Wednesday, November 23, 2011

November 24, 2011

“1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:1-13


Happy Thanksgiving Day!

The Apostle Paul wrote to this group of Christians while he was in prison and while they were facing some challenges and instructs them to be thankful and rejoicing!

How could they do that in the face of all they needed? These where tough times and they are supposed to rejoice? How?

Simple! He calls their attention to several things they CAN do! Be thankful for those things that you can do in Christ!

Paul says:

You CAN Get Along With Others!

“ I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” Verses 2-3

Sometimes good people disagree. Sometimes feelings get hurt. But rather than be a pouter – be a peacemaker. You CAN get along with others in the strength God has given you!

You CAN Rejoice!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” V. 4

How can you rejoice always? Be “in” the Lord! Paul’s admonition is to rejoice “in the Lord”!

You CAN Have Peace!

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Vv. 5-7

When you are tempted by anxiety – pray! When you feel worried – pray and give thanks! Put God in charge of your life and then you can let Him take control of your troubles!

You CAN Think Right!

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” V. 8

You can’t feel right or act right or be right if you will not think right! To think right, think on right things! Simple refuse to entertain wrong or negative thoughts!

You CAN Be Content!

“ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Vv. 9-12

Doesn’t it make sense that when you begin focusing on what you love rather than on what you lack you will find yourself feeling more positive – more content?

Today be thankful for ALL the things you CAN do! And you can do them because you have the strength and presence of Christ!

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”