MONDAY MANNA

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. On the first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse I introduced at my blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

Anyone is welcome to participate. Stop by An Open Book to link up with others. My comments follow.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:4-9 NIV).

Paul's words are so rich! Every time I read his words I can almost feel the energy and sense of urgency with which he spoke!

Paul had a lot of lost time to make up for. He had spent most of his life hating the very people he later labored so passionately to bring to Christ! More than that, he had hunted down and murdered them! Knowing this one may ask how he can exhort us to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice"

Paul is in awe of the gift of grace Christ won for us. More, he is astounded! That is the source of his sense of urgency, his passion, his zeal. Paul bids us to turn away from the sinful ways of our past and begin living a life that glorifies Christ in all things.

My prayer is that some day I become such a shining example that every thing I think and say and do will lead others to Christ. Until that time, I labor to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy."

Rejoice and pray. In all things at all times. Heaven awaits us! Pray that we can be a beacon for others and rejoice that even in our failing, God loves us. Rejoice that Christ won eternal life for us and pray that we can lead others to that glorious truth with every moment of our lives.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary