Welcome to Tony DeKoter, principle at Quisqueya Christian School in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, who will share his reflections on the readings from Philippians.
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:12-30
The Gospel can not be imprisoned. God’s Word stands forever. We must encourage one another in proclaiming that gospel. Even in jail, even when his work was under attack, even after 20 years of service, Paul doesn’t take a rest from ministry. He is simply happy in the Lord. Paul’s life is a celebration of the Lord. As long as there is physical life, Paul continued to serve the Lord whole heartedly. Life verses even more life . He can’t lose as stated in the Message.
Paul served his Saviour in this world and is enjoying His presence also today. In this world we live unto Him. In the next we are with Him. True happiness is living for Jesus always. Each and every day God is first. Live as Kingdom citizens every day since every day is the Lord’s day.
Lord, help me on my journey of learning to stand up for Jesus. Help me to be a living letter read by all who see me. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus as I continue to serve You always.
Living for Jesus a life that is true;
striving to please him in all that I do,
yielding allegiance, gladhearted and free,
this is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to thee;
for thou, in thy atonement,
didst give thyself for me;
I own no other master,
my heart shall be thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ for thee alone.
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Apparently some things will never change, at least not until the work of Jesus is completed. Among the fellowship of Christ-followers there were some who were motivated by envy, rivalry, selfish ambition. Yet what amazes me here is Paul’s attitude. Neither his chains nor the questionable motives of some of his ‘partners’ seems to discourage him. He is confident that the name of Jesus will ultimately be honoured. His appeal is not to attack his enemies, but to respond to these challenges in a way that is worthy of Jesus’.
That I face hardships, both in the ‘world’ around me, as well as within the ‘world’ of the church, is inevitable. But what is a choice is how I deal with it, if it brings out the best or the worst in me.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for using my circumstances as excuses for less than Christ-like responses. Help me to see that I am response-able, and that how I conduct myself, whatever happens. Amen.