Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. NKJV

Today I had to read Philippians 4! I think I would call it my life chapter. It was one of those mornings where I felt no encouragement or strength. I felt like there was no reasoning behind continuing in waiting for various issues in my life….life is monotonous. This chapter, though, pointed out what to dwell on, and that we can get through everything God has placed before us in life.

You may ask, “What should I be thinking about or dwelling on?” Paul explains in verses 8-9 to focus on what is noble, just, pure, lovely, and is of good report. I have heard pastors mention that if you take those characteristics, only one person fits that description….our risen Lord, Jesus. That is plenty to give thanks for, and should give us joy. Let us be like Habakkuk, and praise Him for His salvation and strength {Habakkuk 3:17-19}…no matter what our crops look like. .

In Philippians 4, Paul goes on to share how he has learned to accept being both poverty-stricken and to have much….the answer was Christ. This brings to mind Proverbs 30:9. Our prayer should be one of asking God to be our provision….when we look to ourselves, it will never satisfy. This was asking God to provide so there would not be the temptation to steal; or, to not be in the position where we would be so comfortable in what we have that we do not find the need for God. May God be the Provider, and may we not trust in our emotions, strength, or wealth! May we remember what Isaiah recorded, about how and where our strength comes ( Isaiah 40:31). Let us be patient and wait on Him for our renewed strength!

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

   I do not know how those in the world survive each day!  They have no hope for the future…once death comes, they will face an eternity apart from Christ.  It is truly taking life into their own hands…there is fear involved.  There is evidence that true love has not been found….perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).

     As we come into the Easter season, let us remember that there is no fear of death for those who are in Christ.  He loves the world and gave Himself for it (John 3:16). It is wonderful to know that death and the grave have no effect on us anymore…with Paul we say that death has no sting, and the grave hasn’t won ( 1 Corinthians 15:55)! Everyone, He is risen!!

L

1 Corinthians 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ.

The question of how to live life can be summed up in this verse from the Apostle Paul. When we seek to follow God, it is wise to find counsel from those who are abiding in Christ and are exhibiting fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). If you get proper discipleship, then over time you will become more mature in Christ and will be able to be strong examples for others to follow (1 Peter 2:2).

On answering this subject, Paul was enlightened by the Spirit to encourage others to seek God. When they will seek God with all of their hearts, they will be given answers to their questions…they will have verification that what they see and hear from a person is of God. It kind of reminded me of the compliment Paul gave the Berean Church, as they searched the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).

I wanted to share, in closing, that I am grateful for my Dad and pastors like Pastor Chuck Smith. They would always emphasize the importance of following Christ. When you observed how they lived their lives, you were able to see Christ in them. I would love for you to share how God has given you examples to live by. Keep following Him!🙏😊

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

9) Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

10) For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls. For he has no one to help him up.

Friendship is a very key element to the strength of a society. As is mentioned in Ecclesiastes, it is better to have two people working in conjunction than being alone. If they happen to stumble, there is more of a chance to restore themselves….one of the members will be able to help the other up. It is not beneficial to face everything on your own. It made me think of marriages, automatically, in this regard (Genesis 2:18).

In a marriage, there should be a friendship based on an unification in the Spirit. God is there for the couple, and it makes a three-fold chord (Ecclesiastes 4:12). He is the one who makes the chord absolutely unbreakable. There are many times when it may feel like both members are falling; but, God can be counted on to salvage the strength of the marriage, and the whole society. In my marriage, there have been times when I need a sounding board for issues…My Husband has been able to step in. Vice versa, it has gone on with his end of the marriage…sometimes he needs me to come alongside him and point him to Christ. I am curious if there are any out there who would be able to share a special friendship that can validate these sections in Ecclesiastes 4? I am praying we will all remember He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)!