What do you love about inspiration and encouragement?
Have you been consoled so you are equipped to comfort others?
Are you grateful for warmth radiating from participation in a church family?
Are you extending and appreciating affection and sympathy?
Philippians 2:1-2
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| So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 |
The King of Unchanging Love is born for us!
Christians don’t only go to church, we are the Church. The faith is important—we depend on it. Good news of great joy comes to us! We get help we seriously need to trust and honor Jesus. His sacrificial love and mercy provides power for us to repent. We come whether things seem to be well or we’re sad, tired and hungry. Craving the Word preached—we’re filled. Air is light. Voices sing poetic hymns. Fed with tangible gifts, we’re absolutely forgiven and strengthened. For wisdom, bright smiles, simple “good morning” greetings, plus many more beautiful reasons—we come together as often as possible.
The Bible won’t disappoint.
Believers have an awesome certain hope of the future. There’s guidance for living moment-by-moment, plus, clarification of exactly why we may let go of worry. We praise the self-forgetful obedience of Jesus, who for our sake, willingly endured the punishment for all sin. Gratitude motivates us to share what we may, one-day-at-a-time, by the grace of God. The Holy Spirit does the rest, so we can rest.
Curious?
Check out this church locator. Introduce yourself to people. Ask questions. We all forget… don’t be afraid to ask again and again.
Philippians 2:9-10
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| Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Philippians 2:9-10 |
Love shares Truth; it does not affirm what is false.
Eventually, everyone will be raised from the dead, bow to Jesus, and be judged according to reception or rejection of the faith available for everyone.
Philippians 2:14-15
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| Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, Philippians 2:14-15 |
No grumbling or disputing?
None? Tell that to an infant who’s hungry and needs a diaper change. Maturity is a process. Thankfully, Jesus died to cover our lack of contentment during trials and difficulties. Our Heavenly Father is the author and perfecter of faith which patiently cooperates with others. It’s purpose makes us glow like the moon in darkness, reflecting the love of the Son!
Thank the Lord for love that shines!
My family traveled to spend time with me! As I held my 20-month-old granddaughter on my hip, the tiny beauty mark on my neck was right in her line of vision. Her sweet little arms, dimpled hands, perfectly positioned tiny fingers pointed out my mole. Even toddlers notice differences that don’t seem right. We may wish our spots, blemishes, needs and differences would disappear; however, they’re part of who we are. Unique are our purposes in this life together. We depend on our all-knowing Creator who made each of us to function within His plan that’s higher than we know. A bit later, this darling little girl came to me with non-verbal sounds and an inquisitive look which begged me to ask if she wanted to show me something. She nodded yes, grabbed my finger and walked me places to explore. Twice, she stopped to look at the graduation portraits on my shelves. As she pointed to her dad’s cousins one-by-one, I was delighted to introduce her to each of my nieces and nephews by name. I’m blessed for opportunity to play and interact with this wonderful child, a gift from God. Memories washed through me of her great-great-grandmothers, my mother and my own precious children at this age. Similar to how her parents taught her to say, “Iowa” on their way home, God lovingly teaches us and desires we all be saved by abundant grace in Truth of the Gospel.
In this world, it is easy to slip into grumbling.
Chronic complaining and sinful criticism are as annoying as a leaky drip that just won’t stop. Putting ourselves in another’s shoes, acknowledging their pain, lovingly setting boundaries and practicing patience, often, aren’t first-response actions that come to our human minds. The devil tempts us to doubt anything having to do with God’s good law of grace. Ignoring problems, retaliating injuries, minimizing fault and blame-shifting responsibility are evil lies to aggravate bad situations and oppose the blessed discipline of the Gospel.
Faith allows us to pour our complaints out in prayer.
Confident that correction, healing and growth come from outside ourselves, in Christ, we prayerfully dive deeply into the Word’s wisdom. With practice, its broad light and blessings become our own to share. Everyone fails, but Jesus never does. He covered everyone at the cross. Cherish the magnitude of His patience with us—the pure effectiveness His love has over consequences of sin in this world. Things don’t go as we expect, but then we must remember that what we expect may not be in the plan for the goodness God has in store for us and others. We pray, listen and wait.
Jesus is God. We are not.
By faith, we’re impacted by grace loving, kind, gentle, humble, reasonable, teachable and caring people who are pleasant to be around. We can take them seriously.
The arrogant and harsh—not so much. Look out for worldly and spiritual conceit. It is grossly problematic to rely on human rules, desires, education, wealth, status, age or position in life more than the God of peace.
Truth is all about Jesus, who by the essence of who He is, supplies us with every need of ours and confidence in the excellent knowledge of his will.
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Philippians 3:12-16
Philippians 4:4
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| Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 |
Rejoice in the Lord.
Honesty, warmth and hope—God’s plan of mercy in Jesus points those who love Him to an undeserved, promised nonetheless, blissful eternity! Rejoice always surrounded by people who rejoice! Celebrate being united in the supportive body of Christ!
Philippians 4:6-7
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| do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 |
Breathe in grace, exhale repentance. Repeat. Relax.
Pray alone and with others. Immerse yourself in Scripture. Go to church. Listen to Christian podcasts, Bible studies and sacred music. As you are able, take a walk; bundle-up in cold climates. Praise God for the marvelous complex beauty of His creation.
Our Savior listens when we tap into powerful prayer for
- establishing a habit to pray continuously to Our Father in Heaven
- inspiration to set excellent goals that are helpful to others
- mindfulness of if/what/how/when/why to plan/say/do
- vision to fully comprehend and confess our own failures, both to God and to anyone we come to realize we’ve hurt
- courage to conform to God’s will
- willingness to admit our own mistakes
- thanksgiving of complete forgiveness
- ability to forgive others
Thankfully, there’s peace in God’s presence. Christ took on the sin of the world and defeated it for us at the cross.
- His scarred hands hold what’s beyond ours to control or accomplish while He preserves our faith and protects us
- He hears heartfelt confessions, removes guilt, and replaces emptiness with comfort
- He enlightens us with gifts to share with others by actions that reflect His love
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Philippians 4:8
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| Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 |
The Holy Spirit untwists deception, puts a positive spin on Truth, uplifts attitudes and prepares us to reflect the Light of Christ.
Glorious things belong to us who are covered by the grace of Jesus. Faith stirs hearts into action. God’s abundant peace and blessing help us listen carefully. We enjoy opportunities to worship regularly. Undeserved, unearned by us—faith frees us!
Philippians 4:13
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| I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 |
We aren’t crushed and destroyed because the power belongs to Christ.
When we hurt and face tough times, the Holy Spirit’s nudges remind us what He is giving us to do with the help of God. He tells us to pray and promises to deliver us from evil. His life-saving mercy comforts. His patience essentially protects and preserves our body, soul and sanity in the midst of human confusion, suffering and sorrow. God has special ways of cheering us on, reminding us of many blessings in our lives!
At the cross, our Redeemer innocently suffered as our Substitute for the joy of saving us. He willingly took the wrath and punishment we deserve for our sins and the sins committed against us. He defeated death and the devil. After Jesus rose from the grave, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene and then others in a locked room where He spoke to them of peace. Before He ascended to sit with our Father in heaven,
he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16
God’s design of salvation doesn’t measure success by our perfection, quality of work, or decision. He sees us through Jesus-goggles, measuring success by Christ’s merit. Mercifully supplied with contentment in His Word and Sacraments which nourish, open eyes/hearts/minds, strengthen and guide—we trust God’s love for us not only forgives—Jesus also removes what separates us from Him. The Holy Spirit disciplines us to grow up and trust, not ourselves, but Jesus who guarantees life with Him when He returns! So, we share this good news of opportunity to be gathered by the Lord of Creation in eternal paradise! Since we know it’s possible to miss out on that promise when someone rejects gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray for opportunities and courage to lovingly warn friends, family and anyone who is not worshiping Jesus.
More
- Video summary
- Read or listen to Philippians (4 short chapters)
Pray
“Lord, forgive me when I forget that all people are precious to You. When personal prejudices and poor first impressions turn me away from loving my neighbor, remind me that, in Christ, we are one. In His name I pray. Amen.” Mustard Seed
