With a gracious heart so overflowing with love and gratitude, Paul closes his letter to the church of Philippi with an emotion laden conclusion.  So grateful for their gift; while at the same time, understanding the sacrifice they had made.  He did not want them to feel obligated by his gratitude; yet, he wanted them to know how much he appreciated it.  They were the only church to send him support.  Remember, they had even sent one of their own to be with him and comfort him while he, imprisoned must have felt so alone.  Oh, yes; he reminds them that God strengthens him when abased and when plenteous; however, that did not diminish in his eyes their gracious gifts to him.  Furthermore, he prayed to the God for their reward for such an unselfish act of Grace toward him.

PHILIPPIANS 4:

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Imprisoned for his faith, previously beaten, stoned and left for dead; Paul the Apostle laid out the 7 Steps that guarantee anyone who follows them to have a heart filled with the peace of God. His future uncertain, plagued by a “thorn in the flesh”, isolated from those whom he loved; how could he speak of peace.  Paul’s world: continuously filled with conflict, trials, and disappointments by the world’s standards.  So, how could he teach others the steps to knowing peace? He knew how difficult this journey can be; yet, his heart overflowed with peace. Because he had lived through many trials and still had peace, he was the perfect one to teach the steps to these young Christians.  We find these 7 steps outlined in Philippians 4. Let’s begin by reading these verses and then break them down one by one.

PHILIPPIANS 4:

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Saturday, I was rushing around, trying to finish the videos of the grandchildren’s visit, while, beating myself up for having not accomplished all my to do list.  At the same time, I was preparing dinner to take to the guys at the In2Action ministry.  In2Action is a ministry to assist those who have lost their way, been imprisoned, and trying to get a fresh start.  Their motto is: “Crime Prevention through Personal Redemption.”  The men are given opportunities to restart their life through growing in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Once or twice a month I prepare food, go over and just spend time with them. Most of the time, I wonder who is more blessed by this ministry, me or them.

So, Saturday; while rushing around the pie wasn’t coming out right, the macaroni was sticking, and the videos were each slowly recording. Finally, I rushed out of the house; having baked the pie crust solo to crumble under cherry pie filling and ice cream.  The macaroni and cheese which I made from a rue for the very first time; finally came out smooth.  A counter top grill pan and brat burgers to cook there with all the trimmings thrown into the car as I rushed out.  As soon as I arrived, they came out to unload my car. Continue reading How to Develop a Ministry Based on Unconditional Love →

As we press for the mark for the prize of the high calling of Christ; we must remain aware that we have not day to day reached perfection.  However, God declares us perfect by the blood of Christ and continuously sets about the task of transforming us into that perfection.  Beyond that, we must be constantly mindful of God’s truth.  Those who know Christ Jesus as Savior, maturing in the faith; live in harmony with each other.  There may be some minor differences; because, each are in varying degrees of maturity.  However, there remains a harmony of thought based on the truth of God’s Word and the uncompromising foundations in God’s word. Always mindful to remain humble followers of God’s Truth, growing toward the perfection we have been richly provided by grace alone; we march forward through this journey in harmony with other followers of Christ with discernment.

When looking toward others and choosing teachers along this journey, we must remain in harmony; while at the same using discernment.  Furthermore, we pray that God reveal the truth to us, always guiding us into a deeper knowledge of Himself.  Paul wrote just that in Philippians 3: 15-16

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Harmony with Discernment

Continue reading Harmony and Discernment-How to have both →