ALL Our “Needs” Will Be Met :) – Joy in Giving – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 4) [11 of 11]

July 10, 2015July 10, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

This post wraps up Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Before Paul explains how we can experience Joy in Giving, he gives his readers a couple of important reminders…

^—–Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. – Phil. 4:4-5

—- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by 1. prayer and supplication (humbly asking or begging another to provide something) 2. with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And = the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Phil. 4:6-7

Then Paul reminds his readers that they should focus their mind and thoughts on…

whatever is…

true,
honorable,
right,
pure,
lovely,
commendable,

IF there is any excellence and IF anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. – Phil. 4:8

Lastly, Paul thanks the people of Philippi for their generosity. He points out to them, that no other church gave him financial help when he brought them the Good News. – Phil. 4:15-16

Although Paul says in verses 11-13, …I am not speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Nevertheless, Paul is appreciative and grateful for the Philippians care of him – Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. – Phil 4:14

Let’s flip back a couple of books in our Bible from Philippians to 1 Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians, Paul clearly sets an expectation for those who are receiving and benefiting from being taught the Gospel. We have planted good spiritual seed among you. Is it too much to ask, in return, for mere food and clothing? If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? …The Lord gave orders that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. – 1 Corinthians 9:11-12,14

SO HOW WILL I EXPERIENCE THE JOY IN GIVING?

Paul says, here is God’s promise to those who are generous.

This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:19

So God taught Paul two important lessons which he passes along to us…

How to be content in any circumstance.
He, God, is the provider of ALL our material and spiritual “needs”.

IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE PREVIOUS PHILIPPIANS POSTS, SEE THE LINKS BELOW:

Want to Know a Secret?? – PHILIPPIANS (Introduction) – [1] – http://wp.me/p5nZpi-mp

Really?? There Can Be Joy In Suffering?? – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 1a) – [2] – http://wp.me/p5nZpi-mF

Blessing and Being Blessed 🙂 – Joy in Serving – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 2a) [4] – http://wp.me/p5nZpi-nA

Yeah, but I’ve Got the “Creds”!! – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3a) [8] – http://wp.me/p5nZpi-sk

Would you like to have a personal/intimate relationship with the God?? Take a look at the tab, The Cornerstone…, in the menu for more info.
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Faith in “Creds”? or Faith in Christ? – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3c) [10]

June 24, 2015August 21, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

We saw in the the last post, All My “Creds” are Garbage??? – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3) [9], http://wp.me/p5nZpi-sC, that Paul had a change of attitude. A attitude change from forcibly sharing God with people, to lovingly sharing God with people. Paul realized that neither he nor other people could be made right with God by “doing” or by following “the rules”. Instead, change comes about through faith in, and relationship with a person, Jesus.

HOW DID PAUL COME TO THIS REVELATION?

“I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.For God’s way of making us right with Himself depends on faith.“ – Philippians 3:9b

Look back at this verse. Paul says, “I become righteous through faith in Christ.”

It is not faith is what, but faith in who.

RIGHTEOUSNESS?

Righteousness, right standing with God, comes from God. It is not what we “do”, what we force others to “do”, or what makes “sense” to us. It is the provision of our Creator that has made righteousness available to all people through faith. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

FAITH IN WHO?

Jesus Christ!!

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. – 2 Corinthians 5:21

When we put our faith in Jesus, trusting that He took all our sins upon Himself when He was crucified, He then exchanges those sins for righteousness, right standing with God, – Philippians 3:9b

So it wasn’t a matter of Paul suddenly forgetting all his education, his knowledge, or his upbringing. It was a matter of Paul following God’s ways, instead of man’s ways. No longer putting his trust and faith in himself, but in God.

HAS PAUL REACHED THE GOAL? HAS HE COMPLETELY EXPERIENCED THE JOY OF BELIEVING?

Here’s what Paul has to say about his faith journey, ^“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” – Phil. 3:12

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead… – v.13

Paul’s end goal – to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. – v.14

THE JOY OF BELIEVING – AN ONGOING EXPERIENCE —

As we press ahead in our daily lives, temptations will arise, and we may even stumble from time to time. But Paul reminds us that we are forever maturing if we obey the truth we have learned already. – Phil 3:16 So don’t beat yourself up because you’re not “perfect”, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, get back on the horse. Seek God’s guidance and direction for all that you don’t know, and continue applying daily, all that you do know.

Paul experienced Joy in Believing. Not in himself and his “creds”, but in the saving power and Lordship of Jesus.

We’re not alone on “the journey”. We have the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the Bible, and as Paul reminds us, we have a community of believers to tangibly support, comfort, and guide us.

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” – Phil. 3:17

Our joy doesn’t come from our circumstances, relying on what we have obtained or accomplished, but rather, joy comes from our reliance on Christ within us. See, “I Just Wanna Be Happy!!” (Part 1), http://wp.me/p5nZpi-kK

Experiencing Joy in Believing is an ongoing process. We now know that the first step towards experiencing the joy Paul speaks about is putting our faith in Jesus vs. ourselves. If you would like to take that next step, and put your faith in Jesus, see The Cornerstone… in the above tabs, http://wp.me/P5nZpi-bJ.

LET GO AND LET GOD…

< KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE FINAL CHAPTER OF PHILIPPIANS, CHAPTER 4, THE JOY IN GIVING — ALL Our “Needs” Will Be Met 🙂 – Joy in Giving – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 4) [11]http://wp.me/p5nZpi-ul >

< IN CASE YOU MISSED PARTS 1 & 2 OF PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 3… >

Yeah, but I’ve Got the “Creds”!! – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3a) [8], http://wp.me/p5nZpi-sk

All My “Creds” are Garbage??? – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3) [9], http://wp.me/p5nZpi-sC

Would you like to have a personal/intimate relationship with the God?? Take a look at the tab, The Cornerstone…, in the menu for more info.
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All My “Creds” are Garbage??? – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3b) [9]

June 16, 2015July 9, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

I ended the last post, Yeah, but I’ve Got the “Creds”!! – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3a) [8], http://wp.me/p5nZpi-sk, with a seemingly hopeless statement from Paul as he reflected on his academic and religious accomplishments.

He said, “I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with Him”… – Phil. 3:7-9a

Although it seems like Paul is throwing “everything” away,

this isn’t exactly the case.

It wasn’t a matter of Paul suddenly forgetting all his education, his knowledge, his upbringing. No, it was Paul’s realization that no matter what he did, or how “religious” he was, he could never “earn” himself a spot in heaven.

What he believed caused him to take matters into his own hands. Caused him to imprison and attack Christ-followers in the name of God. Caused him to judge, and force people to follow what he believed to be correct. A dangerous approach, if you ask me. However, isn’t it easy to find ourselves falling into that same pattern. “I know what’s better for you…”

Throughout his life, Paul, was relying on himself. He truly wanted to please God. He truly wanted all people to follow God. He believed that through knowledge and will-power he would be able to follow the “law”, and therefore be considered righteous in God’s eyes. However, The law simply shows us how sinful we are. – Romans 3:20 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. – James 2:10

Do you remember Paul’s message to the Corinthians – If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:33

What a change in Paul’s approach!! He retained his knowledge, education, and upbringing so he could teach, but instead of coming at people with an iron fist,

he came from a position of love.

WHAT CAUSED THIS SEISMIC SHIFT?

Let’s look again at verse 9, and add in the second half of the verse.

“I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” – Philippians 3:9b

FAITH? FAITH IN WHAT?

< Faith in “Creds”? or Faith in Christ? – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3) [10], http://wp.me/p5nZpi-t9 >

Would you like to have a personal/intimate relationship with the God?? Take a look at the tab, The Cornerstone…, in the menu for more info.
If you would like to receive notifications when new posts are published, click on the FOLLOW button in the sidebar. Or if you are viewing from your mobile device, scroll down the page and you’ll see the FOLLOW blog via email button 🙂
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Take a look at the other tabs in the menu for encouragement and inspiration as you continue to BUILD A FOUNDATION!!

Yeah, but I’ve Got the “Creds”!! – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3a) [8]

June 8, 2015June 24, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

Perhaps when we began this series on Philippians, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-mp, you may have thought Paul was going to show us some easy, quick, instantly gratifying ways to experience joy. So far that hasn’t been the case.

In chapter 1, Paul described how we can experience Joy in Suffering, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-mF. In chapter 2, Paul described how we can experience Joy in Serving, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-nA.

Perhaps you thought serving would be an easy, and obvious way, to experience joy. Yet, as we learned with experiencing joy in suffering, experiencing joy in serving, also requires sacrifice and dependence on God. And we’ll see that to experience joy in believing, will require no less.

When I think of experiencing joy in believing, it seems like this will be easier than to experience joy in suffering and serving.

After-all, how hard can it be to believe?

Well, I guess it all depends on what you believe. Because our beliefs are the foundation on which we base our decisions, make our choices, determine who or what we follow, and what formulates our worldviews.

For our purpose, we’ll be looking at experiencing the joy in believing from the perspective of what we put our “faith” in (a strong belief or trust in someone or something). As Paul puts it in Philippians 3:3 – We put no confidence in human effort. Instead, we boast about what Christ Jesus has done for us.

Paul was the perfect person to make this statement because, as we’ll see in a moment, Paul has the “creds” that would easily allow him to puff out his chest. People that knew him, might have even called him “SuperJew”.

Perhaps he looked a bit like Jason Alexander, better known as, George Costanza from the hit comedy, Seinfeld??

Yet I could have confidence in myself if anyone could. If others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! – Philippians 3:4

Philippians 3:5-6—-

I was circumcised when I was eight days old.
I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one!
I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.
I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church.
And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

Now how’s that for a resume?

But let’s look at Paul’s very next verse. I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with Him.- Phil. 3:7-9a

WOW!!

IF PAUL, AND ALL HIS CREDENTIALS WERE CONSIDERED GARBAGE, THEN WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE US, OR PAUL, FOR THAT MATTER??

< All My “Creds” are Garbage??? – Joy in Believing – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 3) [9], http://wp.me/p5nZpi-sC >

Would you like to have a personal/intimate relationship with the God?? Take a look at the tab, The Cornerstone…, in the menu for more info.
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Take a look at the other tabs in the menu for encouragement and inspiration as you continue to BUILD A FOUNDATION!!

How Can I Have an Extraordinary Day??? – Joy in Serving – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 2d) [7]

May 18, 2015May 18, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

Before Paul tells the Philippians how they can experience the fullness of joy in their daily service, he encourages them with these words…

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. – Phil 2:12

These words resonant with me as a mom, and teacher. It is my deep desire, as I’m sure it is for those who share their knowledge, experiences, skills, wisdom, etc. with others, that what has been taught/”caught” will be implemented when we’re not around to correct, redirect, or point out alternative responses.

Paul sets us straight in the second half of this verse, clearly stating who we should follow, and obey. He doesn’t say follow me, Paul, or your mom, your dad, your Grandma or Grandpa, your teachers, coaches, etc. No, Paul is very clear. He says, obey God!!

So it doesn’t matter if your mom, or other mentor, isn’t around at every moment of your day, because God is. He is there to guide, support, encourage, comfort, and direct our steps.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO?

We could simply let our conscience be our guide.

However, our consciences are subject to change, depending on where we get our information. Therefore, it is important to have an unchanging/timeless/accurate source of truth.

WHERE DO WE FIND AN UNCHANGING/TIMELESS/ACCURATE SOURCE OF TRUTH?

Absolute truth is found in the Bible.

It is particularly important to read God’s Word for yourself verses just listening, or reading what God has taught others, or being an inactive observer. Although listening and reading what others teach can provide great insight, independent reading of the Bible allows God to personally speak to you and to your situation.

WHERE DO I GET THE DESIRE TO READ AND LEARN GOD’S WORD?

GOD!!!

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. – Phil 2:13, and it’s not simply reading the Word of God, but you must do what it says – James 1:22.

As promised from the last post, Follow the Leader?? – Joy in Serving – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 2c) [6], http://wp.me/p5nZpi-ot, here are some practical ways Paul gives us to serve God and others in our everyday lives.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO SERVE IN OUR DAILY LIVES… PHILIPPIANS 2:14-16

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing – v.14
Live clean, innocent lives as children of God – v.15 Paul realizes this won’t be easy as the second part of this verse says, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. – v.15 [Keep in mind that Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Philippi, and believers everywhere. It is these people who Paul is referencing when he says, children of God. Children of God are those who have been born again, all people are not children of God. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. – John 1:12-13]

3. Let your lives shine brightly, as lights, in the world – v.15

4. Hold firmly to the Word of Life, the Bible – v.16

HOW TO APPROACH OUR DAILY INTERACTIONS…

Don’t expect to be served
Look for opportunities to serve others, your faithful service is an offering to God – Phil 2:17

Choose to serve, and watch your ordinary day turn into an extraordinary day 🙂

Would you like to have a personal/intimate relationship with the God?? Take a look at the tab, The Cornerstone…, in the menu for more info.
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Follow the Leader?? – Joy in Serving – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 2c) [6]

May 12, 2015May 18, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

At the end of my post, My Attitude!! My Rights!! – Joy in Serving – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 2b) [5] http://wp.me/p5nZpi-o2, I mentioned that when we humble ourselves, and choose to follow God, as Jesus humbly choose to come to earth in human form, we still retain ourselves. Jesus, although in human form was still God, and people who profess they are Christians are still sinners. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard – Romans 3:23

You may hear people call themselves Christians, “the tree”, yet when you observe their actions/interactions, “their fruit”, the two don’t seem to match up. For example, when I see an apple tree, I expect to see apples growing on it.

I don’t expect to see socks growing on an apple tree!

Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. – Romans 6:16

It’s because of our tendency to sin, regardless if we’ve asked God into our hearts, see The Cornerstone… in menu tab for more info, that we so desperately need a leader. We need to follow someone who has faced all of the same testings we do, yet did not sin – Hebrews 4:15. Someone who knows the way to JOY, and wants to help us experience it in our lives.

WHO SHOULD WE FOLLOW?

JESUS!!!

HOW DO WE FOLLOW JESUS?

To follow someone or something means that we conform to, imitate, copy, and give our allegiance.

Whether it is in the childhood game of follow the leader,

dressing like our favorite celebrity personality,

or giving our support, financially and/or emotionally, to a particular cause

If we say we follow ______, we’re saying that we want to live like that particular person or imitate their particular life-style.

If you read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, in the New Testament of the Bible, you will get a first-hand account of the life of Jesus. You’ll see how He interacted with all sorts of people.

And you’ll also see how He depended on God for strength to endure the trials He faced as a human. Jesus often withdrew Himself to quiet places and prayed – Luke 5:16.

When we put our trust and lives into God’s hands, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear – Hebrews 13:6 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. – Phil. 2:13

God wants everyone to experience the Joy that comes in serving 🙂

In the next post, we’ll look at Philippians 2:14-16, where Paul gives us some practical ways to serve God and others in our everyday lives.

Would you like to have a personal/intimate relationship with God?? Take a look at the tab, The Cornerstone…, in the menu for more info.
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My Attitude!! My Rights!! – Joy in Serving – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 2b) [5]

May 8, 2015May 18, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

We had talked about God’s counter-intuitive ways for people to experience joy in the posts, “I Just Wanna Be Happy!!”, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-kK. In Phil. 2:5, we see Paul is revealing to the Philippians another tip to experiencing joy in serving. He says, You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

WHAT WAS JESUS’ ATTITUDE TOWARD SERVING?

He humbled Himself, not clinging to His rights as God, and taking the form of a servant. – v.6-7 Mark, in Mark 10:44-45, puts it this way – whoever wants to be first among you must be the servant of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others.

IS GOD’S ATTITUDE DIFFERENT FROM THE “WORLD’S” ATTITUDE?

I think the answer would be a definite YES!!

As I think about the way schools, businesses, and various organizations measure success and HAPPINESS, it seems that the world connects success and HAPPINESS with personal achievement.

Whereas, when we look at the counter-intuitive teaching of Jesus, He encourages people to look for ways to be a blessing to others, connecting service with success and JOY.

YEAH, BUT WHAT ABOUT MY RIGHTS? WHAT I DESERVE?

Remember from v.6, Jesus did not cling to His rights as God.

Here are a couple of examples of our “rights” —

“I can have an abortion. It’s my body, and I have a “right” to decide what I want to do.”
“I worked hard to earn my money. I have the “right” to keep it all for myself.”
“I work hard for my grades in school. I have the “right” to be recognized and rewarded for my efforts.”

WHAT DO OUR RIGHTS HAVE TO DO WITH SERVICE?

Because of our sinful natures, our natural tendency is to choose what we want, our will, verses God’s will. Our first reaction is self-preservation – me, me, me.

In Philippians 2:6-7, Paul is bringing to our attention that the world’s road to glory, fulfillment, success, happiness, etc., is nothing more than an illusion. Nothing more than a carrot dangling ahead of us, tempting us, and leading us to believe that if we catch it, then we’ll finally be HAPPY.

Paul describes Jesus’ preparation for service in Phil. 2:7, He made himself nothing, He emptied Himself, He took the humble position of a bond servant, and appeared in human form.

Jesus was now subject to “human” experiences. To pain, to temptation, to rules, to His parents, and most importantly, He was dependent on God.

I take a moment to note that Jesus, in choosing to humble Himself, to voluntarily take on the form of a human, in no way changed the fact that He continued to be God.

The fact that Jesus continued to be God, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin, Hebrews 4:15, is encouraging to me. It demonstrates I am not being forced to serve, or forced to depend on God. I choose to empty myself. I choose to serve. I choose to depend on God. Also, in making those choices I will not lose who I am, my personality, the characteristics that make me, me. No, instead I am accepting an opportunity to experience JOY.

Keep in mind that Jesus did not lose who He was, God. In the same way, as I mentioned above, we don’t lose who we are either. And who are we? Sinners!! – For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard – Romans 3:23

It’s because we’re sinners that we so desperately need a leader. We need to follow someone who has faced all of the same testings we do, yet did not sin – Hebrews 4:15. Someone who knows the way to JOY, and wants to help us experience JOY in our lives.

WHO SHOULD WE FOLLOW?

Would you like to have a personal/intimate relationship with GOD, the Creator of the Universe?? Take a look at the tab, The Cornerstone…, in the menu for more info.
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Blessing and Being Blessed :) – Joy in Serving – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 2a) [4]

May 4, 2015May 18, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

Paul defines serving in Philippians 2:3-4. He says,

DON’T be selfish

DON’T live to try and make a good impression on others
DON’T think only about your own interests, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing

DON’T think that you are better than other people, be humble

I think Paul’s definition is interesting. Instead of telling people to do, do, do, having a what’s in it for me attitude, we’re told instead, don’t, don’t, don’t. Reinforcing others before ourselves. Reinforcing that we will experience joy through serving. Through sacrifice and humbling ourselves. As we bless others, we are being blessed in ways we would never have thought possible.

HERE’S AN EXAMPLE MY FRIEND, SARAH (NOT HER REAL NAME), SHARED WITH ME —

Sarah began bringing over meals to Pam (not her real name), who was diagnosed with cancer. Pam shared with Sarah how much her efforts meant to her and her family. She’s receiving healthy food, aiding in her recovery, as well as quality time with Sarah.

As a result of Sarah’s willingness to give her time to Pam, she has also been blessed. She’s learned to prepare delicious looking, and tasting, vegan food. She’s also found a confidant who has prayed with, and for her, as she’s going through her own emotionally difficult trials.

Although Sarah and Pam’s pain/suffering, are different, both woman have been blessed by each other in ways they could never have imagined. They may never have connected in this way if it weren’t for the pain/suffering each woman is experiencing.

Sarah put her own issues aside to care for her friend. And in her opinion, has been blessed far more than she’s been a blessing. And I bet if I talked to Pam she’d have the opposite response – Sarah has been far more of a blessing to her, than she’s blessed Sarah.

Isn’t following God’s ways interesting? 🙂

————————————–

In the last two posts, we learned that we can experience joy in suffering, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-mF, http://wp.me/p5nZpi-no.

As we begin to look at experiencing joy in serving, we see that suffering and joy are sometimes connected. Pain/suffering is something God promises to go through with us, Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. – Psalm 23:4

We have an opportunity to serve and bless others, and in turn be blessed. Allow God to use your pain/suffering to make a difference in someone’s life.

2 Corinthians 1:4 —-

Would you like to have a personal/intimate relationship with God?? Take a look at the tab, The Cornerstone…, in the menu for more info.
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Really?? There Can Be Joy in Suffering?? – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 1b) – [3]

April 30, 2015May 18, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

Continuing on from Philippians (Chapter 1a), http://wp.me/p5nZpi-mF…

ARE YOU IN PRISON?

You may not be in a literal prison, or even experiencing physically suffering, but you may feel trapped or discouraged.

Remember: The way you respond when you find yourself in conflicts at work, in your friendships, in your marriage, with your finances, with your teachers, your family members, etc. has to power to restrain you, or set you free. Your response reflects what you believe, and of who you believe in.

WHAT KEPT PAUL GOING IN ADVERSE SITUATIONS?

Paul, “I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, and I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ whether I live or die. And while I live that means fruitful service for Christ.“ – Phil. 1:20,22

WHAT FUELED PAUL TO PUSH THROUGH HIS SUFFERING?

I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. – Phil. 1:25

AN EXAMPLE OF JOY IN SUFFERING

Between 1942 and 1945, a Jewish man named Viktor Frankl, spent time in four different Nazi concentration camps. His family died, he suffered horribly, and he spent years watching everyone around him suffering and dying. Out of this horrific experience came the book, Man’s Search for Meaning.

Here is a few quotes to ponder from Frankl’s book.

“Suffering is of itself meaningless. We give our suffering meaning by the way we respond to it.”

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances — the freedom to choose how you will respond to situation.”

“You can’t control what happens to you in life, but you can always control what you feel and do about what happens to you.”

TRANSFORMATION/STRENGTHENING

Allow your suffering to transform you. Allow your suffering to strengthen your faith in God.

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Really?? There Can Be Joy In Suffering?? – PHILIPPIANS (Chapter 1a) – [2]

April 27, 2015May 18, 2015buildafoundation Leave a comment

The Book of Philippians is a letter, written by the Apostle Paul. It is a rather short book, consisting of 4 chapters. Each chapter describing how joy can be experienced within different contexts.

Chapter 1 – Joy in Suffering
Chapter 2 – Joy in Serving
Chapter 3 – Joy in Believing
Chapter 4 – Joy in Giving

When I read Paul’s letters, I like to imagine that he wrote them to me.

By making the letters personal, as was Paul’s intention, I read them as “pep talks”.

They encourage me, while reminding me, that regardless of my circumstances there is hope when I put my trust in the Lord.

WHAT WAS PAUL’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PHILIPPIANS?

Looking at Phil 1:5 we see that Paul had a special relationship with the Philippians, You have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.

Because of the close relationship Paul shares with the Philippians, he knows that they are troubled by his suffering. Therefore, he takes the time to reassure them that his suffering is not without purpose. Paul says, “I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.” – Phil 1:12–15

WHO’S IN CONTROL OF OUR LIVES?

He reminds the Philippians that God is sovereign, and in control of his (and their) life and circumstances. Paul lets them know that he is fulfilling God’s intended purpose for him.

SUFFERING => UNFAIRNESS OR OPPORTUNITY?

Paul saw his imprisonment, not as an act of unfairness, or God forsaking him, but rather as an opportunity. An opportunity to spread the Good News that Christ came to save people, including prisoners and prison guards.

He saw his situation through God’s eyes verses limited human eyes.

Paul encouraged people by the way he responded when he was put into less-than-desirable situations. He demonstrated his faith, and encouraged others to experience God’s provision and comfort found in suffering.

ARE YOU IN PRISON?

You may not be in a literal prison, or even experiencing physically suffering, but you may feel trapped or discouraged.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED A POST FROM PHILIPPIANS, SEE LINKS BELOW 🙂

– Want to Know a Secret – (Introduction) Philippians [1] , http://wp.me/p5nZpi-mp

– Really?? There Can Be Joy In Suffering?? – PHILIPPIANS (Ch.1b) [3] , http://wp.me/p5nZpi-no

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Would you like to have a personal/intimate relationship with the Creator of the Universe?? Take a look at the tab, The Cornerstone…, in the menu for more info.
If you would like to receive notifications when new posts are published, click on the FOLLOW button in the sidebar. Or if you are viewing from your mobile device, scroll down the page and you’ll see the FOLLOW blog via email button 🙂
It you are viewing with the mobile version, scroll down to the bottom of this page for additional info and pics 🙂
Take a look at the other tabs in the menu for encouragement and inspiration as you continue to BUILD A FOUNDATION!!