Slightly off-track

will be getting back on track on Monday night.  :)

Philippians 1:30

We don't struggle alone.  Is that comforting?  Sometimes.  It comes down to the battle over self.  When I want it to be all about me....I don't care that others are having a tough time too.  However, knowing you aren't the only one can be a comfort....because there are others who understand and can offer support -- and it's possible to return the support....forming community.

The other important fact to remember is that Christ first struggled and died for us.  So, we aren't alone.  We have a Savior who first carried the burden and will still carry us.....pretty amazing...and comforting.

Lord, help me cling to the truth of your strength and love when struggles come my way.  Amen.

Philippians 1:29

Mmmm...the privilege of suffering for Christ.  I gotta say I don't look on this as a selling point.  But from my reading in James, I understand that the trials and testing are ways we learn and grow closer to Christ and closer to perfection.  Suffering doesn't sound like a great option....but it's the tough times that prompt us to change....when circumstances are good we don't look to change things because that would really make no sense.  It's the struggles and discontent that prompt us to try to change or improve.  In addition to the privilege of suffering FOR Christ.  We get the privilege of trusting him.  We know He has us in His hands....and He has great plans for us.  He has told us so.

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to trust you.  Thank you for challenges that create opportunities for growth.  Amen.

Philippians 1:28

"Don't be intimidated by your enemies" There are many things that run through my mind as I read those words and ponder them.  There has been a thorn in my side for several months...and to compound the complex problem....the thorns loudly proclaim their Christianity.  I was tempted to put the word Christianity in " " but.....that is really not fair.  I don't know their hearts and their relationship with God is between them and God.  But I have mentally railed.  I've been frustrated by the pain and hurt done by these thorns trumpeting God as their banner.  I feel helpless and I hate how their witness hurts people I know.   I'm confused and discouraged by the ability of the thorns to get away with their behavior. So I'm not sure what to do with this verse...or even what follows...about being defeated and destroyed....I play the what if game....and I stew.   Don't be intimidated....don't give over the victory.  Perhaps that is what I can hold on to.

Lord help me remain faithful even in the face of cunning opposition.  Amen.

Philippians 1:27

"Standing together united for one purpose" I wonder how sad Paul and Jesus himself are when the see the petty squabbles that church congregations get into....how efficiently it leads us astray from doing the work of fighting for the gospel which is the Good News. I know I've gotten involved with church squabbles...and I regret some of the actions I took in defense of my opinion. I can only be responsible for myself and I'm pretty confident that I let Jesus down. I certainly wasn't blameless. Thankfully, I'm forgiven by God. and hopefully, I've learned a lesson, learned from my mistakes -- after all there are so many new ones I can make. And if only that were a joke.

Oh Lord, thank you for your immense patience and love for us. I know we don't deserve it and yet you freely give it. Amazing love. Give us the strength to continue to strive and grow into the people you created us to be for your Glory. Amen.

Philippians 1:25-26

Greetings.  I read these verses very humbly because I think there could be a great temptation to take them out of context when applying them to my life.  This is Paul speaking....and I find much to take from his example but I can really see a wrong path potential springing from these verses.  The wrong path I could see is attempting to apply this with the death of a loved one -- especially someone very young.  Not that I don't think the truth of Paul's statements could apply -- but I just see the possibility of someone -- albeit well meaning -- trying to tell a grief stricken person that their dead loved one's purpose had been accomplished and that's why they died.  It may be true (although we won't know that for sure until Christ's return) but I think we fail in compassion when we try to explain away the pain.  I think that is at the root of my caution in approaching this verse.  I also feel cautious because I don't feel my life is fully reflective of Christ...so suggesting that I am living this out makes me uncomfortable and feeling somewhat as less than worthy.  Here's where I have a choice...I could wallow in the defeat of my brokenness....or I can place my hope in the author and perfecter of my faith and continue to challenge myself to humbly rely on Christ's victory and His mercy, grace and strength to grow more fully into the person He created me to be.

Lord, thank you for your promptings, your challenges, your reminders of your greatness.  Give me your strength as I am too weak to fulfill this journey on my own.  Thank you, beyond my words, for your grace, mercy and love for me and all of your people.  It is beyond my understanding Lord, but give me the courage to live based on the truth of Your words.  Amen.

Philippians 1:21-24

"To live is Christ, to die is gain."  I'd consider this statement one of Paul's more famous quotes.  I like reading it in the context.  It does tickle me because it sorta sounds a little conceited on Paul's part...but I guess if you've had a personal experience with Jesus like Paul did...it's probably okay to tell folks they still need him for teaching. 

Of course -- the main focus he has is being able to continue his work for Jesus.  That is an amazing singular focus.  I think about all the different things I think about when I look at my to-do list....laundry,  dusting, vacuuming, knitting, writing, and other work types of things...I get pretty distracted and lost in those minor things and forget about being as single minded that all I do is for Jesus.  I have been trying to think this way at my work.  Especially on days I question my purpose and may be a little dissatisfied in the daily grind.  If I approach my paperwork or my relationships with coworkers as if I'm working for Christ the desired effect would be that I work in a way that would bring Him honor.

Lord, I want to honor you with my life.  Please work through me so that my action bring you glory.  Amen.