the same challenge to choose your Master.  We can serve the Enemy and focus on the fearful, painful, unjust, despicable, ungodly, ugly and cruel and allow ourselves to be overwhelmed or discouraged by them OR we can choose to serve the One True God and imitate Paul as he imitates Christ – don’t waste time worrying, pray instead, putting all in God’s hands, resting in the peace that He has it all under control.  It is our opportunity to put the cost to us in His hands AND choose “filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” 

Impact on Me

I must confess that this current political season and secular culture are presenting me with an in-your-face opportunity to choose which way I respond to these verses.  The politics seem so caustic, so partisan, so ugly.  The culture around me seems to be worshipping the ungodly, the superficial, the pursuit of pleasure, self-adoration and acquisition.  But, how different is this society, this culture, from the one at the time these words were written?  The Emperor Nero is the definition of absolute power absolutely corrupted; the Roman society stands even today as one of the most decadent and depraved of all time.  Yet, Paul instructs the Philippians to remember that, while we are to be good citizens of our earthly country, we are really citizens of Heaven, subjects of the King of Kings, servants of the Lord of Lords and responsible ultimately to Him alone for our conduct, our choices. 

Paul is teaching me (and us all) how to be good and faithful servants of our true Master regardless of what earthly masters or leaders may do. Our God sets up leaders and takes down leaders to serve His will and purpose, to orchestrate history as He has planned. He also sets His people, His servants, in the midst of darkness to provide the light of Christ as a means out of the darkness into the eternal light of His salvation.  Why should I be surprised at the darkness that surrounds/encroaches us?  Isn’t this my opportunity to be a means of rescue for those who know nothing but darkness, who embrace it as a hiding place or the only safe place for them? 

If I take up Paul’s challenge to pray, put my trust in my God and remember and meditate “on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse”, I will be encouraged to see myself as part of the unending string of lights that extends throughout the world and all history, bringing escape for the lost through faith, hope, peace, joy, redemption, restoration, healing, mercy, grace and love that drives back the darkness – regardless of how dark, overwhelming or pervasive the darkness may appear.

Devotion

Lord God, All-Knowing, All-Powerful, the One Who is Never Surprised or Dismayed, forgive me for allowing myself to be discouraged by what I see and hear, causing me to feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of circumstances.  I never want to doubt You, Your ability to effect change, Your power to fulfill Your eternal plan and purpose. Let me forget to complain, despair, and worry because I am overwhelmed with Your presence, with gratitude for Your grace, Your mercy, Your blessings, Your love. Constantly remind me to look to You, to present myself before You to pray and believe for what appears impossible, to seek out Your presence and Your word as instruction to me, to be content with where You set me to shine, so I may always be Your encouragement to those who are lost, struggling, defeated or discouraged. I pray this all in the name of Jesus. Make it so.

On God Is Not Performance Based


Ephesians 2:8-10 Phillips But even though we were dead in our sins God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, gave us life together with Christ—it is, remember, by grace and not by achievement that you are saved—and has lifted us right out of the old life to take our place with him in Christ in the Heavens. Thus he shows for all time the tremendous generosity of the grace and kindness he has expressed towards us in Christ Jesus. It was nothing you could or did achieve—it was God’s gift to you. No one can pride himself upon earning the love of God. The fact is that what we are we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do.

Observation

“It is by grace and not by achievement that you are saved… It was nothing you could or did achieve—it was God’s gift to you.”  This is a difficult concept for those of us raised in a culture that so highly values – even worships – achievement.  Worldly fame brings power and influence that are not rooted in the character and wisdom to unselfishly wield them.  How else can we explain the adoring fans of singers or sports figures who accept whatever might be said or done by these icons as guidance for living life?   This letter of Paul is written to Ephesian Christians who are struggling with what they are being taught as good and normal by their achievement-based culture and religion.  Paul is saying to them, “Why would you go back again to the dead “wisdom” of the world when you have access to the living wisdom of our God?” 

When I was a child, would I hand a gift back to my parent and say, “I am not worthy to receive this.  I can’t believe I have the privilege of receiving this gift.  I have not worked to earn it.”?  Of course not!  Refusing a gift would be doubting my parents’ love and ability to care for me.  As children, we are dependent upon our parents for everything.  This is like the covenant of old where a stronger person makes a promise to adopt, protect and provide for the weaker as his own family.  This relationship, this adoption into God’s family, is what Jesus offers to us through the Cross – a covenant relationship where we can be safe and secure, cared for and loved, not because we are worthy but because He is.    Ephesians is full of who we are and what is promised when we are “in Christ” – something so priceless that it must be given free for us ever to receive it.  To refuse the free nature of the gift devalues the Giver’s love and purpose in the giving.

Impact on Me

This free gift of grace – unearned and priceless – seems too good to be true.  The nature of it truly goes against the natural order of things.  So much of the time, worldly gifts come with an expectation of return in kind, tit for tat.  How can such an incomparable gift, such a windfall of grace and mercy, truly be mine without working for it, earning it or providing pay back?   How can I accept that God’s love for me is that deep, wide and full, that unconditional, that enduring?   This is the covenant, the promise, of provision, protection and relationship we are provided by being in Christ.  How grateful am I?  Can I rest and trust in a relationship where I get all the benefit and, out of gratitude and love, my return gift is my life?  Can I truly submit to Him and, regardless of the cost, commit to fulfill His will and purpose in my life?  Only with the strength, courage and commitment provided by God in all His persons can I hope to do so.

Devotion

Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, how wondrous is Your love for us.  In Christ, we are adopted by You as children, family, blood relatives, through grace and grace alone.  May I never reduce the value of the gift by trying to earn Your favor.  How can I truly show my gratitude except by living and being in the gift because of the faithfulness and love of the Giver?  Teach me to surrender to You in all things so I may be an instrument in Your hand to offer the same gift of salvation to those who do not yet know You.  Remind me to depend fully on You to lead and guide me in what I say and do so that I always bring mercy, grace, healing and deliverance into every place I am.  Make it so, in Jesus’ name.

On Just Trust Me

Mark 5:36 (MSG)  While he was still talking, some people came from the leader’s house and told him, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?”  Jesus overheard what they were talking about and said to the leader, “Don’t listen to them; just trust me.”

Mark 5:35-36 JPB  While he was still speaking, messengers arrived from the synagogue president’s house, saying, “Your daughter is dead—there is no need to bother the master any further.”  But when Jesus heard this, he said, “Now don’t be afraid, just go on believing!”

Observation

This chapter has Jesus on the offensive with what was considered the impossible – free a  man who has become famous for unbridled madness, raise to life a girl who is dead, and heal a woman with a long history of incurable illness.  The impossibility of changing these conditions is perfectly obvious and accepted by everyone else.  BUT overcoming and reversing the impossible doesn’t give Jesus the slightest pause.  Was He sure that everyone He prayed for would be healed or did He only choose to pray for those who had the faith to receive the healing?  Certainly, the madman and the dead girl did not exhibit faith and, yet, they were still healed.  Apparently, the parents’ faith was enough for their daughter.

I remember in Matthew 13:58, when Jesus was in His hometown, that “He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.”  Did only a few see past the boy they watched grow up to be a miracle worker and the Messiah?  Or was it because He chose not to pray for many?  Did He only pray for those who He perceived had faith to believe?  There were certainly those He invited to follow that refused (the rich, young ruler).  There were times when He healed many, which seems not to be all.  Were there also those who were offered healing and refused to receive it?  These are questions with answers that are only speculation on our part.  Perhaps we need only to lean on the grace and mercy extended to the father in Mark 9:24, “24 “I do believe,” the boy’s father burst out. “Help me to believe more!” (Phillips)

Impact on Me

“Now don’t be afraid, just go on believing!”  I want to take the admonition of Jesus in this verse seriously – always, but especially when the situation is dire.  How many times have I hesitated to pray the impossible even when I feel that internal urging to “keep on believing”?  Is it because of fear or pride?  Have I rationalized giving up or in by assenting to “I don’t want to get my hopes up in case nothing happens”.  I don’t think that was Jesus’ motivation or the instructions He gave to His disciples or what He said to those who came to receive. 

I am not suggesting that we run amok by foregoing medicine and doctors or abandoning the other resources available to us.  I am suggesting that we see our enemy through Jesus’ eyes.  I do believe He wants us all to seek Him out, listen for His instruction, be completely submitted to Him, and faithful to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit when He asks us all to go on the offensive against the sin, sickness or tempting situation we face. It must be the same faith and effort extended when I have been asked to agree in prayer for another in Christ.  I never want to forget that Jesus died to provide for me to be a working part of His Body, ready to defend, protect and support the other parts.

Devotion

Lord God Almighty, Holy, Eternal, Father, let me never forget to worship You in all I do.  May I see with the eyes of Jesus and perceive with His heart so I never forget that “impossible” is not part of Your vocabulary.  Also, I never want to forget that my wants, my desires, my assessment of what should be must always be subject to Your plan and purpose.  Although some will refuse what You offer, Your grace and power to save, heal and deliver is never diminished, never insufficient, never inadequate for those who will receive.  May I be faithful to reach out at Your command without hesitation and allow the eternal results to rest with You whether I see visible results or not.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.