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September 13 ThinkOnIt...Philippians 2:29-30 NKJVReceive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold
such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came
close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was
lacking in your service toward me. Philippians 2:29-30 NKJV Paul is saying to the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus in the Lord with all gladness and instructing them to hold men like him in high esteem. For Epaphroditus willingly gave of himself to serve Paul on behalf of the Philippians and almost died doing it. Have you ever served someone else to the point of sure exhaustion and caused yourself to become sick? When God calls you to do something for Him, He will provide everything you need to carry out that purpose (2 Peter 1:3). He did for Epaphroditus and he was healed. He did for Paul and we have much of the new testament. He will supply your needs too, as you put first His kingdom. Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” So we need not worry about a thing, as long as our focus is on God and His Kingdom, we shall be given everything we need. How wonderful is that? September 12 ThinkOnIt...Philippians 2:27-28 NKJVFor indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy
on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have
sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly,
that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be
less sorrowful. Philippians 2:27-28 NKJV I love how Paul attributes all things good to God. Paul’s focus is always on God’s mercy, God’s grace, God’s strength, God’s provision, God’s sufficiency, etc. We, too, need to learn to keep our eyes not on the temporal things but on the eternal things (2 Cornithians 4:18), just as Paul did. Epaphroditus became sick almost unto death, but Paul says God had mercy on him and healed him. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Apparently, Ephaphroditus’ purpose on earth was not complete yet, so God healed him. I think Paul had learned how to look at every situation and find God in it. Paul knew the Philippians had been praying for Ephaphroditus when he was ill. So by sending him back to the Philippians, it would encourage them in their faith. They would be able to see first hand how their prayers were answered and how God healed Ephaphroditus. This is a powerful testimony. In my small group, we had a woman whose daughter contracted Hepatitis C, a non-curable disease, by being pricked by a needle as her carried out her duties as a nurse. We prayed for healing for over 3 years. We never gave up and always believed God would heal her. Over those years, her health declined and we thought she would slip away soon. A month later, we receive the news that in the last round of tests, NO Hepatitis C was found in her body! God had healed her! What a miracle! Oh how we praised God! Our faith was strengthened, just as the Philippians faith was too. September 11 ThinkOnIt...Philippians 2:25-26 NKJVYet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. Philippians 2:25-26 NKJV Again, Paul demonstrates he trust in the Lord by sending Epaphroditus to the Philippians. He had already sent (or was planning to send) Timothy. Paul was in prison, yet he did not cling to these helpful fellow workers. Paul thought of the Philippians’ needs, as well as Epaphroditus’ need. Paul sees Epaphroditus’ longing & distress for the Philippians. Therefore, he put others above himself (Philippians 2:3). That meant he’d be alone in this prison. But Paul knew he wasn’t completely alone – He had Christ within him (2 Timothy 1:14). So do we. Are you ever tempted to have a pity party for yourself when you’re all alone? Don’t listen to the enemies lies. You are not alone. When you become a Christian, Christ Himself dwells within you and you are never alone again! Praise God! September 10 ThinkOnIt...Philippians 2:19-24 NKJVBut I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. Philippians 2:19-24 NKJV Paul had many concerns for the people of Philipi. But his concern was shared by no one except Timothy. I can relate to Paul in these verses. When I was leading a woman’s small group the Lord placed such a burden on my heart for these women. I would pray for them constantly, find new ways to encourage them, and stay connected in their lives. They were like children I wanted to protect from the evil one. Paul placed his trust in the Lord Jesus to care for them. He also trusted the Lord to care for him, as he decided to send his only friend & partner in the gospel, Timothy, to Philipi. It is a beautiful thing to have someone like-minded and sincere regarding the things of God in your life. Paul was unselfish. Paul could easily have kept Timothy with him to encourage himself. But he chose to send Timothy to encourage others. Timothy had proven his character by serving with Paul in furthering the gospel, so Paul knew he could encourage the Philippians. Timothy’s faith was known through his deeds and his sincerity shined forth. September 09 Come see www.thinkonit.orgSorry I don't have work for you. But come see my space at emarks19thinkonit.spaces.live.com or visit www.thinkonit.org. Great stuff to encourage you in your faith of Jesus Christ. Quote Looking for Fulltime or Freelance work. Think On It...Philippians 2:17-18 NKJVYes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:17-18 NKJV Remember yesterday’s verse “Do all things without complaining…”? This verse goes with it. No matter what’s occurring in our life we should focus on what we have to be thankful for. Concentrating on the blessings gives reason to be joyful and thankful. Paul says here “even if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice”, he would be glad and rejoice. Paul knew “all things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28), therefore, he willing gave of himself. John 8:32 says “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Even though Paul was imprisoned when he wrote this, he was set free in his heart. He was doing exactly what God asked him to do and he was grateful to do it. September 08 Think On It...Philippians 2:14-16 NKJVDo all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16 NKJV I have to admit this is a difficult saying. “Do all things without complaining and disputing”. I went to buy a printer cartridge the other day and the woman who rang up my order was complaining over how hot it’s been. I smiled and said “Yes, it’s been hot, but be thankful you don’t live in Texas or Arizona where it’s really hot!” I also mentioned how easy it is to complain. It’s comes very natural to us. If something doesn’t go the way we want, we complain. In addition, to complaining, my 12 year old son has a habit of disputing just about everything. It can be very frustrating. God’s Word is right and true. He guides in our relationships with others, that we might show the world a different way to live. In doing so, we reap the benefit of better relationships and our lives become more blessed. Paul says “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault”. To become something takes time. If we do become these things, then we will stand out as Paul mentions shining as lights in a crooked and perverse generation. I like what James says in James 1:27 NLT “refuse to let the world corrupt us.” Romans 12:2 admonishes us to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind by allowing God to change the way you think. We must hold fast to the Word of God, applying it in every area of our life, that in the end we will not disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27 and 2 Timothy 2:4-6). September 07 Think on it...Philippians 2:12-13 NKJVTherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV If we would only realize that God really has our best interest in mind, oh how easy it would be obey! Paul’s encouraging the Philippian believers to continue to obey God’s teaching even when he’s not around to oversea them. He’s reminding them to work out their salvation. I love that statement. He’s saying get it set in your mind that you are saved. It’s a done deal. Know for certain that nothing can take God’s love away from you (Romans 8:38). You are sealed in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:22) and your true life is hidden with Christ in heaven (Colossians 3:3). Paul goes on to say, it’s really God causing us to even desire Him! Isn’t that awesome! God changes our hearts so we want to follow Him. Our will and our actions changes because of what God has done in us. And it’s all for God’s pleasure. To see His children get it, brings Him great pleasure. September 06 Think on it...Philippians 2:9-11 NKJVTherefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV Jesus Christ is highly exalted by God. What is it to “exalt” someone? Strong’s dictionary says it is “to lift up”, “to honor”, and “raise to dignity”. God tells us that He has so exalted Jesus that everyone will bow before Him and confess Jesus as Lord. The pure and sinless one, became sin, willingly died in our place to pay for that sin, and rose again to give us new life in Him for eternity. Romans 14:9 says “For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” Notice how this verse says “those in heaven”, “those on earth”, and “those under the earth”? God is saying no one will be exempt. Everyone – both dead and alive will exalt Jesus, bow before Him and confess Jesus Christ is Lord. Have you made your decision to confess Jesus as Lord yet? It is far better to choose Him now, than to risk your eternity later. September 05 Think on it...Philippians 2:8 NKJVAnd being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8 NKJV Humility and obedience should go hand and hand, if it is to be pleasing to the Lord. 2 Chronicles 7:14 “…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Jesus is our example. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. Jesus knew who He was. He was willing to subject Himself to cruel men because it was part of God’s plan. He trusted in His Father. Psalm 25:9 says “The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.” If we are willing, He will show us the way. Matthew 18:4 says “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” September 04 Think on it...Philippians 2:5-7 NKJVLet this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 NKJV I heard a pastor teaching about power and gentleness the other day. He was saying that when you know you’re powerful, you can more easily choose to be gentle. Having confidence in the strength within you, enables you to walk away from unnecessary conflict. No matter what you face, you know you can overpower it because of who resides within you. Therefore, you choose to act gently and humbly, because you know the power to be victorious is in you. Here we see Paul, encouraging us to have the same mind as Christ. Jesus knew who was – God. No one is more powerful than Him. He chose to become a humble bondservant and walk among His people. We were created in His image (Genesis 1:27). Romans 8:11 says “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” We, too, are powerful and choose to walk humbly before our God. September 01 Think On It...Philippians 2:4 NKJVLet each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 NKJV Paul continues in this verse to say we should care about the interests of others, as well as our own. Ephesians 5:28 “So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.” Leviticus 19:18 “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” Matthew 22:39 “…‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Treat others as you want to be treated. That’s the golden rule. It is for a reason. God set up this universe. He know best how to run it. Our God is a God of relationship, not ritual. Therefore, it makes sense that He cares how we treat others. Even looking at the Ten Commandments, reveals it’s about relationship. The first five are geared towards our relationship with God. The rest are focused on our human relationships. Mark 12:33 says “And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” August 31 Think on it...Philippians 2:3 NKJVLet nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3 NKJV We are naturally selfish beings. What are some of the first few words a toddler says? No and Mine. The “No” is a natural rebellion that defies authority. The “Mine” is the natural selfishness of “it’s all mine” thinking. It is every Christians challenge to deny self, carry his cross and follow Christ. One way we deny ourselves is by putting to death the selfishness that comes so natural to us. Galatians 5:19-21 says “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” If any of these things are evident in our lives, then we know we are not walking in the Spirit, but allowing ourselves to be led by our flesh. In Galatians 5:16 Paul encourages the believers saying “…Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Our focus needs to shift from looking at what’s in it for me to looking at what’s best for others. Think about how you might serve those around you. In the last year, I started thinking this way about my work and let me tell you it changed my whole perspective of work. Work used to be a means of getting by and paying bills. I didn’t really want to be there. Now, with an attitude of servanthood, it’s exciting to go to work, to see who I can help today. But the most exciting part is how I’m more open to God’s prompting throughout the day, simply because I choose to serve for His glory. Check out www.thinkonit.org for more bible studies, links, praise reports and book reviews! August 30 Think on it...Philippians 2:1-2 NKJVTherefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2 NKJV When we stop to really think about what it means to be in Christ, it should fill us with joy. Christ has paid for our sins and given us an undeserved ticket to heaven and eternal life (Romans 5:8). He has given us His Spirit to dwell in us until He returns (Romans 8:9). By His righteousness we can stand boldly in front of God, Himself, asking for anything in His name and if it aligns with His will, it is done for us (Matthew 7:7). Have we known the comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, affection and mercy of God? Yes, yes, yes. Then Paul says, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 says “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” God draws people together and does not cause division. We are His children, the sheep of His fold, His people. As such we should be of the same love He has for us and same mind. August 29 Think on it...Philippians 1:29-30 NKJVFor to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to
believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same
conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
Philippians 1:29-30 NKJV Paul is reminding the believers of the fact that suffering will be part of the Christians’ life. Just as they see him suffer, they also are meant to suffer for Christ’s sake. In Acts 9:15-16 NLT the Lord speaks to Ananias regarding Paul: “But the Lord said, "Go and do what I say. For Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for me." Anyone called of God, will suffer. Paul continues in this verse to say “having the same conflict which you saw in me”. What conflict is that? Earlier in this chapter Paul was talking about the conflict of living to benefit others or dying to be with Christ. I believe that’s what he’s talking about here. When the Lord so touches your heart, there’s a constant craving to be with Him. However, there’s work to be done here on earth. Therefore, the conflict exists and it is a form of suffering. August 28 Think on it...Philippians 1:28 NKJV…and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them
a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
Philippians 1:28 NKJV Last time we talked about letting our conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Paul continues to encourage the believers not to be afraid of their enemies. Any negative reaction from your enemies, when you speak the truth of God, is only an indication of their condition without God. 2 Corinthians 2:12-14 says “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.” No matter how others respond, listen to what Joshua 1:7 says “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” Remember the story of Alisha and his servant. 2 Kings 6:16-18 says “So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.” Therefore, be strong in your walk because you know your salvation is sealed in Christ. August 25 Think on it...Philippians 1:27 NKJVOnly let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel… Philippians 1:27 NKJV This is my prayer for all who read this. “Let our conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, that He may not be offended by us. May we stand fast in one spirit and one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Paul is always encouraging and building up the believers. In Ephesians 4:28 it says “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” It’s so easy to point out what is wrong. It’s easy to be critical of others. But Jesus Christ calls us to be different from the world. In Romans 12:2 it says “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” It is our behaving differently that helps us be good witnesses for Him. August 24 Think on it...Philippians 1:25-26 NKJVAnd being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. Philippians 1:25-26 NKJV We’ve talked about Paul’s desire to go be with the Lord, but staying instead being more helpful to fellow believers who he was writing to. In this verse, Paul says, again, he is confident that he shall remain and continue with them for their progress and joy of faith. Remember, Paul said earlier “to live is Christ”. This was Paul’s way of saying that he chooses to live as Christ did, concerned for the wellbeing of other’s souls. This was Paul’s great ministry. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-21 Paul said “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;”. The more he related to others, the easier they trusted him and the result was them believing in Christ. How beautiful! In Proverbs 27:17 says like iron sharpens iron, so friends sharpen friends. Paul helped sharpen his friends. How much do you sharpen your friends?August 23 Think on it ...Philippians 1:22-24 NKJVBut if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. Philippians 1:22-24 NKJV Living, to Paul, meant that his life would yield fruit for the Kingdom of God. Do you see his conviction? He says “this WILL MEAN fruit from my labor”. He had no doubt that good would come from his ministry and calling. Having to decide between life and death, Paul obviously wanted to “depart and be with Christ”. Paul’s will was to be with Christ, but he yielded or submitted himself to the Lord’s will instead. He continued faithfully to do what the Lord led him to do. He recognized the work that God gave him to do was not finished yet, because he continued on for the sake of other believers. Paul understood Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” He knew his purpose. August 22 Think on it...Philippians 1:21 NKJVFor to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 NKJV Paul had a wonderful way of looking at things. This sentence speaks volumes of his faith. Paul had determination to live for and as Christ. It means that in everything Paul would discipline himself to act as Jesus acted. He would consciously choose to deny self, carry his cross and follow the Lord Jesus Chris (Matthew 16:24). Paul’s life modeled what Proverbs 14:25 says “A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies.” Paul believed Isaiah 43:10 “You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.” Paul knew what awaited him after this life was over. That knowledge did not bring fear, but great joy. He knew that to be absent from this body was to be in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Living from this perspective freed Paul from any fear of being killed, because dying meant he would go be with Christ. When we truly believe God, then our lives will show it by how we live. Paul’s life did and so will ours. |
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