To Live Is…?

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During my morning devotional time I have been studying from the book of Philippians, with a focus on joy. More specifically, what is it about Paul, a man in prison, who could write a book on joy. Prison was not the only tribulation Paul faced, consider this:

²⁴ From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶ in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷ in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—  (2 Corinthians 11:24-27 NKJV)

 

 

I touched on Paul’s joy in my last post. This week I wish to share with you one more nugget of truth.

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21 NKJV)

As I read this passage of scripture, I must ponder how I would word this sentence as it applies to me. “For me to live is______ and to die is ______.” Fill in the blanks.  I do not know about you, but the second part, I could say. That is, “to die is gain.” This I know as a believer in Christ Jesus, I have a future in heaven well beyond my wildest immigration. I desire to live for whatever time God has appointed for me. However, I sure do look forward to what awaits me once I step into eternity.

Now for the first part, could I truly say, “For me to live is Christ?” Yea, I could say it, but how honest would I be with myself? Would this be more accurate? “To live is me?” 

Yes, I love Jesus. I love serving and going to church. I enjoy me relationship with the Lord. I love other believers. However, in this fallen sinful state, I want myself to come first. Just think for a moment of the troubles we face which are the results of selfishness.

Paul was a different breed. In spite of all his hardships, Paul lived a successful and fulfilling life in the Lord. A life overflowing with joy. After Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, he lived for Christ. Here in lies another nugget of truth. Paul lived an unselfish life. He was a man who could say, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” “Paul’s life was not his own, but for the glory of Christ. He dedicated his life to living in the will of God and advancing the gospel. He was willing to go through what ever for the benefit of others. He rejoiced in the gospel going forth. With this attitude, how could he be anything but joyful?

In Prison...Or not!

   …my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel…

 Philippians 1:7 NKJV

Paul wrote this from prison, “…my chains are in Christ…” (Philippians 1:13) Paul did not feel bound by the restraints of prison because his chains were in Christ. As for us today, we need not necessarily be in prison to feel imprisoned and hopeless. Maybe some circumstances, such as an illness or lack of a particular skill may leave one feeling as though they are trapped, unable to live with joy or accomplish something of value. Oh how discouraging this can be. I have to ask, how is it that someone in prison could write a book about “Joy?" The Apostle Paul did just that. The book of Philippians is often called “The Book of Joy,” which was written by Paul from prison. Spend some time studying the book of Philippians and one could discover some clues. In this post however, I am going to focus on just one of them. Paul saw being in prison as an opportunity to glorify the Lord because his chains were in Christ, not the prison. 

I know if I was in prison, I would not be a happy camper. However Paul had an entirely different attitude. Paul rejoiced in the work Jesus was doing through his circumstances instead of being discouraged over what he was going through. Paul set his eyes upward on the Lord and outward on other people, not inward and self pity. Paul took the attitude “for me to live is Christ, to die is gain…” (Philippians 1:21) and counted all things he lost as rubbish for the knowledge of Christ. (See Philippians 3:8) Because Paul’s chains were in Christ, he trusted the Lord through the trials he faced and the Lord used him greatly. This brought Paul great joy.

“so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ  Philippians 1:13 NKJV

“and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:14 NKJV

“…Christ is preached; in this I rejoice, yes, I rejoice.”

Philippians 1:18b NKJV

When one chooses living for Christ regardless of the circumstances, God will use their life for His good purposes. God’s purposes are always good. Whatever situation we are going through, it is only temporary and God will work it for good. Another wonderful thing, one may rejoice through the situation which they face because many lives may be changed. The hurting may be comforted. The lost may come to know the Lord. God will use us to advance His kingdom if we are a willing vessels trusting the Lord while having faith that He knows what He is doing.

When I choose living for Christ, advancing the Gospel and glorifying Christ becomes my main mission in life. I can live to advance my wealth, fame, popularity, have more fun, or live a more comfortable life, all of which is only temporary. One day, all the earthly things I build will all come to an end. But the treasure I store up in heaven will last forever. What is going to be my main mission in life? Remember Jesus said, “I have come to give life, and to give it more abundantly.” (See John 10:10) If I choose developing the attitude of Paul’s, how can I fail in life? Jesus will be with me. It is not by my strength I succeed, it is by God’s strength and Jesus working through me that I succeed. Through Christ, I have an abundant life, regardless of the circumstances I may face in life.

The Natural Man

 ¹⁴ But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)

When I was reading this earlier today, something occurred to me; "At times I can be that natural man." Since I can be that natural man, I must ask myself this question: "When am I that natural man?"

 
A. When I ignore scripture or twist it to my liking because I do not want to give something up. Then there are them times I do not want to do something God is calling me to do. "But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." (Jonah 1:3 NKJV)

B. When I trust my heart instead of trusting the truth of God's Word. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?." (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV)

C. When I am worried. Worry is a powerful distraction, isn't it? It can consume ones thoughts leaving no room for anything else. "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" (Matthew 6:27 NKJV)

The thing is, we serve a infinite God with all knowledge and wisdom. He spoke all of creation into existence by the word of His mouth. He said,"Let their be..." and it was. God knows the beginning from the end and He wants nothing but the best for us. He came down from heaven to earth to die for sinners like me. Why in the world would I let the foolish things of this world distract me from receiving what God has for me?

One last thought; maybe today God wants to give me some wisdom. Maybe He wants me to avoid something harmful. Then again, He could want to give me peace and comfort. Or else, maybe He wants to equip me for something. How would I know if I am not willing to come to Him in prayer and open His word, the Bible?

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, 

and a light unto my path."

 (Psalm 119:105 KJV)

"Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble."

 (Psalm 119:165 NKJV)

Invest in Others

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Be Generous and Do Good

⁶ Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
⁷ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ⁸ For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. ⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:6-10 NKJV)

I remember conversations with my neighbor a number of years back, this was before I was ever married or saved. At this time in my life I had no significant other either. My neighbor was a woman getting divorced. Although I would see her around quite often, I had no desire dating her, as I felt that would be a disaster. Anyway, she would brag of how she took her husband for all his money, she was quite proud of it. Then she would go on bragging about how she planned to do the same to the next unfortunate guy who came along. I didn't know her long, but that attitude most likely lead to a life of misery and problems. This I knew, she was constantly dealing with problems and very few even people wanted to be around her.

Just think for a moment, how much trouble do we bring into our lives by taking the "It's all about me!" attitude? I believe a lack of concern for others and living for one's self is at the root of many problems, heartaches, divorces, broken families, and so on. When one is wrapped up in self, we fail to see the needs and feelings of others. It is not only what we say or do to someone, we fail to do what is good or right. Some may not even care how their actions effect someone else. If we let this self centered attitude grow, not only would it destroy relationships, it could lead us to commit crimes landing us in prison.Our prisons are full of people living for themselves. That got them a long ways in life didn't it? Then to take that further, a prideful self centered life may keep one from coming to the cross of Jesus Christ resulting in an eternity separated from God.

Maybe most of us do not go to the extreme as my ex-neighbor or those in prison, but we all have to battle with keeping self in the right place. I know I do. The Bible instructs us to do good and plant good seeds. In another words, invest in other peoples lives. When we help a believer in Christ who is in need, it is remembered in heaven, forever. When we have the opportunity to do good for an unsaved person, this might open the door to sharing Christ while making this person more receptive to the message of Jesus. This too, will be remembered in heaven for all eternity. Keep sharing the gospel, no telling how many eternal destinies God will change through it. When we invest in our marriages and families along with living life to bring glory to God, this leads to strong relationships. This too will remembered in heaven for all eternity. Our intercessory prayers will also be result in good things here on earth and remembered for all eternity.

Lord, your word say's I will reap what I sow. I desire to sow to the spirit, for I want to reap a bountiful harvest, not corruption. I must ask myself, am I going to sow to the flesh and reap corruption, or listed to God and sow to the spirit and reap a harvest which will last for all eternity?

Time Well Spent?

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I have been given thought lately to the subject of time. More precisely, how am I spending time in light of eternity? Am I making an eternal difference with my time? I, like everyone else, has 24 hours in a day, is it used wisely? I recognize there many things in life which are necessary, yet eat up time. Some of these include working, shopping for groceries,and maintaining our cars and homes. Just naming a few. Of course, it is good to set some time aside for rest and doing some fun things. Oh yes, these things may also be done to God's glory. However, am I doing well making time for things of eternal importance? I, like many other believers devote time to church, Bible study, prayer, serving, quality family time and so on.

Now let's pull this back a layer. What is my motive for setting time aside for the things of God? Oh how critical having a right heart is in all that we do. First, we must have an intimate love relationship with the Lord, then we must love what we do. When its is not in place, instead of experiencing joy, our work becomes burdensome. All we are doing  is trying to appease God or someone else. All this results in is whitewashing our outside in order to make us appear as though we are committed Christians. One, in fact, may be saved,yet saved as though fire. I do not want all I do in life to be burnt up. (See 1 Corinthians 3:9-15)  When everything we do is done out of love and built upon Christ, it is real. Loving Christ first and foremost, then building upon that foundation is critical to our life counting for eternal value.

 

1 Corinthians 13:1-8a

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Greatest Gift

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

⁸ Love never fails…

Sometimes we grow weary and tired because we bite off too much to chew. Sometimes one may be striving to accomplish something God has not called them to. This being said, when our walk becomes dry and our work becomes burdensome, one may in fact have a heart problem. If this is the case, take some time and examine your heart, one may need to return to their first love.
 

Revelation 2

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Loveless Church

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: ² “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. ⁴ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. ⁵ Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. ⁶ But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
⁷ “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’

I’m Back!

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Wow it’s been awhile since I’ve been on my blog or visiting other blogs. I am not quite sure what happened, but I drifted away from blogging. Maybe in part I lost sight of why I blog. Maybe I felt overwhelmed and became burnt out due to exerting a lot of effort writing my posts. Some people sit down at the computer, type away and publish a post just like that. But that is not me. I have to think, write, rewrite, and proof over and over again.

I ask myself, why does the Lord want me blogging? After all I am not an accomplished writer. However, the Lord did call me to write a blog. But why use me? It is because He wants His Word going forth. In my weakness, He is made strong. He uses my effort to grow me. Reading other blogs also helps sink God’s Word deeper into my heart.

As I look back, I was truly blessed by my blogging experience. I was growing in my walk and enjoying fellowshipping with my blogger friends. I think of the times when someone left a comment saying, “That is what I needed to hear today.” What a blessing it is to know I encouraged someone. Then, how many unbelievers came to my site and was touched by the Lord in some way? This side of heaven I may never know how the Lord used my blog to reach the lost or encourage believers. This I know, His Word does not return to Him void. So here I go again. I am looking forward to visiting my friends and spreading the message of Christ through my blog once again.

 

Believers Are Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV)

Psalm 1

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The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

 

1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stands in the path of sinners,
    Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
² But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    And in His law he meditates day and night.
³ He shall be like a tree
    Planted by the rivers of water,
    That brings forth its fruit in its season,
    Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

⁴ The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
⁵ Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

⁶ For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

(Psalm 1:1-6 NKJV)

I love the way the book of Psalms starts out, it pretty much sums everything up, doesn’t it? It all boils down to either following the way of God, or the way of the world. I believe the key word in this Psalm is “delight.” What is it that one chooses to delight in? 

I remember a year or so ago talking with someone who was not a Christian. This woman was being tossed to and fro by the world, not knowing which way to go. I told her to go pick up the Bible and read Psalm 1, it has all your answers. But “oh no,” she said. “No way am I reading that.” I said, “It will not even take a minute to read, and it has all your answers.” But no way she would pick up the Bible and just read this little bit. 

When we delight in the things of God, the Christian life is not a burden filled with a whole lot of religious rituals to perform, but an awesome walk with God. We go to bed at night knowing, as the song goes, “all is well with my soul,” and today my life counted for something of eternal value. Lord, help me and all my readers to “delight” in your Word and all things of God that we may grow stronger and stronger and bear much fruit for your namesake.