Category: Philippians

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Mighty Warrior

Those words are meant to describe each one of us. Retired or student, homemaker or executive, tall or short, degree or GED – our personal accomplishments or lack thereof are not what qualify us as mighty warriors.

Gideon was a man of no acclaim. Society didn’t recognize him as someone who was most likely to succeed or lead in local government. In fact, his family was the least important in his village and he was the last son of the last son on his family tree.

The Israelites had been under attack from the Midianites. At harvest, the Midianites would sweep in and steal their wheat crop, leaving them to starve. But God…

Gideon was threshing wheat in a pit when the Lord came to him. He was trying to conceal his actions from the Midianites. He was hiding. Not quite the actions you would expect to be taken by a mighty man of valor.

“The Midianites took almost everything that belonged to the Israelites, and the Israelites begged the Lord for help…One day an angel from the Lord went to the town of Ophrah and sat down under the big tree that belonged to Joash, a member of the Abiezer clan. Joash’s son Gideon was nearby, threshing grain in a shallow pit, where he could not be seen by the Midianites. 12 The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, ‘The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.’” Judges 6:6-12 CEV

The Father sees all of us where we are, looks at our hearts and calls us to be courageous. It’s not by our own efforts or talents but by His ability. He simply wants us to be available to do what He asks.

“ Gideon answered, ‘Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? We’ve heard how the Lord performed miracles and rescued our ancestors from Egypt. But those things happened long ago. Now the Lord has abandoned us to the Midianites.’

14 Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.'” Judges 6:13-14 CEV

Please note, the Lord didn’t chastise Gideon for asking questions. Instead, He reaffirmed His plan.

The Lord says the same thing to us.

“ Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV

“Nothing is impossible for God!” Luke 1:37 CEV

“ God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV

Whether you are putting on your work boots and jeans, or flip flops and shorts you are a mighty warrior. Our heavenly Father has called each of us to a specific purpose, He will not abandon or desert us.

Get going mighty warrior, face the day and let God provide you with power!

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Hold On to Joy

The joy I feel each morning is almost inexpressible! God is SO faithful, SO good, SO precious!

Life’s experiences do not diminish the goodness of my Father God but do serve to illuminate it. Since God is unchangeable, He is always loving, always gracious, always giving, always faithful, always just and always merciful, our devotion and love toward Him should never be based on our circumstances but on who He is.

He doesn’t bring adversary to test us but when adversary comes if we remember who He is we will come through it victorious because of our faithful God!

Don’t let the enemy steal your joy with distracting cares and anxious moments. Wake up each morning praising the God and Father who has led you in the past, is walking ahead of you in your present and preparing a glorious future for you!

” I will praise you, LORD! You saved me from the grave and kept my enemies from celebrating my death. 2 I prayed to you, LORD God, and you healed me, 3 saving me from death and the grave.

4 Your faithful people, LORD, will praise you with songs and honor your holy name. 5 Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate.

6 I was carefree and thought, ‘I’ll never be shaken!’ 7 You, LORD, were my friend, and you made me strong as a mighty mountain. But when you hid your face, I was crushed.

8 I prayed to you, LORD, and in my prayer I said, 9 ‘What good will it do you if I am in the grave? Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are? 10 Have pity, LORD! Help!’

11 You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. 12 I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my LORD and my God.” Psalm 30 ERV

Our joy is found in the faithfulness of the Lord. We trust Him, we depend on Him. He is trustworthy. Never will He abandon us or desert us in our dark moments. He brings light to illuminate the path that we should walk.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.” Philippians 4:4 ERV

Hold on to your joy because the joy of the Lord gives you strength.

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What’s On Your Mind?

I’ll tell you what’s on my mind. This morning, I was continuing to think about the confidence we can have when we pray.

I gave you a number of verses yesterday for you to think on – verses that lead us to confidently trust the Lord, so, it was no surprise to me this morning when my reading dealt with our thoughts.

“Our God, be kind and bless us! Be pleased and smile. 2 Then everyone on earth will learn to follow you, and all nations will see your power to save us.” Psalm 67:1-2 CEV

David was reminding the people of Israel of God’s kindness, protection and provisions. I smiled when I read the words be pleased and smile. The thought of God looking at me and smiling definitely put a smile on my face.

So, think on God’s kindness and His smiling face.

Then, I read Paul’s instruction to us from Colossians and Philippians.

“You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth. 3 You died, which means that your life is hidden with Christ, who sits beside God. 4 Christ gives meaning to your life, and when he appears, you will also appear with him in glory.

5 Don’t be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex. Don’t be immoral or indecent or have evil thoughts. Don’t be greedy, which is the same as worshiping idols.” Colossians 3:1-3 CEV

“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 CEV

Thinking about heaven and what life is like there gives us wonderful insight on how God wants our life to be here. When our thinking is in line with God’s character – truthful, pure, right, and worthwhile we will have God’s peace. Knowing He is kind and that He sent Christ to be our example gives us an understanding of what pleases the Father.

Knowing what pleases the Father and praying for it to come to pass here on earth gives us confidence when we pray. Isn’t that the instruction Jesus gave us in what we call the Lord’s prayer?

“We pray that your kingdom will come— that what you want will be done here on earth, the same as in heaven.”. Matthew 6:10 ERV

That begs the question: What’s it like in heaven?

“I heard a loud voice from the throne. It said, ‘Now God’s home is with people. He will live with them. They will be his people. God himself will be with them and will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain. All the old ways are gone.” Revelation 21:3-4 ERV

That’s how heaven will be!

Let me close by going back to what Paul said in Colossians 3.

“Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there” and remember God is smiling at you!

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The Answer is Yes!

Somebody needs this this morning.

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20

When God makes a promise He keeps it because simply put, God cannot lie. What promise has God made you that you haven’t seen come to pass yet? Don’t get weary, stand strong it will happen!!

Joseph had a dream that all his brothers would bow down to him one day. He had that dream as a 17 year old and then his brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy. I’m sure Joseph was beginning to wonder how God was going to make this all come about but he knew God was with him.

“The traders who bought Joseph took him down to Egypt. They sold him to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar. 2 The LORD helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian. 3 Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:1-3

Then there’s Abraham who had God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. He had this promise from God and had to wait 25 years to see if come to pass. During that time he hoped against hope, knowing that God was faithful.

What about Noah? He was told by God that it was going to rain and he needed to build an ark and collect 2 of every kind of animal. In all the time that it took to build the ark, he kept preaching, waiting for his neighbors to repent because God was going to send the rain and it had never rained before.

I will ask again what promise has God made you?

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:19

“Great shall be the peace of thy children for they are taught of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:13

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” Psalm 103:2-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in me” John 14:1

“The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I’m not sure if your promise is in this list but if it isn’t add it. God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the pass and He’s not going to start now by lying to you.

“God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Your answer is yes and it’s just about here.

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Daily Instruction

God’s word is relevant for every generation! His truth is never antiquated!

The Word of God is alive and powerful; the Word became flesh, and the living Word of God is called Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the written Word and brought God’s purpose, reconciliation for us, into existence.

Each day God’s word gives us vital instruction, it is the Word of Life. God’s word has the power to transform our lives.

Learn From Christ to Be Unselfish -this the heading in my Bible above these verses.

5 In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 6 He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. 7 Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, 8 he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 ERV

Before Jesus left this earth, He commissioned His disciples with the task of going into all the earth to preach and teach, making more disciples by sharing His love and restoration.

The Apostle Paul took that commissioning seriously. He went from one who persecuted Christians to literally evangelizing the world with the message of Christ.

“ We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan. 29 God knew from the beginning who would put their trust in Him. So He chose them and made them to be like His Son. Christ was first and all those who belong to God are His brothers. 30 He called to Himself also those He chose. Those He called, He made right with Himself. Then He shared His shining-greatness with those He made right with Himself.” Romans 8:28-30 NLV

God the Father has chosen us to be like His Son. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are being conformed to His likeness hour by hour and day by day. Jesus humbled Himself, laying aside His deity, became human so the world could see and know the love of God.

“Do as God would do. Much-loved children want to do as their fathers do. 2 Live with love as Christ loved you. He gave Himself for us, a gift on the altar to God which was as a sweet smell to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLV

A life that imitates the Father is one of our greatest acts of love. Reflecting Him in what we say and do brings Him honor.

“Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him. 2 Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLV

Father, it is my desire to be like you! Show me who I need to touch today with the love of Your heart! ❤

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In Everything

I saw this picture and it immediately brought a smile to my face. But what has that got to do with our teaching this morning?

Everything. Yes, everything. God wants us to have thankful, joyful hearts.

“In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18 NLV

There’s a big difference between giving thanks IN everything and FOR everything.

We can give thanks IN every situation and circumstance because our eyes are on the Lord, and we can trust Him to be an EVER-PRESENT HELP in times of trouble.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

More qualifiers for our conduct in every situation.

Don’t worry about ANYTHING!

Pray about EVERYTHING!

BELONG to Christ, be blessed with PEACE

Kind of sounds like Jesus’ own words in the boat that was storm-tossed at sea.

“But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’” Mark 4:38-40 ESV

We will have storms and trials. We will face situations and circumstances beyond our control but instead of being weighted down with worry and fear we are admonished to place them in the control of the One who brings peace. We place our faith in Him!

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 ERV

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are?” Matthew 6:25-26 ERV

At this Easter season, with our attention focused on the horrible way Jesus was treated leading up to the crucifixion, we wonder how He could experience such a horrible death. How was He able to go through it all without lashing out?

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrews 12:2-3 ERV

Think about Jesus! Don’t worry – put a smile on your face and know that God loves you and will bring you through anything and in everything He will give you peace!

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Filled with Peace

I was sitting here this morning telling heavenly Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit how much I love them and I was flooded with peace!

I felt like such a little girl being lifted up in my father’s arms and brought to rest on his big broad lap. I was so overtaken by His greatness and compared to my minute abilities. Again, I was overwhelmed with peace by the presence of Almighty God, my Lord and Savior and the Spirit of the Lord.

Many times I am overwhelmed with the thoughts of God’s amazing love and peace.

Things in our daily lives can be chaotic and unsettling but when we focus in on who God is and how much He loves us, it’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket in a comfy chair.

Comfort! Peace! Security!

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

Our Father wants us to be at peace, to trust Him, to know that He will handle whatever we bring to Him.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9 CEV

Here’s to a peace-full day!

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His Name is Jesus

Who occupies my waking thoughts? His name is Jesus!

This morning I’ve been sitting here trying to remember the lyrics for the melody that is running through my head, and I am at a loss. I have done every possible goggle search of combinations of words and still haven’t found the lyrics.

However – that has not stopped me from worshipping the precious name of Jesus. Magnify the matchless name of Jesus!

“Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is coming; and from the seven spirits before his throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ. Jesus is the faithful witness. He is first among all who will be raised from death. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. Jesus is the one who loves us and has made us free from our sins with his blood sacrifice. 6 He made us his kingdom and priests who serve God his Father. To Jesus be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 1:4-6 ERV

King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Praise the matchless name of Jesus. Forever He shall reign; His name is Jesus! Magnify the precious name of Jesus!

“ She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 ERV

“On his robe and on his leg was written this name: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” Revelation 19:16 ERV

Heaven and earth honor and stand silent at the name of Jesus.

“So God raised him up to the most important place and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. 10 God did this so that every person will bow down to honor the name of Jesus. Everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow.” Philippians 2:9-10 ERV

This wonderful King, this wonderful Savior and Lord, His name is Jesus!

“ People insulted him, but he did not insult them back. He suffered, but he did not threaten anyone. No, he let God take care of him. God is the one who judges rightly. 24 Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did this so that we would stop living for sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you were healed. 25 You were like sheep that went the wrong way. But now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your lives.” I Peter 2:23-25 ERV

I will forever praise the name of Jesus!

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There’s A Lot I Don’t Know

If you have been reading these morning posts for very long you know that I sometimes have a different outlook from those around me. I was sitting here this morning and I realized that I don’t know who the teams are in the final four. I don’t know the winners of last year’s World Series or the Super Bowl.

I don’t understand the rules of soccer or ice hockey. I’m not up on the latest fashions or trends on Wall Street. I don’t know how to make exotic dishes or how to create a stain glass project. I know nothing about golf.

My goodness there is a lot I don’t know!

However, I do know the Creator of the universe. I know the One who sees the sparrows fall and He knows how many hairs I have on my head. I know the One who gave strength to Samson, gave intellect to Adam so he could name all the plants and animals, I know the architect who gave Noah the plans for the ark.

I know the One who gave Solomon his wisdom and the One who took Elijah home to heaven in a chariot. I know the One who cleansed lepers, raised the dead, healed the sick, provided food for the multitudes and the One who turned water into wine.

I don’t need to book an appointment or achieve to a certain status to talk with the One who is CEO of the universe. I call Him daddy and I can run boldly to Him and He never refuses to see me.

I know the Good Shepherd and He knows me by name. He causes me to lie down in green pastures and He leads me through the valley of the shadow of death.

I know the One who loved me enough to leave heaven, take on the form of man, lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death and then rose triumphantly just for me. He made me new!

And I know that I as much as I know Him now, I want to know Him more.

“I want to belong to him. In Christ I am right with God, but my being right does not come from following the law. It comes from God through faith. God uses my faith in Christ to make me right with him. 10 All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him from death. I want to share in his sufferings and be like him even in his death.” Philippians 3:9-10 ERV

I know I can introduce you to Him if you don’t already know Him. His arms are open wide to all who would come to Him!

” Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won’t turn any of them away. 38 I didn’t come from heaven to do what I want! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me, 39 and he wants to make certain that none of the ones he has given me will be lost. Instead, he wants me to raise them to life on the last day.” John 6:37-39 CEV

Some may think that I’m not very well informed, but I can tell you with certainty that I KNOW the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and that is more than enough!

“…nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” II Timothy 1:12 KJV

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No Limit

As I was reading this morning, I came across these verses in Psalms, Genesis and Revelation.

“Who is this glorious king? He is our Lord, a strong and mighty warrior. 9 Open the ancient gates, so that the glorious king may come in. 10 Who is this glorious king? He is our Lord,  the All-Powerful!” Psalms 24:8-10 CEV

“ When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” Genesis 17:1-2 NLT

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8 NLT

After reading those verses I had to ask myself, “do I limit God”? Honestly and truthfully, yes I do on many occasions. By my own understanding and doubt, I do.

Peter saw Jesus walking on the water and he asked the Lord to let him do it too. Jesus said “Come”. He did. Then…

“But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

31 At once, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, “You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?”

32 When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind died down.” Matthew 14:30-32 CEV

Fear of anything causes us to doubt. Doubt ourselves and doubt God.

It’s when we keep our eyes fastened on the Lord, seeing Him as God Almighty, who loves us and desires to be in relationship with us, who came to earth as Immanuel (God with us) that we remove doubt and fear. We gain a confidence that only God can give.

It’s hard to put into words.

Our heavenly Father wants us to know Him as the Almighty One, the beginning and the end. The first, the last and everything in between. He is limitless, there is no one greater, He has no equal.

“Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others. 10 So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
11 And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, “Jesus Christ is Lord!” Philippians 2:9-11 CEV

I encourage you, and myself, to meditate on who God says He is – El Shaddai, God Almighty. There is none greater and He has placed Himself in relationship with us!

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