Thankful Thursday - Feb 28, 2008

I am thankful today for the many children God has placed in my life.

I have been blessed with two happy and healthy children of my own. These two sweet children never fail to bring a smile to my face and make my heart sing. They are kind, loving children with hearts of gold. They love each other dearly and enjoy being together which just makes me smile even more. Sure, they're not perfect and they are very much "normal" children that do fuss and argue with each other, but God has given them these sweet, loving personalities that allow me to "forget" all that "normal" stuff they do. My oldest is beginning to talk more about God and it is so special to hear him say things such as "We don't need to be scared, do we Mommy? 'Cause God is always with us." It is so exciting to see them grow and learn about God and all that He has done and will continue to do for them.

I have also had the opportunity over the years to work with children in churches I've attended. I have directed a preschool children's choir and taught several different age children's Sunday School classes. I cannot even begin to describe how these little children have blessed my life and taught me so much about my own walk with the Lord! They have an insight into this world that we lose as we grow into adults. On a regular basis I wish I could consistently look at God's world in the way they do -- so openly and innocently and not tainted by the unfairness and uncertainty of the human life we sometimes are forced to live.

I am reminded of the song "Jesus Loves the Little Children". I used to think this was only for young children, but have realized as I've grown older that we ALL are God's "little children" no matter our age. I am so thankful that God still considers me his "baby" in much the same way that I know I will always consider my children my babies no matter how old they are. Isn't it comforting to know that God loves us in that same manner?

My prayer today is one of thankfulness for all the children in this world and for the way they have touched my life. I pray they may stay "little children" even into adulthood and always see the world through those innocent and sweet eyes they have today.

Thank you, Lord!


For more "Thankful Thursday" posts pay Iris a visit over at Sting My Heart.

Philippians 2:5-11

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:5-11 NIV

One of several things that Paul has been teaching in the verses we've covered to date is that we should treat others as if they were more important than we are. That we should put others needs above our own needs. Paul writes verses 5-11 to give us the ultimate example of treating others as more important than ourselves. And, in turn, reminds us that we should praise the Lord for all he gave us when He sent his only son into this world.

Paul gives us the example of Jesus coming to earth in the form of a man. Jesus left his heavenly home and came to this earth in the form of a man so that he could die on a cross in order that each one of us could have a new life. A thought that I found as I studied that really spoke to me was that Jesus gave up his stature and privilege in heaven to come to earth to live with us. In 2 Corinthians 8:9 Paul writes of Christ, "though he were rich, yet for your sake became poor." This is to reinforce that Jesus gave up that privilege and honor that he deserved and he temporarily gave it up for us. For each one of us, so that we could have a life eternal with Him if we so choose. I read that and think, "How can I NOT choose to follow Christ?"

To take this one step further, verses 10 and 11 state that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Take a moment and really think about what Jesus did for us. Think about how he temporarily left His heavenly home and came to earth in the form of a man to live with us and like us. He gave up his life for us and died a painful and disgraceful death by crucifixion. How can we not bow at the sound of his name and worship Him? How can we keep our mouths tightly shut and not proclaim his praises?

Philippians 2:1-4

"If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:1-4 NIV

In verse 1, Paul gives the rhetorical question of "if there is any". I learned as I studied this passage that Paul asks these of the Philippians knowing that if they have received these things he has mentioned, then they have the responsiblity to do as Paul describes in verses 2-4.

Following are the 4 "if anys" and a brief commentary as to why we know these to be true:

* Encouragement in Christ - In 2 Thessalonians 2:16, Paul tells us "God has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope by grace."

* Consolation of Love - Another word used for consolation in the scriptures is comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 says that God is "the God of all comfort." The word comfort as used in the Bible is much more than the soothing type of comfort. Comfort in the Bible refers to the idea of strengthening, of helping, of making strong. In other words, "The love of God in our lives makes us strong and makes us brave."

* Fellowship of the Spirit - fellowship in this context means the sharing of common things. Therefore, what Paul is refering to is the sharing of life with the Spirit of God. We, as Christians, are guided by the Holy Spirit.

* Affection & Compassion - this refers to the affection and compassion that comes from God. As Christians, we know these exist as we experience them on a daily basis.

Verses 2-4 go on to tell us our responsibilities if we have received Christ and, therefore, have received the above noted blessings in our lives.

* Be of the same mind, maintain the same love, united in Spirit - these words stress that Christians should work together towards the same goal.

* Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit - always do for the love of others, not for self-advancement or self-promotion.

* With humility of mind let us regard one another as more important - this is to say that as individuals we should consider others more important than ourselves. By doing so we are able to move forward to help others in the name of Christ.

These scriptures have caused me to ask the following questions in my life:

Do I consider others more important than myself?

Am I united in spirit with my fellow Christians?

Am I selfless in all that I do?

Am I humble?

Do I place the needs of others above the needs of self?

Thankful Thursday

I truly believe that one reason we get so down in the dumps is because we don't take the time to fully realize all the blessings God has placed in our lives. I know that, for me, to sit down, list out those blessings, and then to give thanks to God for them is a huge source of growth and encouragement. Realizing these blessings in our lives can also be a huge step towards living a life full of the fruits of the spirit. How can we live a truly joyful life if we are not thankful for the many blessings God has given us?

So, here is what I am thankful for on this, my first "Thankful Thursday" --

I am thankful for my parents that raised me in a loving, Christian home where God was always taught and his will for our lives was placed first

I am thankful for a my husband. He is such a kind, loving man that grows stronger in his Christian faith each day and is such a loving father to our two children.

I am thankful for my two precious children. They are happy and healthy and make me smile each and every day.

To these special people in my life -- I love you all and am so thankful that God gave me each one of you!

Philippians 1:21-39

"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents -- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me." Philippians 1:21-39 NIV

I believe verses 21-26 has a powerful message of what our commitment to the Lord should be. The first being that as Christians death is a gain. As humans, it is so hard to grasp that being away from all we know here on earth is a gain. However, as Christians we must know that there is so much better and we will see that once we are face to face with God at his throne in Heaven.

The second message I believe is found in these scriptures (verses 21-26), is that while we are on this earth we should be fruitful in our labor for Christ. The Lord blessed us with life and we should use it to give back to Him and glorify Him. I certainly do not want to reach my end of time on this earth and realize that I did nothing to glorify God and further his kingdom. Currently, that is something that I am really pondering in my own life -- trying to determine what I am currently doing to be fruitful for the Lord (or not doing). I am then spending time in prayer to determine if that is where God wants me, and if not, what direction I should take instead. I'm also realizing that this doesn't have to always take the form of a teaching position at church, or a mission trip, etc. It can be in the simplest form of being a true friend to someone, helping someone in need, or smiling at a stranger I pass on the street. We never know how the simplest of gestures can affect someone's life to encourage them to continue thru the day or attend church because of something shared with them as a friend.

Verses 27 - 39 seem to carry a great message for churches today. Paul states in verse 27 "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." As a congregation of believers, we should conduct ourselves in a manner acceptable to God and we should do so in one spirit or in one united front. Our churches should be willing to move together out into our communities and be a living witness to all those around us. I have been a member of many churches over the years and one of things that has brought me to love the church I now attend is that we are fully committed to reaching out to our community. We do this in a number of ways -- we are involved in Habitat for Humanity and send teams out on a regular basis to build homes (we've even built two homes in our church parking lot), we host community wide prayer vigils for families in our community that are in need of prayer, and the list goes on and on. I truly believe a church must be out in the community to be truly effective.

These scriptures lead me to strive to work towards the following goals in my life:

* To live a fruitful life for Christ each and every day

* To continue uniting with my church family in God's work in our community

Philippians 1:12-20

"Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice. For I know that this shall turnout for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted in my body whether by life or by death."

Paul is now writing the Philippians regarding the preaching of the gospel. It is hard for my mind to imagine (especially if it were I in that prison) God's work continuing and not being slowed. However, that is just what was done in the case of Paul. Paul wrote letters to the Ephesians, the Colossians and the Philippians while in prison. Three wonderful books in our Bible. God most certainly did not waste time while Paul was in prison. While studying these scriptures I came across the following quote, "God never wastes our time, though we may waste it by not sensing God’s purpose for our lives at the moment."

Paul continues by speaking of how one should never preach God's word from "selfish ambition," but instead "from pure motives"(verse 17). Our hearts and our minds should always be pure when we are sharing God's love, never thinking of how many people might hear us or what they might think of us. Another quote I ran across while studying this passage was from A.M. Tozer. In it he is addressing the love that should be in our hearts and how we should always speak non-competitively of our God --

Dear Lord, I refuse henceforth to compete with any of Thy servants. They have congregations larger than mine. So be it. I rejoice in their success. They have greater gifts. Very well. That is not in their power nor in mine. I am humbly grateful for their greater gifts and my smaller ones. I only pray that I may use to Thy glory such modest gifts as I possess. I will not compare myself with any, nor try to build up my self-esteem by noting where I may excel one or another in Thy holy work. I herewith make a blanket disavowal of all intrinsic worth. I am but an unprofitable servant. I gladly go to the foot of the cross and own myself the least of Thy people. If I err in my self judgment and actually underestimate myself I do not want to know it. I purpose to pray for others and to rejoice in their prosperity as if it were my own. And indeed it is my own if it is Thine own, for what is Thine is mine, and while one plants and another waters it is Thou alone that giveth the increase.” (The Price of Neglect, 104-105)

The last note of importance that I would like to address is from verse 20 "according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." What a strong statement that Paul makes in this verse. For, not only is he saying to God "take my life here on earth and mold it as you see fit", but he is also saying "if you are best exalted by my dying, then that is okay, too". I have asked myself today if I am willing to die for Christ and I must admit it is hard. I think of my children still here on earth, of my husband, my friends, my church, etc. As a human it is so hard to imagine dying and not being here with them, but at the same time I know there are glories in heaven that I cannot even begin to imagine while I am still here on earth. And, then to think that my death might lead someone on earth to Christ, that is powerful, as well. In the end, we should all be willing to die for Christ.

As I look back at these scriptures, I believe the challenges I see ahead of me are:

* That I would never waste the time God has given me to do his work

* To always proclaim Christ's love with pure motives

* To be willing to die for Christ

Philippians 1:1-11

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:1-11 NIV

Philippians is a letter written by Paul to the Philippi people. It was written while he was in prison in Rome along with Timothy.

As I read these scriptures I was drawn into it from two different perspectives -- that of Paul and that of the people of Philippi. Below are some of my thoughts from each side....

Paul
Here is Paul living in pretty dire circumstances. He is in a Roman prison and has been for some time at this point. It seems to me that due to human nature, the most natural reactions to this situation would be along the lines of anger, depression, and bitterness. However, this is not at all how Paul reacts. He is not thinking of himself but instead writing a letter to the people of Philippi. And not just any letter, but a letter full of praises and statements of joy. He prays for them with joy. Here's verse 4 -- "always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all". Despite his circumstances, he prays for and rejoices with the people of Philippi.

When I look at this and then compare to my own life what a difference I find. It takes alot less than the prospect of being in prison to set me on a course of not caring about anyone else around me. It takes so much less for my heart to not find the joy that is in every day due to Jesus. I want the kind of life that Paul had where he found the joy in Jesus regardless of the situation. I want to always put the needs of others above those needs of my own.


People of Philippi
What an amazing people they must have been! Paul stated that he thanked God for them everyday and he prayed for the work that God had begun in them and knew that it would continue until it was complete. These people stood by Paul through all his struggles as he shared the gospel. They were the people that never walked away, that always prayed for Paul, and that continued Paul's work when he was unable. No wonder Paul had such a great love for these people. From verse 7 "For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me."

I think this must be what a true friend really is -- someone that is always supporting (even when the road is long and hard), someone that shares your beliefs, someone that prays for you and that truly loves you for who you are.

From these scriptures I take this challenge for myself in the next week:

* To begin living my life focusing on the Joy of Christ, not on the negative happenings of the day

* To strive to be a friend to others as the people of Philippi were to Paul

In The Beginning....

.... there was an awareness. A very real awareness that I was not spending enough time in the Bible. An awareness that my personal time in the study of God's Word was greatly lacking. Sure, I spend time with God and a minimal amount of time reading the Bible, but it is usually crammed in between getting dressed for work, getting the kids off to school, driving to work, fixing dinner, etc. I need some real and focused one on one time with God studying His Word.

In addition, I have always enjoyed group Bible Study time and enjoy the interactions of sharing and praying together with a group of people.

Combining both of these, the need for more personal Bible Study and a desire to share in the Bible with others, the idea was born for this blog. I decided I would start a personal Bible Study time that I will consistently keep and then, afterwards, share the scripture, notes, etc., from my study time via this blog. This would then bring about two aditional steps: 1) A journal of the study time that would re-inforce the scripture for me and, 2)the privilege of sharing with others that are reading along.

I have always wanted to live a life filled with the characteristics that are the fruits of the Spirit. With that in mind, I chose the fruits of the Spirit as the theme as I read through and study the Bible. The study will progress book by book through the Bible searching for ways to realize these fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And, I'm sure, there will be many additional messages found along the way.

I am beginning my study with the book of Philippians -- The Epistle of Joy.