You may have noticed I added a "Christmas countdown counter" on the left-hand side ofmy blog. I had planned to wait until Christmas day to begin talking about my 2012 prayer focus, but it's been placed on my heart almost daily that I shouldn't wait. So . . . my 2012 prayer focus will be "A Year of Christmas."
I don't know all the in's and out's yet. I do know I've had some thoughts come to me that I need and want to explore more deeply. As Christians, we are called to be an "Easter people." And I so am! I am ecstatically, over the top grateful for the Cross. Don't get me wrong. But my focus in the year to come will be on the "before" of the Cross. It will begin with Mary, Joseph, Jesus the baby.
I'll be exploring my awe and wonder. I'll be asking myself - and God - how I can provide a Christmas blessing to someone else--whether that will be a prayer, a note, some act of kindness, etc., every day. So the focus will not be the commercial component that the world has made it. Rather, it will be about how can I share the gift of a tiny baby, born to a young girl over 2000 years ago.
It's mind-blowing, really! Don't you agree? I hope you'll join me in my journey of a year of Christmas living.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Showing posts with label Cross. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cross. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, August 17, 2009
Burdened? Lay it Down
This morning I installed the code for yet another prayer button Edie at Rich Gifts designed for a beautiful sister in Christ who is in the spiritual battle of her life--for her life. I felt weighed down and overwhelmed--not by the needs of my friend. Not by the effort to rally prayer warriors on my friend's behalf. I felt burdened as if I were personally responsible for the outcome of the prayers. I all too often fall into the trap of praying as if I were the one responsible for the result!
Yes, I felt burdened. Not "put upon" or inconvenienced. Burdened. You see, I spent several minutes in prayer this morning about some things in my life. Then I began to think of all the individuals I know and their need for prayer - some about huge, very specific matters of physical survival; others who must make decisions about their future or their children's future that will be life-changing. Some of them struggle with physical or emotional or spiritual issues. Some just need to feel blanketed in prayer to make it through each day.
All of us need prayer. All day. Every day. As one of those "I can do it" and "I'll take care of that" people, I tend to take on each burden of which I am made aware and carry it with me . . . until the burden becomes so large that I almost collapse under the weight of it.
That's because my burden is only to pray! Yes only. I am responsible to pray. God is in charge of the outcome! Let go, Mary. Let God. Pray in the name of Jesus for God's will -- not mine. Not even the will of those for whom we pray. No . . . we pray in the name of Jesus for the will of God to be established on His earth--in His world.
We are His beloved. Jesus already carried our burdens with him on the road to Golgotha. He hung upon the Cross so that we would know once and for all time that we are not alone, that we can be hopeful, that we are saved!
I believe in the power of prayer! I truly do. Having said that, I also know my own nature. I prayed this morning, both collectively and by name, for all those on my prayer list and for the prayer needs of others I may not be aware of.
Now I have laid that burden at the foot of the Cross. That is how I can best serve those in need of prayer -- pray. Then let go; let God.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12 NIV).
*(Photographer: Ake Dahllof and Emma Holmbro, from: Hill of Crosses)
Blessings on your journey,"
Mary
Yes, I felt burdened. Not "put upon" or inconvenienced. Burdened. You see, I spent several minutes in prayer this morning about some things in my life. Then I began to think of all the individuals I know and their need for prayer - some about huge, very specific matters of physical survival; others who must make decisions about their future or their children's future that will be life-changing. Some of them struggle with physical or emotional or spiritual issues. Some just need to feel blanketed in prayer to make it through each day.
All of us need prayer. All day. Every day. As one of those "I can do it" and "I'll take care of that" people, I tend to take on each burden of which I am made aware and carry it with me . . . until the burden becomes so large that I almost collapse under the weight of it.
That's because my burden is only to pray! Yes only. I am responsible to pray. God is in charge of the outcome! Let go, Mary. Let God. Pray in the name of Jesus for God's will -- not mine. Not even the will of those for whom we pray. No . . . we pray in the name of Jesus for the will of God to be established on His earth--in His world.
We are His beloved. Jesus already carried our burdens with him on the road to Golgotha. He hung upon the Cross so that we would know once and for all time that we are not alone, that we can be hopeful, that we are saved!I believe in the power of prayer! I truly do. Having said that, I also know my own nature. I prayed this morning, both collectively and by name, for all those on my prayer list and for the prayer needs of others I may not be aware of.
Now I have laid that burden at the foot of the Cross. That is how I can best serve those in need of prayer -- pray. Then let go; let God.
"When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when an enemy besieges them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel—each one aware of the afflictions of his own heart, and spreading out his hands toward this temple- 39 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men)"(1 Kings 8:37-39 NIV)
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12 NIV).
*(Photographer: Ake Dahllof and Emma Holmbro, from: Hill of Crosses)
Blessings on your journey,"
Mary
Friday, April 10, 2009
Because of the Cross
A number of years ago I attend an Emmaus Weekend. An Emmaus Walk is challenging to explain because the preference is that future participants not know everything that will take place throughout the Friday night-Sunday afternoon over which the experience takes place.
The weekend is planned to allow the "traveller" to experience Christ at a deep, personal level. It is a time of complete seclusion but for other Emmaus participants and the team of volunteers who serve as guides/servants/small group leaders. Every learning style is addressed and catered to. Music, food, study, small group sessions, large group sessions, personal testimonies, and so much more are intermingled with time to be alone, pray, reflect, walk or socialize and relax with others.
One of the two women "assigned" to my group of 5 women displayed seemingly boundless energy. She also was a deeply committed to making the experience as meaningful as possible for each of us. Each team member has been on the Walk themselves and then receive extensive training to become a team member for others. She was a true servant in that she continually brought us soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, snacks during sessions.
She prayed with and for each us indvidually and as a group. I know the team got almost no sleep throughout the course of the weekend, buy this woman never wavered in her willingness to jump up and be sure we were catered to like royalty.
I cried many tears that weekend. In fact I'm wellng up as I type this just recalling the experience. My tears then were for my sinfulness; for my abject grief and shame. My tears were due to my absolute inability to grasp why and how God could love me enough to send Christ.
I lost any perception of composure when this young woman prayed over me after one of our small group discussions came to a close. This was her prayer: "Lord we know that you died for us. But Lord, today I need Mary to know that you would have died just for her. If she had been the only one in need of your gift, you would have died just for her."
I had never and have never been one who said I was "born again." I am blessed that even during the years I did not go to church as a young adult, that I knew Christ and His love for me. This day, though, the magnitude of the gift washed over me. The vestiges of unworthiness and self-loathing began to erode. My tears and the tears I have cried since began to wash away the past - the life I lived before I knew and fully accepted that Jesus would have died JUST FOR ME.
He would have died JUST FOR YOU, too. That's called grace. We don't deserve it - you and me - your OR me. But He did it anyway--and he would have just for you; just for me.
Because of the Cross I long for eternity in heaven. Because of the Cross I live for Christ. Because of Christ I am free and whole and worthy. Because of Easter I am like those women at the empty tomb 2000 years ago - awed, amazed, full of hope and joy!
"Because of the Cross" is the answer to every question in my life.
Because of the Cross.
If you have a post about the true meaning of Easter, please visit Becoming Me to let others know about it.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Have You Not Known? Have You Not Heard?
I'm in an odd place in my life these days. Some of my dreams are beginning to come true. Actually, some of them are dreams I never dared to dream for myself are right on the horizon. Others have been dreaming them for me though, and praying for me, and uplifting me all along the way. For so long I didn't imagine the dreams they saw in my future could really come true.
I knew somewhere deep inside me that God had a dream for me too. I have spent a lot of time and energy assuring others that they were created for a specific purpose on the earth! But like a teacher who never lives what she teaches, I held back in my own life. It wasn't a fear of failure, because even the ventures and ideas I've had in the past that didn't pan out were never counted as failures in my mind. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Right?
Throughout the past year I've been doing some very intentional, deep spiritual work. I've let go of a lot of what was holding me back from God's dream for me. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:11-12) I don't exactly know when things changed--when I changed. I didn't just wake up one morning as someone/something new!
My husband has been a role model and a tremendous rock of encouragement as he has experienced his own transformation. I have witnessed and benefitted from his grace, his wisdom, his strength and his sense of hope. Yes, he had some down times, even to the point of falling into depression. But he pulled himself out of it through his faith in the strength and power of Christ.
God also planned some "divine circumstances" in my life. He has brought people into my life who have been loving and encouraging and also held me accountable for my own growth and prayed for me. Some of them have helped me more than they "had to" and done things for me that they had no reason to do except that they were responding to God's promptings in their own lives.
The Lord is the everlasting God who does not grow faint or weary. He has sustained me, protected me, taught me and refined me. He continues to prepare me for His dream for my life. I am yielding more and more to Him. I have nothing that did not come from Him. My only choice, then is to give Him back what He has given me.
I love my God so very much that sometimes it just hurts. I stand in awe of His capacity to tend to the details of my life while the entire universe spins on its path. He renews my strength each day.
Whatever we may be going through, no matter how down and out we feel, no matter what life throws our way, there is a way out and a way up. We know it's true because God came to earth 2000 years ago to take the form of a man. He died on a cross and rose again from the grave into victory so that we could receive a victory of our own. God wants us to live into His dream for us. We just need to keep our eye on the Cross and we will accomplish it.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary, his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
I knew somewhere deep inside me that God had a dream for me too. I have spent a lot of time and energy assuring others that they were created for a specific purpose on the earth! But like a teacher who never lives what she teaches, I held back in my own life. It wasn't a fear of failure, because even the ventures and ideas I've had in the past that didn't pan out were never counted as failures in my mind. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Right?
Throughout the past year I've been doing some very intentional, deep spiritual work. I've let go of a lot of what was holding me back from God's dream for me. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:11-12) I don't exactly know when things changed--when I changed. I didn't just wake up one morning as someone/something new!
My husband has been a role model and a tremendous rock of encouragement as he has experienced his own transformation. I have witnessed and benefitted from his grace, his wisdom, his strength and his sense of hope. Yes, he had some down times, even to the point of falling into depression. But he pulled himself out of it through his faith in the strength and power of Christ.
God also planned some "divine circumstances" in my life. He has brought people into my life who have been loving and encouraging and also held me accountable for my own growth and prayed for me. Some of them have helped me more than they "had to" and done things for me that they had no reason to do except that they were responding to God's promptings in their own lives.
The Lord is the everlasting God who does not grow faint or weary. He has sustained me, protected me, taught me and refined me. He continues to prepare me for His dream for my life. I am yielding more and more to Him. I have nothing that did not come from Him. My only choice, then is to give Him back what He has given me.I love my God so very much that sometimes it just hurts. I stand in awe of His capacity to tend to the details of my life while the entire universe spins on its path. He renews my strength each day.
Whatever we may be going through, no matter how down and out we feel, no matter what life throws our way, there is a way out and a way up. We know it's true because God came to earth 2000 years ago to take the form of a man. He died on a cross and rose again from the grave into victory so that we could receive a victory of our own. God wants us to live into His dream for us. We just need to keep our eye on the Cross and we will accomplish it.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary, his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Victory Won On The Cross
I could start out my post by saying that I really love Hebrews in the New Testament, but then I really love the entire bible in all its richness, history and wisdom. Looking back over about 4 years of devotional posts at Worship for the Weekday the very first blog I ever had, back when blogging was still fairly new, I indicated that many of the books of the bible were "my favorite"! This one really strikes me today.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
I'm physically almost fully recovered from the sinus infection I had for over two weeks. I think I may also have been suffering from a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder. I had thought I would not be afflicted with SAD this winter, but I have a suspicion that explains the funk I've been in for a while.
I received this verse via an email service to which I subscribe. I just took a deep breath and felt my whole body relax when I read these words. They are stunningly beautiful and I appreciate they don't give me a checklist, but rather offer a promise and a hope that is unimaginable to the human mind.
I really have much about which to rejoice. So I'm going to share those things and then I'm going to get out of this funk and get busy with my writing and my housework and the other things I have been putting off.
First, some time ago we discovered we needed to find a new primary care physician when our insurance changed the list of approved practitioners. We were a little sorry, but had been feeling we needed to make a change anyway, so it has worked out well. The new relatively young, very personable and bright doctor we now go to is kind and very polite, but he is also, as he puts it "aggressive" about treating and/or preventing health issues, both current and potential future ones. (Sorry, that was a really long sentence:-)
I like him a lot and he ordered a bunch of blood work, etc., as all good doctors do when you're a new patient. Anyone who knows me know I am overweight and have struggled with my weight my entire life. I was not surprised when the report came back: high cholesterol, high blood pressure; borderline vitamin D level, and some other issues. The one that caught my attention was my blood sugar level. In other words, if I keep my current lifestyle and eating habits, I'll be a diabetic within a year.
THAT got my attention! My weight is really one of the last strongholds I have previously refused to relenquish to God. I have done a great deal of deep spiritual work to overcome some other issues and I have given over a lot to my Lord, but food has just continued to win out. Oh, I've lost weight before - sometimes in the past even quite a bit of weight, but I've always gained it back. Part of it is I guess a self-esteem issue, a lack of feeling valued or valuable. Part of it is spiritual and all of it is mental!
So 5 weeks ago after I received these distressing numbers I made a breakthrough. Yep, I gave it to God! He is blessing me right now with opportunities I never imagined I would have as a writer, a mother, a wife, a friend and a disciple of Christ. I gave myself a good swift kick in the pants and decided that I have had enough. I want to be healthy and whole so that I can do all that God is calling me to do. I want to be healthy and whole for my family as well. They need me and I love my role as caretaker for them. I can't do anything well if I'm not at my best mentally, spiritually and physically.
So . . . I've lost 12 pounds. Oh, don't get me wrong, I know at this point some will say, "Yeah, but you've lost 12 pounds before. . ." Actually, no, that would be Satan! He's attacking me in other areas of my life right now, because he's not winning this battle! I'm not going crazy dieting up a storm. I'm making better, healthier food choices, learning to pray through times I eat out of habit or stress and God has taken away my craving for unhealthy foods!
I've reread several times the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness before he began his ministry. . . Satan isn't happy about that either:-)
So how do we win the battles in our lives? How can we be victorious against the world, against Satan and even against our own stubborn will? Well . . . let's get back to this verse:
1) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Don't watch the ads on television, don't listen to the negative, sad, angry people in your life who are bringing you down. Fix your eyes on JESUS.
2) the author and perfecter of our faith, We don't need any guide books, how-to-manuals or expensive programs or plans to hear God's word and then figure out how to carry it out. Why? Because Jesus is the AUTHOR AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH.
3) who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, There is nothing we will endure in this life that we can't get through. The reason that is true is because of the Savior, who hung on the Cross for us. He suffered so we would have the ULTIMATE GIFT OF GOD'S GRACE.
4) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The sacrifice of Christ won us ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN.
So, whatever stronghold has a hold of your body, your mind, your heart or your soul, look to the Cross, my brothers and sisters. Look to the Cross.
Don't consider any setback a failure! Look at it as a chance to return again to the foot of the Cross. Rejoice that you have yet another opportunity to offer up a part of your life to God and His will for your life.
but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. (Psalm 44:7)
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. (Psalm 18:35)
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Psalm 1 Corinthians 15:57)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
I'm physically almost fully recovered from the sinus infection I had for over two weeks. I think I may also have been suffering from a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder. I had thought I would not be afflicted with SAD this winter, but I have a suspicion that explains the funk I've been in for a while.
I received this verse via an email service to which I subscribe. I just took a deep breath and felt my whole body relax when I read these words. They are stunningly beautiful and I appreciate they don't give me a checklist, but rather offer a promise and a hope that is unimaginable to the human mind.
I really have much about which to rejoice. So I'm going to share those things and then I'm going to get out of this funk and get busy with my writing and my housework and the other things I have been putting off.
First, some time ago we discovered we needed to find a new primary care physician when our insurance changed the list of approved practitioners. We were a little sorry, but had been feeling we needed to make a change anyway, so it has worked out well. The new relatively young, very personable and bright doctor we now go to is kind and very polite, but he is also, as he puts it "aggressive" about treating and/or preventing health issues, both current and potential future ones. (Sorry, that was a really long sentence:-)
I like him a lot and he ordered a bunch of blood work, etc., as all good doctors do when you're a new patient. Anyone who knows me know I am overweight and have struggled with my weight my entire life. I was not surprised when the report came back: high cholesterol, high blood pressure; borderline vitamin D level, and some other issues. The one that caught my attention was my blood sugar level. In other words, if I keep my current lifestyle and eating habits, I'll be a diabetic within a year.
THAT got my attention! My weight is really one of the last strongholds I have previously refused to relenquish to God. I have done a great deal of deep spiritual work to overcome some other issues and I have given over a lot to my Lord, but food has just continued to win out. Oh, I've lost weight before - sometimes in the past even quite a bit of weight, but I've always gained it back. Part of it is I guess a self-esteem issue, a lack of feeling valued or valuable. Part of it is spiritual and all of it is mental!
So 5 weeks ago after I received these distressing numbers I made a breakthrough. Yep, I gave it to God! He is blessing me right now with opportunities I never imagined I would have as a writer, a mother, a wife, a friend and a disciple of Christ. I gave myself a good swift kick in the pants and decided that I have had enough. I want to be healthy and whole so that I can do all that God is calling me to do. I want to be healthy and whole for my family as well. They need me and I love my role as caretaker for them. I can't do anything well if I'm not at my best mentally, spiritually and physically.
So . . . I've lost 12 pounds. Oh, don't get me wrong, I know at this point some will say, "Yeah, but you've lost 12 pounds before. . ." Actually, no, that would be Satan! He's attacking me in other areas of my life right now, because he's not winning this battle! I'm not going crazy dieting up a storm. I'm making better, healthier food choices, learning to pray through times I eat out of habit or stress and God has taken away my craving for unhealthy foods!
I've reread several times the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness before he began his ministry. . . Satan isn't happy about that either:-)
So how do we win the battles in our lives? How can we be victorious against the world, against Satan and even against our own stubborn will? Well . . . let's get back to this verse:
1) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Don't watch the ads on television, don't listen to the negative, sad, angry people in your life who are bringing you down. Fix your eyes on JESUS.
2) the author and perfecter of our faith, We don't need any guide books, how-to-manuals or expensive programs or plans to hear God's word and then figure out how to carry it out. Why? Because Jesus is the AUTHOR AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH.
3) who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, There is nothing we will endure in this life that we can't get through. The reason that is true is because of the Savior, who hung on the Cross for us. He suffered so we would have the ULTIMATE GIFT OF GOD'S GRACE.
4) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The sacrifice of Christ won us ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN.
So, whatever stronghold has a hold of your body, your mind, your heart or your soul, look to the Cross, my brothers and sisters. Look to the Cross.
Don't consider any setback a failure! Look at it as a chance to return again to the foot of the Cross. Rejoice that you have yet another opportunity to offer up a part of your life to God and His will for your life.
but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. (Psalm 44:7)
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. (Psalm 18:35)
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Psalm 1 Corinthians 15:57)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Whatsoever Things Are True
I have been experiencing quite a few changes in my life lately and more are on the way. Some of the changes are or will be rather painful and I find myself all tied up in knots from time to time, thinking and worrying about some things I believe I need to do in order to be obedient to God’s plan for me in the next stage of my life. The decisions are not necessarily any easier to make even believing they are in line with that plan! Situations like this call for peace of mind and heart. I came across the following verses this evening and I know I will re-read them often in the weeks to come.
Philippians 4:8,9 KJV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
This is really a tall order to my mind. Honesty, justice, purity, loveliness and being of good reputation: these are challenging qualities to live into and to live out. I don’t actually even know anyone who possesses or demonstrates all of them in one package even a majority of the time! Yet we are assured that in our striving for all that is honest, just, pure, lovely, positive and virtuous we will find peace. Even if our striving makes others uncomfortable, or may cause us to be shunned, we are to strive nonetheless.
The peace Paul speaks of is not just a quiet calm. He’s referring to a peace that surpasses anything we can create or bring about on our own—the peace that surpasses understanding. That kind of peace is only possible through Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul’s not suggesting that we’re to walk around wearing “rose colored glasses.” He is simply pointing out that if we are to find genuine, true and lasting peace of mind and heart, we should focus on Jesus and the promise He fulfilled.
I’m one of those individuals who tends to mull things over, then turn them over, then break them down to the lowest common denominator, then mull some more! Paul chastises me that I am not being very wise in acting this way. My negativity impacts not only my own life, but the lives of everyone in my sphere of influence. Rather, He urges us to focus on those issues of eternal importance. This world will one day pass away and all the earthly woes we spent time and energy focusing on will pass away with it. That’s why we need to keep our eye on the Cross.
These verses also speak to the kind of people we are expected to be. Not only are we to think on things that are positive and good and life-affirming, we are to be positive and good and world-enhancing people. We are to be virtuous, just, honest, upright and “peace-bearers.” In other words, we are to be Christ to a world that is largely false, dishonest, unjust, ugly and lacking in virtue. That is very challenging! Speaking for myself, I fall short each and every day!
Paul is in prison when he pens these words! He is truly a source of inspirational words. His source is his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and the life Christ won for us on the Cross. If Paul can be so uplifting and Christ-focused from a prison cell, I don’t think many of us have very good excuses not to follow Paul’s teachings.
I pray, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in [Paul, you will] do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” And I pray He will also be with me.
Philippians 4:8,9 KJV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
This is really a tall order to my mind. Honesty, justice, purity, loveliness and being of good reputation: these are challenging qualities to live into and to live out. I don’t actually even know anyone who possesses or demonstrates all of them in one package even a majority of the time! Yet we are assured that in our striving for all that is honest, just, pure, lovely, positive and virtuous we will find peace. Even if our striving makes others uncomfortable, or may cause us to be shunned, we are to strive nonetheless.
The peace Paul speaks of is not just a quiet calm. He’s referring to a peace that surpasses anything we can create or bring about on our own—the peace that surpasses understanding. That kind of peace is only possible through Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul’s not suggesting that we’re to walk around wearing “rose colored glasses.” He is simply pointing out that if we are to find genuine, true and lasting peace of mind and heart, we should focus on Jesus and the promise He fulfilled.
I’m one of those individuals who tends to mull things over, then turn them over, then break them down to the lowest common denominator, then mull some more! Paul chastises me that I am not being very wise in acting this way. My negativity impacts not only my own life, but the lives of everyone in my sphere of influence. Rather, He urges us to focus on those issues of eternal importance. This world will one day pass away and all the earthly woes we spent time and energy focusing on will pass away with it. That’s why we need to keep our eye on the Cross.
These verses also speak to the kind of people we are expected to be. Not only are we to think on things that are positive and good and life-affirming, we are to be positive and good and world-enhancing people. We are to be virtuous, just, honest, upright and “peace-bearers.” In other words, we are to be Christ to a world that is largely false, dishonest, unjust, ugly and lacking in virtue. That is very challenging! Speaking for myself, I fall short each and every day!
Paul is in prison when he pens these words! He is truly a source of inspirational words. His source is his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and the life Christ won for us on the Cross. If Paul can be so uplifting and Christ-focused from a prison cell, I don’t think many of us have very good excuses not to follow Paul’s teachings.
I pray, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in [Paul, you will] do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” And I pray He will also be with me.
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