A Life Worthy

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Philippians 4:23).

Well, Beloved…we did it.

Pretty much the entire book of Philippians

Go us.

So…Paul signs off with a simple sentence, a benediction to his readers. But it’s more than a simple, “That’s all, folks!” He manages to encapsulate, in a few words, a big chunk of the Christian life:

1. It’s grace–you can’t earn it.
2. It’s Jesus–always, ever Jesus.
3. It’s your spirit–God works from the inside out. 

Take that reminder with you into your Friday. 

The Lord of Everything chooses to love you, in spite of…well…you. He’s given you all you need to live and to serve and to be amazing.

So, go live.

Go serve.

Go be amazing.

Happy Friday, Beloved.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles (Philippians 4:14).

So, there is a person on your mind who needs help.

Maybe financially

Maybe emotionally

Maybe logistically

Maybe spiritually

I don’t know who they are, but you do–their face just popped into your head.

So, here’s the deal–God is all they need, and God will provide for them, with you or without you. But he has given you the opportunity to be part of that provision, to be a source of his blessing.

How do you know God is the one granting this opportunity?

Well, just who do you think put that face in your head in the first place?

Happy Wednesday, Beloved.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty (Philippians 4:12).

When I was 19 I lived alone in a little cabin in the mountains. I had just started a new job and didn’t know that paychecks often came a few weeks behind the actual work dates. 

Surprise

At one point I was living off generic ramen noodles with the occasional egg tossed in. In the last day or two before payday, the eggs were long gone and the ramen ran out and I engaged in what I called a financial fast–code for no money with which to eat. I sat at an empty table and read my Bible during meal times, going for the whole spiritual food is more valuable than physical food deal.

It ranks as one of the best times of my life.

These days I never go hungry. At least, not physically.

Hmm.

Happy Monday, Beloved

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. (Philippians 4:10).

I’m a schoolteacher.  Because of our schedule, there is one month during the summer when I get no paycheck. For many years I covered the gap by teaching summer school.  It was tight, but it worked.

Until the year they decided–at the last minute–not to offer summer school.

Uh, oh.

Cathy and I mentioned our tight situation as a prayer request in our Sunday School class. Together we prayed that God would provide, and he did.

Through them

Our brothers and sisters in Christ showed up the next week with trunks full of supplies for us. Love made manifest in produce. I gotta tell you, it was uncomfortable being on the receiving end of such a thing. It was humbling, and I’ve never enjoyed being humbled. I felt stupid and inadequate and distinctly loserly.

But the gift was given in joy, not judgment. One look told me that our friends were genuinely happy to have the chance and the ability to help. We were blessed. They were blessed. The Father was pleased. 

Beloved, don’t miss out on your opportunity to give today.

Or your opportunity to receive.

Each can be a blessing.

Happy Thursday, Beloved.