Day 103 – Win/Win (Philippians)

When I worked in the homeless shelter, I would facilitate a discussion on conflict resolution.  The goal was to create a win/win situation where both parties felt that there needs were met even when both had to compromise to some degree.  Paul expresses that, in Christ, our situation is  a win/win.  “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)  Living means to serve Christ, share in fellowship, and work alongside one another.  Dying means to join with Christ.  Win/win.

Paul highlights some of the great benefits of our life and work for Christ on earth.  We have a “peace of God which surpasses all understanding”. (Philippians 4:7)  Paul encourages us not to be anxious and to allow God’s peace to dominate.  God “will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (4:7)  When our thinking goes astray, “God will reveal that also to you.” (3:15)  We can be sure that God will reveal our false thinking and offer reassurances.  In addition, He wants to hear our prayers and requests so that he can address them. “But in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (4:6)

Paul also urges rejoicing and contentment in our situation, because of our relationship with Christ.  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” (4:4)  Paul had endured great triumph as well as great hardship but recognized the value in contentment despite the situation.  “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (4:12)  We can experience contentment and joy in all situations, because we have the fantastic gift of salvation, the assurance of eternal life with Christ.  Rejoicing and praising God in difficult times closes the door to anxiety and fear.  It also sets an example for those who may be watching.  I love what Paul writes:

Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

that you may be blameless and innocent,

children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation,

among whom you shine as lights of the world. (2:14)

It’s hard not to shine when we are offering glory to God, living a life of joy, and praising Him whether rain or shine.  It’s also hard to cry, fear, and fight when we are smiling or singing.  “I am glad and rejoice with you all.  Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” (2:17-18)

My prayer today:

Lord, I have so much to be grateful and thankful for.  Thank you for my salvation, my relationship with you, family, friends, church, jobs, safety, health, and all of the other wonderful, undeserved things that make my life so good.  Thank you for the freedom to openly worship you.  Thank you for the opportunities to share my faith and the joy and peace that you bring to my life.  Thank you for the Bible and the ability to read it and apply it to my life.  I love you, Lord!  Amen

Add a comment August 31, 2010

Day 25 – Dancing (2 Samuel)

Is your heart and soul ever so full that you can’t help but leap for joy, dance, and rejoice?  David was so excited as the ark of the Lord came into the city that he was “…leaping and dancing before the Lord…” (2 Samuel 6:16)  He couldn’t contain his joy and openlyl demonstrated his love for the Lord.  He told Michal, “…I will celebrate before the Lord.  I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” (2 Samuel 6:21b-22a)  Are you willing to embarass yourself or act foolish for the Lord?  I’m not sure how humiliated I would be willing to experience to honor and celebrate the Lord.  If I were to dance in public, it would certainly qualify.

Though I may not be as gutsy as David, I certainly wouldn’t follow in Michal’s footsteps.  When she saw David dancing for the Lord, “…she despised him in her heart.” (2 Samuel 6:16b)  She had contempt for him like her father did.  (I wonder what David ever saw in her in the first place.)  She didn’t keep her disdain to herself, though.  As she greets David, the first thing out of her mouth is, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”  Her insult on David and God results in childlessness. 

Are you a David or a Michal?  Are you willing to embarrass yourself to honor and glorify God, or do you sit back and criticize those who do?  I admit that I still tend to fall in the middle where it is safe and comfortable.  You won’t see me dancing or offering to sing before the congregation.  (Be thankful for that!)

My prayer for today:

Lord, thank you for the example of David who was flawed in many ways but loved You openly.  He sought to do the right thing, honor You, and praise You enthusiastically.  Let me be fearless in worshipping You even in the presence of Michals.  Forgive me for being too embarrassed at times to do so.  Amen

Add a comment June 9, 2010

Day 23 – Renewal and Revival Week Recap

After giving a brief testimony at our church, Edward and I left on Sunday, May 30th, for NY for week of Renewal and Revival.  The plan was to complete a few work projects at the church, attend a revival service on Friday and share our salvation story, renew our vows on Saturday, and give a full-length version of our testimony on Sunday.  It was a great week – but a busy one!

We had several hard-working, faithful workers from the church (and mom!) working alongside us to complete the work projects.  We repainted the entire downstairs floor of the church, moved a wall to extend a Sunday School class, painted the nursery, and did landscaping work around the church and parsonage.  We made some great friends last week! (Brad, Charity, Tom, Patti, George, Melissa, Mr. & Mrs. Tremper, Pastor, and several kids)

We got to spend time with my mom, stepdad, grandparents from both sides, great grandma, aunts, uncles, my brother, great aunts and uncles, and a cousin.

I managed to ask an important spiritual question to my mom and grandfather: What were some of the most significant spiritual events in your life?  Mom and I had a good laugh remembering the fire and brimstone services that were so prominent when she was a kid and even into my early years…”Don’t be like the young man that felt the tug of the Lord but REFUUUSSSSDAA to come forward and give his life to Christ.  He walked out the front doors of the church with a hardened heart and was STRUCK DOWN by a bus.”  How the preacher knew that the man had felt the tug of the Lord – I have no idea.  If you weren’t saved, leaving church was a dangerous proposition in those days!  You were likely to get struck by lightening, choke on your gum, get hit by car, truck, or bus, or any other variety of instantaneous means of death.

My grandfather shared a few spiritually significant events, but also said, “Obedience is not enough.  One day, my father instructed me to cultivate the upper field.  As I was obediently doing so, I could see the cows in the lower field where they did not belong.  I went down and got them back to where they should be and returned to doing what I had been instructed to do: cultivate the field.  If I had only done what I was instructed to do, I would not have done what I was supposed to do.  Obedience is not enough.”

After the Sunday service when we shared our extended testimony for the first time, we were warmly greeted by our family and new friends.  Many encouraged us and pledged to pray for us.  The most powerful moment for me was having the Pastor pray for our ministry and marriage as family and friends laid hands on us and called upon the Lord.  During this prayer, my mom stood in front of me with her hand on my shoulder.  She shed a tear that hit my skin – there is something powerful and overwhelming about a parent crying and praying over her child.  I thought of our Lord in that moment.  He hung from that cross crying and praying over me, too.  I am so small and undeserving.

1 comment June 7, 2010