Philippians 1:1-11

God is always working on us, pushing and pulling, prodding and pruning.  Make no mistake, this type of handling hurts.  The different ways God manipulates us to refine our spirits and restore us to His ways is painful.  The challenging situations we find ourselves in so often, are part of our faith growth.  They can be compared to a child’s learning experiences when they must experience physical pain in order to learn acceptable behavior; touching a hot surface, exploring a forbidden attic and so on.

"...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 1:6b)

I am not going to sugar coat it and tell you that once you get through this time in your life everything will be okay.  That would not be true.  Most likely there are a number of seasons waiting in the wings that are meant to season us more, prepare us for the future. But we are not alone during these times.  Jesus is with us and so is His Holy Spirit.  Crying out to them for help is the best thing to do, opening up God's Word and learning to put on the whole armor of God to fight these earthly battles will defeat the enemy. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

I know that my faith has been made stronger because of the trials in my life.  Do I look forward to the next 'growing of my faith?'  I wish I could emphatically say YES, bring it on.  While that would be dishonest, I know from past experience I will be better for it, stronger and wiser and anticipating the day when God will "carry it on to completion."Read Philippians 1:1-11 here

Listen to Philippians 1:1-11 here

Philippians 1:1-11

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3)

If I was on the receiving end of this statement, I would feel good about myself. What a compliment to hear these words. I wonder what would make someone say them. Is there anyone you know that you would be compelled to say this a about?

The Philippians made quite an impression on Paul because it had been almost 10 years since he had seen them. Communication had to have been kept up, as Paul’s heart was filled with love for these fellow Believers, and as he said, he prayed for them. Prayer is a perfect type of communication. Is there someone you haven’t seen for a long time but you pray for? Does it make you feel closer to them?

When I am praying for a friend or loved one who lives a distance from me, or who I seldom see, I can visualize them in my mind as I pray. The same is true if I am journaling my prayers that day. I can picture the recipient of my prayers, as I last saw them. Paul probably could see his Philippian friends too.

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” (Philippians 1:4)

Paul prayed for his friends, with joy. He could do this because of their Christian bond. Paul knew their salvation was secure and he knew they were working for Christ, spreading the Good News. That gave Paul joy. When praying for fellow believers, we too can experience the same joy. We have a powerful connection; the Cross of Christ.

Read Philippians 1:1-11 here

Listen to Philippians 1:1-11 here

Philippians 1:1-11

I once listened to a Philippians teaching shared by Jill Briscoe.  She referred to Paul's letter to the Philippians as 'jail mail' written by a free man in chains. Paul's letter to the faithful of Philippi is a letter to people he truly loved, people who partnered with him to spread the love of Jesus.

When I am in the company of other believers, I feel energized.  When I am working alongside fellow followers, I have the sense of joy and peace that is so different from other situations.  There is a writer's conference I attend with about 600 Christian women.  We are gathered in the same room, praising and praying, and there is no feeling quite like it. Having experienced that, I understand Paul's words below.

"It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me." Philippians 1:7

Philippi was a Roman colony and the Romans had a strong opposition to the Gospel. Paul spent many days in Roman prisons, and he spread the Word of God even in lock up. During his times of confinement he knew the members of his church were praying for him and that gave him courage and strength to continue his ministry. The prayers of our Friends in the Fellowship of Believers, lifted for us whenever we are chained to trouble, are mighty.

The prayers on our behalf by Friends in the Fellowship of Believers provide strength to go on. Petitions lifted up for us when life's challenges have us in the valley, are a thing of beauty. The words of Paul are echoed, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3)

Read Philippians 1:1-11 here

Listen to Philippians 1:1-11 here