Neighborly Care

"What has happened to me has served to advance the gospel." (Philippians 1:12 NIV)

Paul's story about his imprisonments and the subsequent blessings as a result of these situations are fascinating to read. When he finds himself in chains in a cold prison cell, and knowing he is innocent of the wrong he is accused of, he makes friends with his jailer.  He had time to write the letters which we now read to help us get through our trials and challenges.

"As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." (Philippians 1:13 NIV)

Many years ago, soon after my husband and I began attending church, we became friends with the pastor and his family. We lived a few blocks away from them and would often take an evening walk around the block, right past their house.  Often they were outside and we would stop and talk and laugh together.

This evening walk around the block soon developed into an occurence we looked forward to. In the beginning, Dave and I felt accepted and invited into their life, without being creepy. Over time the relationship grew and it became genuine and honest. They began to outwardly care for us by making our visits seem as important to them as it obviously was to us.

Dave and I grew in our faith and love for Jesus. Eventually that pastor baptized my husband and our youngest daughter. It is this type of story, or testimony, that could help someone else recognize that sharing the love of Jesus can be as easy as walking around the block.

Philippians 1:12-30

Fear, Taxes and Chains

It is the time of the year I despise the most: tax filing time.

The thought of having to file taxes drives me crazy. Getting started is not easy. I have to ensure I have my W-2s, 1099s, expense receipts and all other pertinent information. I have to run to the library to get forms. Then I have to print some out or mail away for others. It sometimes takes weeks before I can start the actual task of filling out the forms!

FDR famously said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Well, he got it wrong. The only thing I have to fear is filling out tax forms!

Today’s reading is Acts 12:6-19. Peter was chained in jail, awaiting trial which would probably lead to his conviction and death. God, however, sent an angel to release him. God had other plans for Peter, and those included proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.

Today there are probably thousands of Christians who are persecuted, in chains or being put to death for their faith. So far, God has seen to it that I am not one of them. Nonetheless, I still have to contend with chains.

The chains are not physical ones, but rather are in my head. There are many tasks, like taxes, that I do not want to do, but that I have to do. I procrastinate; the chains keep me from starting.

God doesn’t send an angel to free me from my chains. Rather, he sent the Holy Spirit to help me. With the Holy Spirit, I can do those things that as a Christian I am called to do. Things like preparing for a Bible Study, or performing some other task at church, or shoveling snow or even doing my taxes. Praise God for the Holy Spirit!

I did get started with my taxes this weekend. Once I got started, it was mostly smooth sailing. Praise God!

Now I just have to do my daughter’s taxes. Aaaarrrrgggh!

1 Corinthians 6:12

Before I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus and to build a personal relationship with Him, I was a prisoner in life.  My past kept me in bondage.  My childhood experiences were as chains keeping me down, tying me to painful memories. It seemed that everything I enjoyed doing was wrong and my feelings of guilt and shame formed a jail of sorts, if only in my mind.

Freedom is found when Christ is part of our life. This sounds like a trite statement, but I find there is often truth in triteness. I struggle with overeating and I love sweets and I often turn to food when feeling lonely or bored.  This verse is helping me to recognize that moderation is key for me. Life Application Bible Notes teaches us to be careful that what God has allowed us to enjoy we don't turn into a bad habit.

1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)

 "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything. 

As a child I turned to food for comfort and joy. As an adult I know this is false happiness and that I need to lean on God for true joy and freedom. This is another simple thought and a truism, but a fact none the less. When I give up my wants and allow God to provide for my needs, the chains fall away. 

When I am dealing with the pain that accompanies the chains of this world there is only one way I can turn.  I have to submit and surrender my will and pray for the grace to overcome.  God's grace is the key to unlocking the prison doors.

Philippians 1:12-30

It is difficult to imagine not being able to walk into church and participate in a worship service.  I can't quite fathom what it would be like to have to sneak around under the cover of darkness in order to gather as a Body of Believers and share a time of prayer.  It doesn't seem possible, given the freedoms we have and take for granted, that others do not share in this gift.  I don't even know what that might look like.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."  (Philippians 1:20 NIV)

Paul understood persecution as did the followers of Jesus.  I remember when I was in Catholic grade school during religion classes we often were told of these days.  We heard stories of Christians living in underground catacombs, hiding out, in constant fear for their lives. I don't know this type of love and commitment.  I can't comprehend a dedication to Christ that is so strong I would willingly live in an underground cemetery so that I could worship the God of my choosing.

Oh, how I wish I could be confident that I too would have the courage of Paul to stand up to my critics and face them with love and compassion.  I know I have opportunity every day to do this. Today, the persecution we endure may be simply hurtful comments or derogatory remarks, tomorrow we might face imprisonment.

Our future and the future of our children and their children depend upon us today.  Our religious freedom was purchased at a price.  Are we prepared to pay the same price?  The Book of Philippians was, as Jill Briscoe put it, "Jail mail, written by a free man in chains."

Read Philippians 1:12-30 here

Listen to Philippians 1:12-30 here

Ready for a Jail Break?

What or who do you find yourself chained to today? Are you physically chained to a bed, a dialysis machine, an oxygen tank? Are you emotionally chained to a hurtful memory, a painful relationship, a grieving heart? There are times in our lives when we find we are bound to a life we did not choose for ourselves. When this happens it is necessary we also examine where our spiritual chains are are connected.

When trouble surrounds us, when pain overwhelms us, when life meets us face to face our spiritual chains need to be firmly attached to those who can pray for us. Life is dangerous, as Peter can testify. The scripture today reveals that James has been put to death and Peter is imprisoned, awaiting a trail. Peter is physically chained to his guards, but those chains will not stop God from moving.

Nothing and no one can stop the will of God. When God has a plan for you, for your life, not even being chained to two guards in a locked prison cell will contain you. When the people who love you are praying for your deliverance, God will move. Acts 12 is about the power of God; the power of prayer and why we can trust God with everything.

When I allow God to guide me, when I include God in my daily plans, my future looks bright. There are no chains that can hold me back.

Read Acts 12 here.