March_14

SHARING BREAD

21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Phil 4:21-23 (NIV)

Paul begins and ends his letter “to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi” with grace. How appropriate. From Genesis to Revelation, God permeates His love letter to us with grace as well. It is impossible to doubt the sincerity of God’s love as His Son’s blood is stamped upon every gift of mercy He bestows. He is not stingy with His gifts of grace rather He continually sends forth “showers of blessings” upon His children. Lavish grace giving way to lavish grace. As believers, we can live confidently for Him because of the surpassing grace of the Lord Jesus Christ which ever accompanies us. Grace – such a wonder. The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids defines “Charis” – the Greek word translated “Grace” – in the following way:

“To rejoice; Grace, from its root, this word denotes that which causes joy, pleasure, that which creates delight in the recipient or observer. Hence, it is used with some latitude to mean gratification, thankfulness, gratitude or appreciation for a kindness granted or desired; a benefit, favor, or gift; acceptance, approval, generosity, open-heartedness, or magnanimity. It was used especially to describe favors done without expectation of return. In reference to God we might understand it as the absolutely free expression of His loving-kindness to men, finding its only motive in His bounty and benevolence as the Giver: His unearned and unmerited favor…. Strictly speaking, grace is the favorable disposition of God toward sinners on account of Christ.”

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians:

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9:8 (NIV)

“It is well to be poor, when the knowledge of our poverty serves but to unfold to us the exhaustless riches of divine grace. That grace can never suffer any one to go away empty. It can never tell anyone that he is too poor. It can meet the very deepest human need; and not only so, but it is glorified in meeting it. This holds good in every case. It is true of every individual sinner…Grace is the grand and only resource for us all. It is the basis of our salvation; the basis of a life of practical godliness; and the basis of those imperishable hopes which animate us amid the trials and conflicts of this sin-stricken world. May we cherish a deeper sense of grace, and more ardent desire for glory! C H MacIntosh

“Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down.” John Wesley

Our world is hungry for the grace and reconciliation that God alone offers. A story is told of a father in Spain named Juan who was estranged from his son Paco. Desiring for reconciliation, the father places an ad in the Madrid paper which read: “Dear Paco, meet me in front of the newspaper office at noon on Saturday. You are forgiven. I love you, Your Father.” Saturday eight hundred Pacos showed up seeking forgiveness and love from their fathers. Indeed, the world is hungry for the full and complete reconciliation that God offers. God’s grace brings contentment and peace to our souls. The presence of God is the only salve for our wounds. Christ is precious to His own. Humans desire the broken to be made whole, the soiled to again be made clean. As the prophet Isaiah states:

18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; 20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 1:18-20 (NIV)

“God hath in Himself all power to defend you, all wisdom to direct you, all mercy to pardon you, all grace to enrich you, all righteousness to clothe you, all goodness to supply you, and all happiness to crown you.” Thomas Brooks

Paul urges his readers not to receive God’s grace in vain. In the greatest act every done on mankind’s behalf:

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV)

Indeed, Paul states that God’s grace to him was not without effect – it was not empty, vain or useless in his life and neither should it be in ours as modern day believers in Jesus. God’s grace changes a life and it is to be evident for the world to see. We do not remain the same and this treasure we have received in our jars of clay is to be used for His glory and our ultimate good. This points the lost to Christ and the wayward back to Him. I read a story about Dr. Livingstone this morning – a missionary who plunged deep into the heart of Africa in the late 1800’s. His exploits were passionately followed by the world and his foray’s widely discussed. In the early 1870’s news from him went quite. The world held its breath in wonder at what had become of him. The New York Herald made a decision to send Henry Stanley to discover what had happened to the famed Livingston. Dead or alive they desired the story and spared no expense in procuring it. Interestingly, Livingstone was a loving grace filled follower of Jesus and Stanley an adventure seeking journalist and an infidel who viewed Christianity with considerable cynicism. Finally locating Livingstone near Lake Tanganyika Stanley uttered the now famous words: “Dr. Livingstone, I presume.” Stanley arrived just in time to aid the old missionary with medicine and supplies and news from home. Yet, Livingstone gave Stanley far more. Curious as to what would motivate and inspire a man to leave all; Stanley desired to dig further still. Through Livingstone’s grace filled life, little by little observing his piety, his gentleness, his passionate zeal and love for the Lord, Stanley was converted by him. Livingstone’s grace filled life was not without effect. Indeed, God’s all surpassing grace to us is not to be without effect either.

“God is able to recover this image through grace as we are conformed to Christ.” Alister McGrath

What I glean from this:

• God’s Word is permeated with grace.
• God’s grace is His unearned, unmerited favor toward me.
• Our world is hungry for the grace and reconciliation that God alone offers.

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March_12

SHARING BREAD

18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Phil 4:18-20 (NIV)

Paul begins our verses for today by expressing appreciation for the gifts received from the Philippian believers. To him, their kind offering supplied his needs yet to God, their generosity demonstrated much more – the fruit of grace flowing from their lives. The actions manifested in their bodies glorified God. This sacrifice on their part the Father commended and accepted as both well pleasing and fragrant in His sight. Believers are to develop Godly habits which express God’s glorious grace. This points others to Jesus. Paul encourages these sweet souls that God would also provide for them as they sought to follow Him in faithful obedience. Whatever needs they had, God would and could meet them, having both the desire and the power. I am reminded of the prophet Isaiah’s words:

18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

Paul also writes in Romans:

31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32 (NIV)

God desires to provide for His faithful followers today as well. He meets our needs – not necessarily our wants – according to His perfect timing and inexhaustible riches. The psalmist declared:

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalms 84:11-12 (NIV)

God loves to give to His children just as we love to give to ours. Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount:

11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matt 7:11 (NIV)

“God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Indeed, King David beautifully writes in Psalm 23:

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. Psalms 23:1 (NIV)

Admittedly, some of us need to have our “wanters” readjusted. We often wrongly mistake our wants for needs. Paul writes of God’s sufficiency regarding our needs in 2 Corinthians:

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9:6-8 (NIV)

When we trust in the Lord, we will act as in the Philippian believer’s case. They believed God and responded in giving selflessly and sacrificially. God credited this to them as a righteous act, not a filthy rag. Trust is a prerequisite for receiving God’s richest blessings. We live what we believe. Ultimately, Christians can dispense only what they have received be it materially or spiritually and their good work is accomplished motivated by love of the Master and through the Holy Spirit’s enabling power.

“Ultimately the man who comes to obey God will love Him first…Let us therefore learn that the love of God is the beginning of religion, for God will not have the forced obedience of men, but wishes their service to be free and spontaneous…Lastly we learn that God does not linger over the outward sign of achievement but chiefly searches the inner disposition (motive), that from a good root good fruit may grow.” John Calvin

Interestingly, on the reverse side of the coin, anything merely done in the flesh motivated by pride or works and apart from the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling, prompting and producing, will be burned up – it is not eternal and does not redeem our time. Jesus tells us in John:

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” John 15:5-6 (NIV)

“God does not honor men and women and their deeds or their books or their organizations. The Father in heaven delights to honor His Son. It is only the Life of the Lord Jesus – His activity, clothed with you and displayed through you – that ultimately will find the approval of God.” Major Ian Thomas

What I glean from this:

• God longs to be gracious to me and rises to show me compassion.
• My actions are to be motivated by love for the Master.
• I can do nothing eternal apart from the Holy Spirit’s power.

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March_10

SHARING BREAD

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.

Phil 4:14-17 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul never desired to be a burden on anyone. He sought neither praise nor help from men longing rather to encourage, comfort and urge others to live a life worthy of God. He writes in 2 Thessalonians:

6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9 Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 1 Thess 2:6-9 (NIV)

Yet, giving is a grace that is to be evident in every believer’s life. Paul writes in our verses for today his commendation to the Philippian Church for their gracious and selfless gifts of giving. Scripture encourages our generosity both for our good and the good of others. It is to be a mark of a true believer in Jesus. Our Lord states in Luke:

38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)

“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” Amy Carmichael

God is also well pleased when His children are generous and rightly so as He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift:

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:17-18 (NIV)

“Being generous with your money is a personal quality of someone that the grace of God has gripped. Why? Because the essence of the Gospel of grace is generosity. Jesus Christ gave up the Greatest Treasure in the world. He gave away his treasure when he left the most affluent gated community in the universe, heaven and all its glory, became poor, so that we might become rich. He gave up Ultimate wealth—Himself, for you. ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’, he said and lived. He also said you cannot serve God and money, it’s impossible. You have to choose. Only by the power of the Gospel of grace can you begin to be generous”. Tom Wood

Indeed, God so loved the world that He gave. The very familiar John 3:16 readily comes to mind:

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

Believers are never more like our Maker and our Savior than when we are giving. Giving is not only about money but it is also about our time and our abilities, even our very selves. It is living a life worthy of God and God is pleased by it. Caring and giving are to reflect in the life of those who love the Lord Jesus.

“To sacrifice something is to make it holy by giving it away for love.” Frederick Buechner

“Jesus is the great teacher of lowliness of heart. Witness the Master taking a towel and washing His disciples’ feet! Isn’t it true to say that on earth He was always stripping off first one robe of honor and then another until, naked, He was fastened to the cross and emptied Himself, pouring out His lifeblood, giving it up for all of us, until they laid Him penniless in a borrowed grave?” C. H. Spurgeon

16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Heb 13:16 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Paul longed to encourage others to live a life worthy of the Lord Jesus.
• Giving is a grace that should be evident in every believer’s life.
• I cannot love without giving.

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March_07

SHARING BREAD

10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Phil 4:10-13 (NIV)

In our verses for today Paul shows us that contentment is no natural propensity of man – it is a learned secret (ugh!). Being covetous, grumbling and griping are as natural to man as weeds are to the spring soil. We don’t need to work at producing them in our lives (go figure….all the things that come so easily for me!!!) I don’t need a tutor to teach me to complain, in fact, I could be the tutor! While the weeds of a complaining spirit grow rampantly if not diligently plucked out, the precious graces such as contentment must be carefully cultivated. If we desire pretty flowers in our garden we must give forth the care. Contentment is one of the grandest flowers in God’s garden obtained through the new nature alone. Even in our new nature however, we must be especially careful to maintain and cultivate this grace turning from discontentment as soon as it begins to rear its ugly head. Surely it cost Paul pain to attain the mystery of this great Truth and it will cost us as well. We can’t simply learn it from a book we must learn it through the practice of discipline in our experiences. It is in our choosing of gratitude over grumbling which waters the flower of contentment in our hearts.

“This is a special act of grace, to accommodate ourselves to every condition of life. To accommodate ourselves to an afflicted condition – to know how to be in need. To a prosperous condition – to know how to have plenty, how to be full, so as not to be proud, or self-confident. And this is as hard a lesson as the other; for the temptations of fullness and prosperity are not less than those of affliction and need.” Matthew Henry

God desires for His children to be satisfied with His portion for us. We can rest assured that it is the fittest for us – our crosses and burdens being best suited for our shoulders. Infinite and unerring wisdom has ordained our lots and has lovingly chosen the very best and safest for each of us. If there had been any better condition for us than the one in which we are in, divine love would have put us there. If we were left to choose our own lots we would indeed pierce ourselves with many sorrows – just ask Eve. Yet, the Lord orders all things for our good and His glory. God’s provision satisfied the apostle Paul who learned to remain content in all circumstances. Complaining is an affront to God and a rejection of His loving intent for us. Jeremiah tells us:

11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11 (NIV)

King David writes:

5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalms 40:5 (NIV)

“A ship of large tonnage is to be brought up the river; now, in one part of the stream there is a sandbank; should some one ask, ‘Why does the captain steer through the deep part of the channel and deviate so much from a straight line?’ His answer would be, ‘Because I should not get my vessel into harbor at all if I did not keep to the deep channel.’ So, it may be, you would run aground and suffer shipwreck, if your divine Captain did not steer you into the depths of affliction where waves of trouble follow each other in quick succession. Some plants die if they have too much sunshine. It may be that you are planted where you get but little, you are put there by the loving Husbandman, because only in that situation will you bring forth fruit unto perfection. Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there.” Charles H. Spurgeon

“The best way to show my gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.” Mother Teresa

“Gratitude is not only a response to God in good times — it’s ultimately the very will of God in hard times. Gratitude isn’t only a celebration when good things happen. It’s a declaration that God is good no matter what happens.” Ann Voskamp

Lastly, Paul teaches us he can do everything through Jesus who gives him strength. Guess what? As believers, we can as well (believe it or not). We need only His strength to empower us to be content in any and every situation. It is not merely through human resolve or discipline – alone they will ultimately fail us – but by turning it over to Him day by day. It is by seeking His constant and renewed strength and Presence that we are enabled to be content in all circumstances. I am reminded of our Lord’s Words to Paul when the apostle prayed for the removal of his thorn:

8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:8-10 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Contentment does not come naturally to me – it must be learned.
• God’s plan for me is good – to give me a hope and a future.
• I must rely on the power of the Spirit to be content in my weaknesses.

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March_03

SHARING BREAD

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

Phil 4:8 (NIV)

In our verse for today Paul mentions several items which are to serve as sieves or filters for our thoughts as well as for our words. What we put into our mind – what we continually dwell on – will come out in our actions and words. This list of attributes is given for our benefit, equipping us to have both a wholesome thought life and a wholesome word life. To “think” means “to put together with one’s mind, to count; to occupy oneself with reckonings or calculations; to reason”. (Hebrew Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids.) We are to dwell on things above or as Paul states here, the excellent and praiseworthy. All of our thinking is to be put into the context of God’s standards.

“Whatever happens, abide steadfast in a determination to cling simply to God……Maintain a holy simplicity of mind, and do not smother yourself with a host of cares, wishes, or longings, under any pretext.” St. Francis de Sales

God places a high priority on our thoughts and our words as “whatsoever a man thinketh in his heart, so is he”. Our mental wanderings often reflect our highest priorities as well as our deepest worries and our words will reflect what is stored in our hearts. Out of the overflow of a man’s heart his mouth speaks. God is keenly aware of our innermost thoughts and motives – even those that we perhaps are able to mask from others. Scripture tells us the Lord searches and examines our hearts and minds. The motives behind our actions being very important to Him:

10 “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” Jer 17:10 (NIV)

“You might not be what you think you are, but what you think, you are.” Anonymous

Jesus also tells us the greatest commandment is to love the Lord God with all our heart, soul and mind. If this be the greatest command, it stands to reason that our thoughts should be as He instructs:

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matt 22:36-38 (NIV)

“All love…casts the mind into the mold of the thing beloved.” John Owen

Proverbs also tells us:

29 A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways. Prov 21:29 (NIV)

23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. Prov 21:23 (NIV)

“Sanctification is the mind coming more and more under the Holy Spirit’s control.” David Jackman

We are to watch the input – what goes into our minds – what we place before our eyes, what we listen to with our ears, we can often control. This greatly affects our thinking. How frequently we allow our world to control our thoughts and desires getting us nowhere fast. And God says to us – “Dwell on Me”, “Think about things above not on earthly things”, Dwell on whatever is sincere and authentic; whatever is awe-inspiring and attractive; whatever is just and upright; whatever is uncontaminated, virtuous and innocent; whatever is pleasing and beautiful; whatever is appealing and wooing; whatever is outstanding in moral goodness and excellence of character – highly esteemed by others; and whatever is commendable. This is possible through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit for every believer in Jesus.

2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Cor 4:2 (NIV)

“Belief is truth held in the mind; faith is fire in the heart.” John Henry Newman

“A Christian, being only a traveler through the world, must expect a traveller’s fare; bad roads sometimes, bad weather, and bad accommodations; but since his journey’s end and city are in heaven, all his actions, sufferings, prayers, trade, and conversation turn that way. O Lord, grant that mine eyes may always be fixed upon this mark, so as to regulate all my designs and doings accordingly; asking myself in everything, whether it be fit for heaven, and agreeable to the mind of the heavenly Bridegroom, and to the manners of the heavenly citizens.” K. H. Von Bogatzky

What I glean from this:

• I am to dwell on things above not earthly things.
• What I allow my mind to think on affects my actions and words.
• I am to give thought to my ways and to guard my mouth.

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February_28

SHARING BREAD

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)

In our verses for today, Paul warns believers against yielding to disturbing and perplexing worries and anxieties over our needs and difficulties this life continually presents. He issues the great antidote to worry – prayer permeated with petitions and thanksgiving. This keeps our minds steadfastly focused – in perfect peace – trusting and leaning upon the One who has control over all circumstances. Isaiah states:

3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Those who trust in the Lord enjoy a complete and genuine peace – not the paste gem variety which the world offers. This inner tranquility encourages believers to continue to trust in the Lord – even through trying circumstances – whereas worry robs us of peace and leaves us anxious, fearful and distraught. The more we focus on the problem or on the crisis the greater and all-consuming the issue becomes. The magnifying effect it has on our attentions cannot be overstated – the problems often seeming much larger than reality – particularly when we are facing them in our own weak strength. We begin to sink in the mire and the deep pits of our troubles and despair or fall into a sinful spiral in choosing the wrong paths. Jesus speaks towards the fruitlessness of worry in the Sermon on the Mount:

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matt 6:25-30 (NIV)

Worry is a form of atheism, for it betrays a lack of faith and trust in God.” Bishop Fulton J. Sheen

At the very essence of our anxious thoughts is wrongly imagining that we are wiser than God and we thrust ourselves in His place reckoning to do for Him which He has undertaken to do for us. It is great presumption in intruding upon His providence and it is sinful. We work as unto the Lord and calmly leave our affairs in His hands. He is in charge of the results of our labors. It’s as if we believe we are ultimately responsible for the outcome or we are fearful that God won’t give us the results we desire. It is a lack of trust in the fact that God always has our best interest at heart and if we receive a “No” in our petitions it is for a far greater “Yes”.

18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

“All worry is a desperate wanting of my own way.” Ann Voskamp

Our focus in times when we are tempted to wring our hands over all the worries of this fallen world is to have a dramatic shift of focus – our eyes and hearts need to be off the problem and on the Provider. We are to turn our full attention and trust to the all-sufficient One in prayer and in gratitude. His hand is not too short to save and He is ever compassionate and willing to be our great defender still. It is not only important for us to seek His limitless supplies of good but to recall His past mercies as well – acknowledging them in constant thanksgiving.

18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18 (NIV)

“Cultivating a grateful heart is not just an add-on nicety, a civil tip of the hat to God as we steamroll through our day. A posture of purposeful, perpetual thanks to God is absolutely central to Christian character. It gives glory to Him. It is the key defense against Satan’s temptations to despair, distrust, dysfunction. It protects us from sin and self. It is the hallmark of heaven. It does not exist in hell.” Ellen Vaughn

The effect of gratitude brings true peace to our hearts. This is no ordinary tranquility rather a peace which passes all human understanding that garrisons our hearts and minds. Jesus tells us in John:

27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• I am not to be anxious or worried about anything.
• I am to pray about everything.
• I am to cultivate a grateful heart – it is not something that flows naturally.

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February_26

SHARING BREAD

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Phil 4:4-5 (NIV)

Surely Paul’s command for believers to “Rejoice in the Lord always” can only be brought into fruition in our lives through the dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power. Circumstances in a fallen, sin sick world can be anything but happy. We cannot depend upon them to keep us constantly joyful. Indeed, they most often leave us wringing our hands in despair rather than lifting them up in joy and praise. The joy commanded by God’s Word is not dependent upon circumstances, people or things. Sadly and unfortunately, we often allow these to rob us of our joy. For a Christian, joy can and should be a constant companion. Paul writes similarly in 1 Thessalonians:

16 Be joyful always; 1 Thess 5:16 (NIV)

“Circumstances do not have the power to steal your joy. Joy is the by-product of experiencing God’s sovereign grace even in the midst of seemingly impossible circumstances.” Anonymous

God desires for His children to be joyful and He gives them every reason to be. Indeed, we were destined for joy. God sent His Son that our joy would be made complete and abundant in Him and certainly not just on pleasant days only. I am reminded of the Baptist’s words regarding his complete joy in the Son:

27 To this John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:27-30 (NIV)

Interestingly, John was joyful even in the womb. The Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit prior to birth. Elizabeth, John’s mother, exclaimed the following when Mary, the Lord’s mother, spoke her greetings:

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” Luke 1:41-44 (NIV)

This joy commanded springs from the blessings that are ours in Christ. Yet it takes more than mere words and commands to muster up joy in the human heart. It is not about rolling up our sleeves and putting on a happy face. True joy is a Fruit of the Spirit (the second mentioned) and is a high standard only obtainable and continually sustainable by the Spirit’s power. If we allow Him, the Holy Spirit can fill us daily with His power and presence enabling us to manifest Christlikeness in our spheres of influence. As we yield ourselves to the Lord Jesus the Spirit fills us and we become more and more like Christ. We can never attain the Fruit of the Spirit apart from His powerful help. The more we depend upon Him the more we will evidence His character in our lives. Our jobs are to maintain a proper focus – not on our circumstances – rather on Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, asking Him to supernaturally change us. The writer of Hebrews states:

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:2 (NIV)

“Lord guide me in this Christian race, And keep my mind intent on thee; Rejoicing when I see thy face, And trusting when I cannot see.” K. H. Von Bogatzky

“It is our duty and privilege to rejoice in God, and to rejoice in him always; at all times, in all conditions. There is enough in God to furnish us with matter for joy in the worst circumstances on earth.” Matthew Henry

The apostle did more than proclaim this command, he lived it. Rarely, if any of us, have experienced the trying circumstances which Paul did – beaten, chained and thrown into prison, flogged, left for dead, shipwrecked, hungry, destitute – yet he still maintained his joy by depending upon the One who bestows it:

“In a command to ‘be joyful,’ self-discipline isn’t the goal. It isn’t an effective response or even a realistic one. We can’t change our hearts simply by telling them to change. We can, however, realize that our attitudes are off-kilter and ask Him to supernaturally change them. He holds hearts in His hand; He can certainly sway them with His thoughts and fill them with His Spirit. If we are going to be people who are always joyful, this is how it has to be. We can’t follow this instruction in the midst of trying circumstances unless we have a radical change of perspective and supernatural help. Biblical commands to rejoice – especially in suffering, persecution, and the intense trials of life – can only be fulfilled when we depend on Him.” Chris Tiegreen

What I glean from this:

• I am to be joyful always.
• In Christ, circumstances do not have the power to steal my joy.
• I am to be focused on Jesus – not on the happenings of my life.

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February_24

SHARING BREAD

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Phil 4:2-3 (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but I would hate to be memorialized in Holy Writ as not being able to get along with my sister in Christ! Surely, Euodia and Syntyche – at the very least – would have wished they had agreed to disagree! They had contended at Paul’s side for the cause of the gospel which now seems to pale in comparison when singled out as arguers and troublemakers. Since Paul pleaded with these women to agree it seems they must have been causing some amount of dissention within the body of believers and he now calls on a loyal yokefellow to help these women work it out. Interestingly, “Euodia” means “prosperous journey” and “Syntyche” means “pleasant acquaintance”. They certainly appear to be falling short of the meaning of their names!

“It’s hard enough resisting the real enemy. If we start fighting other Christians, we’re fighting two wars – and one of them is suicidal.” John Wimber

There is no wonder Paul places such emphasis in many of his writings on unity in the body of believers. Apparently it has been a problem since the “get-go”. He writes in Colossians:

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col 3:12-14 (NIV)

“Love one another that it may at last be said of Christians as it was at first: ‘Behold how they love one another.’” Ralph Venning

“Too many Christians mark their Bibles, but their Bibles never mark them!” Warren Wiersbe

1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:1-4 (NIV)

Believers are to clothe themselves – take a decisive action – to live according to appropriate attitudes and attributes. We are children of the King and we are to behave accordingly and bear the resemblance of our high positions in Christ. Our words and actions are to be compassionate and kind, as well as gentle, humble and patient and we are called to forgive whatever grievances we may have against one another – just as we have been forgiven.

“Remember Whose you are and Whom you serve.” Oswald Chambers

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Eph 4:2-3 (NIV)

Ever been crucified by Christians? To be sure, it wounds deeply and does much to damage the body of Christ. Not one of us possesses all spiritual knowledge and understanding. Not one of us possesses all the gifts of the Spirit given for the body to function properly. We need each other and while our personalities may differ greatly we are not only called to get along but to love each other. Sadly, many people would come to know the Lord Jesus if it weren’t for the poor behavior of believers. And really, who could blame them?

“The Gospel is God’s explosive power that changes everything. The Gospel makes us Christians…God forgives your sin, declares you righteous in Christ, gives you eternal life, adopts you as His child, and ushers you into an intimate relationship with Himself, through the Holy Spirit. Secondly, the Gospel grows us. The Gospel is not merely the way we enter, it is the way we make all progress…it is the ‘way of righteousness from first to last.’…Since the Gospel not only makes us Christians, but also grows us as Christians, the most desperate need of both unbelievers and believers…is to hear and appropriate the Gospel to their lives. Thirdly, the Gospel empowers us to serve…with a whole new motivational structure…setting us free to love and serve unconditionally in response to God’s grace in Christ.” Rev. Dick Kaufmann

“It is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and good people who have learned the great secret of life. They have found a joy and a wisdom which is a thousand times better than any of the pleasures of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are Christians…and I am one of them.” St. Cyprian, 200-258

What I glean from this:

• I am to love my fellow believers in Christ.
• I am called to bear and forgive grievances – forgive as I have been forgiven.
• The Holy Spirit empowers me to love like Jesus loved.

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February_21

SHARING BREAD

1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Phil 4:1 (NIV)

Paul’s love for the Philippian believers is evident throughout his letter to them but it is particularly brought to light in our verse for today. As a father with his child, they were his joy and his crown. Indeed, he loved them and loved them dearly. Part of walking as Jesus walked is being emotive – as Paul was here. Jesus was moved on many occasions with compassion – He wept with those grieving, He was angered over hypocrisy and greed, He greatly rejoiced when His disciple’s “got it”, He offered up prayers with loud crying and tears – yes, Jesus demonstrated emotion. Our Lord desires for our heart to beat as His – our feelings to be aligned with what makes Him joyful or mournful. We can be sure that whenever our hearts are as His, we are privileged to more fully experience His presence. Once one has tasted and seen that the Lord is good, everything else pales in comparison. Like Jesus, we here see Paul passionately loving and longing for his “joy and crown” – the believers at Philippi – teaching them how to stand firm in the Lord.

“Human love is capable of great things. What then must be the depth and height and intensity of divine love?” Lord Shaftesbury

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 (NIV)

The words John penned in 2 John come to mind:

4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 2 John 1:4 (NIV)

Paul always had the Philippian believer’s best interest at heart. He greatly desired for them to be characterized by the fruit of the Spirit – uppermost in his heart and mind being the beautiful graces of love, joy and peace. Those who shine forth these graces are greatly compelling in the cause for Christ. Paul was well aware of the blessings he so desired for these saints and he longed for them to grab hold of it. Nothing is worse than a life wasted. He writes in 1 Corinthians:

8 Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:8 (NIV)

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13 (NIV)

“Our task as laymen is to live our personal communion with Christ with such intensity as to make it contagious.” Paul Tournier

Every believer should have such a high desire for themselves and for those whom they love. Paul knew that for the Philippian’s to be characterized as such, Christ must be at the center of their hearts and minds. Flesh is not capable of producing and sustaining such a high calling, it comes only through the Spirit’s power.

“The truly meek man is humble, gentle, patient, forgiving, and contented; the very opposite of the man who is proud, harsh, angry, revengeful, and ambitious. It is only the grace of God, as it works in us by the Holy Spirit, that can make us thus meek.” Charles H. Spurgeon

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

Lastly, the apostle urges the saints at Philippi to “stand firm in the Lord”. He desired for them to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that they may live a life worthy of the Lord. Paul writes this prayer in Colossians – a great one for us to pray for ourselves and for our families as well. This, of course, would be how they would be able to stand firm in the Lord:

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Col 1:9-12 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Jesus demonstrated great emotion and I should as well. It is walking as Jesus walked.
• Love, joy and peace are compelling graces for the cause of Christ.
• Apart from the Holy Spirit I can do nothing eternal. I don’t want to waste my life therefore I desire to go forth in His power.

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February_19

SHARING BREAD

20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Phil 3:20-21 (NIV)

“Our duty as Christians is always to keep heaven in our eye and earth under our feet.” Matthew Henry

God desires for us as believers to set our sights on heaven where our citizenship lies rather than to waste our lives wantonly wishing for worldly wants – as if they could ever fully satisfy our inmost longings. Indeed, God wants His children to long for their heavenly home – eagerly awaiting our Savior from there.

Believers now have a dual existence – we are in Christ yet we are also in this world. When we are in union with Jesus, He supplies His disciples with peace and nothing, Scripture states, can make them stumble. Yet, we are so conditioned to yearn for what our eyes can see and what our hands can touch that we can easily become consumed with the temporal things of this world which ultimately (and often constantly) rob us of our peace and joy.

The Lord calls our hearts and our focus away from the love of the world with all its sin and its fullness of brokenness, labor, heavy burdens, sorrow and death. He desires for us to fix our eyes on the eternal, on His kingdom coming. Presently, we suffer grief in all kinds of trials. This is something all humans have in common – no one is immune because we live in a fallen world. Until Jesus returns, it will always be so. Jesus tells us:

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

“A Christian, being only a traveler through the world, must expect a traveller’s fare; bad roads sometimes, bad weather, and bad accommodations; but since his journey’s end and city are in heaven, all his actions, sufferings, prayers, trade, and conversation turn that way. O Lord, grant that mine eyes may always be fixed upon this mark, so as to regulate all my designs and doings accordingly; asking myself in everything, whether it be fit for heaven, and agreeable to the mind of the heavenly Bridegroom, and to the manners of the heavenly citizens.” K. H. Von Bogatzky

The wonderful promise of Scripture is that this world and all its evil will one day pass away. Peter writes:

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 2 Peter 3:10-13 (NIV)

“If you do not wish for His kingdom, don’t pray for it. But if you do, you must do more than pray; you must work for it.” John Ruskin

We get a glimmer into the glorious description of the new heaven and new earth found in Revelation which should whet our appetites:

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev 21:1-5 (NIV)

“Most of us find it very difficult to want ‘Heaven’ at all – except in so far as ‘Heaven’ means meeting again our friends who have died. One reason for this difficulty is that we have not been trained: our whole education tends to fix our minds on this world. Another reason is that when the real want for Heaven is present in us, we do not recognize it. Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise.” C.S. Lewis

What I glean from this:

• My duty is to keep heaven in my eyes and the earth under my feet.
• My citizenship is in heaven.
• In this world I will have troubles.

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