The passage from Philippians emphasizes that followers of the Lord should be seen as reasonable and gentle, reflecting His presence. The writer acknowledges their reasonableness but admits challenges in being gentle. They recognize that gentleness, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, requires growth. They seek God's guidance to improve in this area.
Submission
The passage emphasizes our identity as citizens of Heaven awaiting transformation by Jesus Christ. The author reflects on the desire for complete submission to God's control, recognizing that personal choices hinder this. They express a longing for immediate transformation and a commitment to work towards full obedience, seeking God's guidance to glorify Him.
Headed for Destruction
Many individuals live as adversaries of the cross, heading toward destruction and focusing on worldly matters while their appetite dictates their actions. The author reflects on personal struggles with pride and lack of self-control, seeking God's guidance for transformation towards a life that honors Him and focuses on eternal values.
Examples
In Philippians 3:17, Paul urges believers to follow good examples. The author reflects on their own influences and questions whether they are setting a positive example. They express frustration at their pastor's prayerfulness and acknowledge their own faults, seeking God's guidance to discern role models and improve their influence on others.
What’s your more?
“For it is just like a man going on a journey. He called his own slaves and turned over his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, one — to each according to his own ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately the man who had... Continue Reading →
Prepared for Presence
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their... Continue Reading →
Choices
It is pitch black as we drive the dark country highway, except for passing cars and sporadic street lamps. Occasionally we pass an old country church; I can't see the name of the church, but the large cross let's me know that it's a church. At home, although much more brightly lit, stands a similar... Continue Reading →
Vertical relationship
I hadn't gotten past the introduction in the current Audible book I'm listening to "Vertical Church" by James McDonald when I had the thought "Too often we allow horizontal relationships with others to be a substitute for the vertical relationship with God." Immediately one might think of spouse or children in this role, but my... Continue Reading →
After the storm
As the dark clouds filled the sky, I could feel the disappointment start to settle over me. I thought about my to do list and that things that would not get done on the Sunday afternoon because of the pending storm. Hours later, when I stepped out into my garage, I scanned the sky and... Continue Reading →
Answered prayers
We were sitting outside enjoying a relaxing evening with our daughters and grandchildren when we got the news. Maybe it was to be expected, but it really took us by surprise, to the point I asked my husband if he was messing with me. I had stepped inside while he was on the phone, when... Continue Reading →
Restoring Voice 