Scripture
– Philippians 4 NIV
Therefore,
my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand
firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
I
plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have
contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the
rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
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
every situation, 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 and sisters, 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.
I
rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.
Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not
saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all
this through him who gives me strength.
Yet
it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know,
in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from
Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving,
except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than
once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that
more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more
than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus
the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice,
pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of
his glory in Christ Jesus.
To
our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Greet
all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send
greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who
belong to Caesar’s household.
The
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
We visited
Victory again because a daughter had surgery and isn’t allowed to drive yet,
and we were happy to bring her and her family.
I
thought it unusual that the bass was so strong out in the lobby that I had to
resort to going outside, but in the doorway found some people to talk with and witness
to. I believe the loud bass was God’s way of getting me there. I’m sorry I didn’t
get to pray with them before they left for the sermon.
On
the way back into the church, I noticed the (I think) 6-child stroller getting filled
and got to pick up a few things the children dropped and quiet three who were
crying. It reminded me of some years ago when I was doing some repairs at a
church. I walked into the large daycare and as soon as I spoke all the children
quit crying. Before I left I let the wholly female staff know that I was not
the baby whisperer, just a male voice the children had not heard all day.
There
were baptisms scheduled in the impressive fountain with cross and waterfall,
but we could not stay.
The
message dealt with worry, and what we rest our mind on. We hopelessly wait to
see if we can trust God before we act.
As a
Marine, I came to fear nothing, though I often wondered if the bullet holes
were bigger would I have minded more. When Christ claimed me, I realized my
lack of fear was not bravado, but simple faith in our God Who reminds us not to
fear 365 times in His Word. My verse since He claimed me has been Philippians
4:13. Perhaps you would consider making it yours also.
Last
night I learned the Heimlich Maneuver by applying it to myself. I tried
absentmindedly to swallow some soft food I had not chewed well enough. There
was no fear, only wondering if my survivors would realize what had happened.
Our
daughter is temporarily unable to drive, so we offered to assist by
accompanying them today.
We
took part from the lobby seating for a variety of reasons.
The
message was part 4 of the series He In Me and focused on the 4th
chapter of Philippians. He spoke of the battle against worry, defining it as
letting fear govern your thoughts and leaving God out of the equation. Philippians
4:7 promises that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds, making it
possible for us to live independent of our circumstances, trusting in God and
His economy.
He
spoke of a scenario of which I’ve often thought: when we get to heaven, we will
know beyond any question that God has everything perfectly in hand and there is
nothing we need worry about. He said we should live like that BEFORE we die. I
agree completely.
Lord, we pray You will reassure Your church and calm every fear as they move forward in faith. Amen.
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