Category: Philippians

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With God

With God NOTHING is impossible!

Nothing…not your financial situation, not your health, not your kids or your spouse, your job, your safety, your peace of mind. Nothing!

These words were spoken to a young Jewish girl by an angel.

“Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. 30 Then the angel told Mary, ‘Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, 31 and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. 33 He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.’

34 Mary asked the angel, ‘How can this happen? I am not married!’

35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. 36 Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. 37 Nothing is impossible for God!’

38 Mary said, ‘I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.’ And the angel left her.” Luke 1:29-38 CEV

What could be more impossible than this – a young woman, who was a virgin, having a child? No situation in your life or mine could be more impossible than this. Truly!

How? God’s power and Mary’s agreement. If Mary hadn’t believed the angel’s message to her, he would have gone to someone else. But she accepted that NOTHING was impossible.

She believed, she conceived, and she received God’s promise.

The hard thing was walking it out. She had to tell her family, she had to tell Joseph and then she had to hear the whispers and the criticism that followed.

God has made us a promise that He will supply all that we need and He will give us the strength that we need in every situation. (Philippians 4:13, 19)

The Bible is filled with promises.

There was another woman who saw the power of God at work. She was old, I mean really old. Almost 90 and her reproductive system had never worked but God made a promise. Sarah saw God work.

” The Lord asked Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh? Does she doubt that she can have a child in her old age? 14 I am the Lord! There is nothing too difficult for me. I’ll come back next year at the time I promised, and Sarah will already have a son.'” Genesis 18:13-14 CEV

Compare your situation with Mary and Sarah. Whose need is bigger or more difficult to fix? God is the same – nothing, absolutely nothing, is too difficult or impossible for Him.

Time and time again I come back to my favorite verse. It is the foundation I stand on everyday.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Christmas is a time for miracles. Get in God’s word, find His promise then stand knowing that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

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The Gift of Peace

Last night I was joined by two friends and we prayed together for those who we know are lonely and experiencing loss.

Some of the ones we prayed for are facing their first Christmas without a spouse or another dear loved one. Some are dealing with depression and the effects of PTSD. Others feel devastated by a broken marriage or an extended illness – hopelessness rushes in like a storm surge on the shore.

This is why Jesus came – He came to bring peace on earth, goodwill to men.

“ And Isaiah says, “There will be One from the family of Jesse Who will be a leader over the people who are not Jews. Their hope will be in Him.” 13 Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. May your hope grow stronger by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:12-13 NLV

“For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Prince of Peace – doesn’t that sound good? Peace – sweet peace, coming down from the from Father above, sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love. (words from a great old hymn)

When peace isn’t evident in our lives, it should be an immediate sign that we are living apart from God’s promises. A part of the message of the coming of Christ at Christmas is the Prince of Peace has come! Peace!!

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:14 KJV

Letting peace rule is a conscience decision – it doesn’t come automatically. It’s something we make a decision on. Our car doesn’t automatically go the speed limit, we determine the speed. We must make the decision to let the law of peace rule in our hearts by our dependence upon the Father and His Word.

As Prince, he has the authority to rule. He is sovereign of the realm. His is the authority we trust in. He has decreed that we can have peace of mind as we depend upon Him.

“Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLV

The peace of God is greater than worry, loneliness and fear. Let the Prince of Peace rule in your life this holiday season!

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Grateful for Peace

Last night I was talking with a group of friends and I reminded them that the Lord is committed to our peace.

All through Scripture we are instructed to fear not – be not afraid. Fear is the enemy of faith and it is the robber of peace.

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV

In the beginning, man was created “fear free” but once they were deceived by the serpent they became “fear full”.

“Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the evening. The man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man. He said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And the man said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden. I was afraid because I was without clothes. So I hid myself.” Genesis 3:8-10 NLV

God dispelled that fear and reassuringly covered them with His love and protection.

“ And the Lord God made clothes of skins for Adam and his wife, and dressed them.” Genesis 3:21 NLV

The blood that was shed for their sin came from an animal; the blood that covers ours comes from Christ. It’s that total forgiveness that brings us peace.

“Now that we have been made right with God by putting our trust in Him, we have peace with Him. It is because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. 2 By putting our trust in God, He has given us His loving-favor and has received us. We are happy for the hope we have of sharing the shining-greatness of God.” Romans 5:1-2 NLV

When fear bombards us, and it will, how do we combat it?

“Keep your minds thinking about things in heaven. Do not think about things on the earth. ” Colossians 3:2 NLV

“ Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy! 5 Let all people see how gentle you are. The Lord is coming again soon. 6 Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NLV

If there was anyone in the Bible who knew what it was like to be assailed by fear it would be Paul. He had been stoned and left for dead, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, threatened, lashed with 39 stripes and many other perils. (Read II Corinthians 11) In spite of it all, he is the one who penned those words above.

He knew that having a heart of gratitude for God’s goodness and love drives out fear and brings peace to any situation.

“Be full of joy all the time. 17 Never stop praying. 18 In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLV

Be grateful, be filled with God’s joy and peace!

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A Basket of Gratefulness

I asked you if there is someone in your life who is an example of loving-kindness. Someone who gives never expecting anything in return?

This morning I was thinking of how I could bless that “someone” in my life. In mind of the cost-cutting we are doing with our budget, I came to realize there are some simple and inexpensive things that can be done.

A heartfelt note, a coffee cup filled with little treats, a basket of special things (a book, something homemade, some fruit and nuts). A basket of gratefulness. Anything to express thankfulness for who they are.

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, ” Philippians 1:3-4 NLT

Thankful – to be filled with thanks! What a great way to look at a Sunday morning, full of thanks!!

Thankful for the love of family and friends. Thankful that there was a bed to sleep in last night, thankful for the roof over my head, thankful for a cup of hot coffee, thankful for the sunrise that is coming, thankful that I am safe but most thankful for my Father God who has promised to never leave me or forsake me.

Thankful that He’s always there and there is no place, none, that I go that He will not be with me – yes, I’m thankful!

“Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.

16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:14-16 ERV

Always have a heart filled with thankfulness and possibly a basket filled with gratitude.

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Alleys & Graffiti

I know I mentioned in the last blog that it had been about five days since I had taken a picture of the sunset. That’s true.

While we were in Crete our hotel balcony faced an alleyway and we couldn’t see the sunset because of the angle of the building. But there’s more to it than that.

We had gone from enjoying the beautiful balcony in Naoussa, where we watched the waves roll in, to our balcony in Crete that faced the alley, the dumpsters and the graffiti. One of the high points of each day had been watching the sunset over the mountains across the bay and now we didn’t even want to open the curtains in Crete.

“ I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. 13 Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:11-13 CEV

Yesterday, we began to talk about our favorite parts of the trip and our least favorite, the hotel in Crete. The people there were very sweet; the food was good; our adventures of the cruise, the Church of Titus and the historical museums were wonderful. We determined that we would not let that one little circumstance taint our trip. Instead, we chose to let it be a reminder of how wonderful everything else is.

“God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:13-14 CEV

When we begin to compare situations, circumstances, people, finances, even hotel rooms, one will rank at the bottom and another at the top. The one at the bottom will cause us to complain if we focus on it long enough and detract from all of the good of the others.

Maybe, just maybe, you’ve been staring at a graffiti covered alleyway. It could take the form of a co-worker, a living situation, the weather, health or a family member. Whatever it is, lift your head, look at the blessings.

“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.” Psalm 23:4-5 CEV

Enjoy the feast in the presence of your enemies. Follow the Shepherd’s lead, it’s an amazing adventure.

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Hard to Understand

Each day Dave and I find a different place to eat our afternoon meal. The other day we were enjoying a quaint little Greek/Italian place, roadside, under some huge eucalyptus trees. Outside dining at it’s best!

From the surrounding tables we heard Greek, Spanish, French, German, and English spoke with multiple accents. Everyone was there for the same purpose – to indulge in the delicious food they serve.

We were all hungry!

We even remarked at the time that it was an international melting pot focused on food.

Later that day I wondered if any of us sitting there would have been able to stand and speak so that everyone could understand. I found that rather doubtful but possibly.

That was the miracle in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

“Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem. 6 And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages. 7 They were excited and amazed, and said:

‘Don’t all these who are speaking come from Galilee? 8 Then why do we hear them speaking our very own languages? 9 Some of us are from Parthia, Media, and Elam. Others are from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya near Cyrene, Rome, 11 Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.'” Acts 2:5-11 CEV

The Lord had a marvelous message to deliver. So many people from so many places all in Jerusalem at the same time. So, He had Peter deliver the message and EVERYONE heard in their own language.

Do you see that some of the people there that day were from Crete? We’re headed to Crete next week and will visit the museum of Titus. Yes, the same Titus from Paul’s travels. He was the first bishop of Crete and was responsible for teaching the citizens there the ways of Christ. One of the things Titus was instructed to teach was that the followers of Christ should be kind to everyone.

“These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.” Titus 3:8 CEV

Probably very few who are reading this have a command of multiple languages or even a need for it but the language we can all speak is the language of God’s love.

The Apostle Paul, who wrote those words, said it was the goodness of God that brings people to a place of repenting, seeking forgiveness and finding His love.

“Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. 2 Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person.” Philippians 2:1-2 CEV

Next time you are in a situation where it’s hard to understand the words or the actions of another person try using the language of God’s love. It just may be the best way to communicate.

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Kalimera

That’s how you say good morning in Greek. Kalimera.

Today Dave and I are starting our second full day on this beautiful little island. We arrived late afternoon on Saturday and it’s now early morning Monday. There’s a 7 hour time difference with the East coast of North America and a 10 hour difference with our home state of Arizona.

We spent a good portion of yesterday sitting on the balcony watching the waves roll in and enjoying the warm sunshine. At the sea shore the water is a beautiful turquoise and further out it becomes a deep azure. It has held my imagination captive as I wonder how many ancient mariners visited its shores.

“Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in Your eyes, O Lord, my Rock and the One Who saves me.” Psalm 119:4 NLV

Every place we walk the people seem happy and content. Our taxi driver explained it best when he said they are a people who love what they do, where they live and the slower paced mindset than those in the bigger cities.

Was this what the Apostle Paul was talking about when he said:

“I know how to get along with little and how to live when I have much. I have learned the secret of being happy at all times. If I am full of food and have all I need, I am happy. If I am hungry and need more, I am happy. 13 I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NLV

The amazing thing is we don’t need to travel half way across the globe to find contentment. We can find it right where we are!

In our homes or a prison cell, in a doctor’s waiting room or in the midst of a storm (physical, mental or emotional), there we can find peace. It’s there we rest in who Christ is and all He has done.

“The Lord Who bought you and saves you, the Holy One of Israel, says, ‘I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to do well, Who leads you in the way you should go.’” Isaiah 48:17 NLV

Paul was probably the apostle who faced the most physical and mental challenges and obstacles but he was content in Christ and the mission of preaching the Gospel.

The Bible’s promise of peace is universal to all who put their faith and trust in the Lord.

Let’s take a minute to pray. I’ll pray here and you join me there.

“Father, I don’t know what types of challenges my readers are facing today but You do. Surround them with Your peace, the peace that surpasses our natural way of thinking, the peace that goes beyond our intellect and reaches our soul. Teach them to rely on You as You lead them in the way they should go. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Many of you will be enjoying a three day weekend, let it be filled with peace.

As they say hear “efcharisto”, thank you for reading. Go in the blessings of the Lord!

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The Finisher

Several times over the last week I have drawn your attention to the same verses in Hebrews. Today I would like to share one more thought from them.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV

I can still remember the street I was driving down in Scottsdale, AZ in 1984 when this verse came alive to me.

Kim and Koy were with me in the car as we were driving past a construction site. It was a new commercial building. We had been driving past it for weeks and each time we would remark on how much progress they had made. This time the crew was there removing the security fencing and the kids both said, “It’s finished”.

It sure looked complete except for a couple of things. I had the kids look at the architectural rendering on the sign. There were no sidewalks, trees, shrubs or signage on the building. Then I answered, “It’s not finished yet”.

As those words came from my lips, these verses came to my heart. “Jesus is the author and the FINISHER of our faith”. Not only has He written my story of faith, He is with me to see that the work is finished.

I hope that thought impacts you the way it did me!

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Philippians 1:6 NKJV

A baker isn’t finished with the wedding cake when it comes out of the oven. No, the cake still needs to be iced and decorated before it’s finished. The artist isn’t done with the masterpiece until he has signed his name to it. The building wasn’t complete until the sidewalks and flowers were in place.

And Christ’s work in us won’t be complete until we finish our life here and join Him in heaven.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV

Don’t become discouraged or disheartened because your life seems like an unfinished work. Be patient. The finisher of our faith is still working in each of our lives – conforming us to His image.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT

We are all in a stage of development as we conform to the image of Christ.

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Table Friends

Growing up I didn’t have family close by. Mom and Dad moved to Arizona from Iowa a year before I was born. Dad needed to be in a more conducive work environment; he was in construction and the harsh Iowa winters kept him from working for several months at a time.

Anyway, our newfound friends became family. It didn’t matter that we lived in a trailer and had a small living space, Mom would have Dad put up the card tables in the living room for us kids while the adults sat around the table in the kitchen. There was always laughter and plenty of good food.

I also remember the signs of struggle as the adults would talk softly and occasionally a napkin was used to wipe away the tears. That part of loving relationships has stayed with me all my life. I was thinking about those friends this morning…

When you think of the people around, those you share your life with, would you say they are friends or just acquaintances? What makes some relationships treasured and others only casual?

Are there relationships you would like to deepen; those folks you admire but just don’t seem to have enough time with? What do you do to try to increase the bond with these special people?

Maybe you invite them to lunch or perhaps have them come for dinner. They are welcome in your home and having them visit for several days is never a chore but a delight. You learn about their likes and dislikes – how they like their coffee and favorite dessert. It’s important to treat them special!

Now that you’re thinking of these people and how they tug at your heart, you can understand what the Apostle Paul wrote about one of his relationships.

“All I want now is Christ. 9 I want to belong to him. In Christ I am right with God, but my being right does not come from following the law. It comes from God through faith. God uses my faith in Christ to make me right with him. 10 All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him from death…” Philippians 3:8-10 ERV

Do you have a desire to know Christ the way Paul did?

Clear your schedule today. Make a lunch or dinner date and invite Jesus to attend. I guarantee He will show up, he wants to spend time with you more than you want to spend time with Him!

“ You are My friends if you do what I tell you. 15 I do not call you servants that I own anymore. A servant does not know what his owner is doing. I call you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from My Father.” John 15:14-15 NLV

Learn about Him, develop your relationship, sit at the table, share fellowship with the One who loves you most. I can assure you it will be the best friendship you’ve ever cultivated!

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The Name of Jesus

When I was a little girl, my mom would tell me stories about my grandfather. I never knew him; he died the day I was born. Mom felt it was important that I knew about him. He was a gracious and loving man – a man who loved the Lord, both he and my grama were such wonderful Christians.

One thing more she told me is the hymn, “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know”, was one of his favorites. I was so happy when I learned to play it on the piano.

“Jesus is the sweetest name I know
And He’s just the same as His holy name
And that’s the reason why I love Him so
Jesus is the sweetest name I know”

A few days ago, I was reading in the book of Acts. Peter and John were on their way to the synagogue one day and they encountered a man who was lame. That man asked them for money, but they gave him so much more. Peter grabbed a hold of his hands and told him, “In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk”. The man did. Long story short the religious leaders arrested Peter and John. Before they were released the religious leaders ordered them to no longer speak to people using the name of Jesus. This was Peter’s answer:

“‘There is no way to be saved from the punishment of sin through anyone else. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved.’ 13 They were surprised and wondered how easy it was for Peter and John to speak. They could tell they were men who had not gone to school. But they knew they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:12-13 NLV

Peter refused to be silent. There is no other name besides Jesus that has the power to save!

Yesterday as Dave and I were streaming our church service the praise team sang a song that I was unfamiliar with. It triggered a heartfelt response of tears and gratitude. I’ll share just a bit of the lyrics and add a link so you can hear the whole thing.

I Speak Jesus

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
I speak Jesus

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Til’ every dark addiction starts to break
Declaring there is hope and there is freedom
I speak Jesus

‘Cause Your name is power
Your name is healing
Your name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBIz8vDMG20

The name of Jesus brings power, healing, freedom from addictions and life!

“ Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. 10 So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. 11 And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NLV

Yes, the name of Jesus is the sweetest name I know!

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