Skip to main content

Advance the Gospel

Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.

A couple of thoughts on this one.  I couldn't help but think of Mom as I read this verse.  I believe that if she could write a letter to us now, this would be a sentence straight from it.  We, the four who are left, have all remarked at one time or another that we feel like Mom is having more of an impact on the kingdom while in heaven than when she was on earth.  It's kind of crazy.  My second thought though…Oh, to look at life as Paul did!  To recognize that our lives are not about ourselves.  They are about Christ in us and what He does through us.  We go through awful pain and tragedy, enjoyable celebration and triumph; all to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It gives me a new perspective on all that is happening in "my" world.  I want my eyes to see that which Christ sees, the beautiful creations He has made.  I want my mind to think the thoughts that Jesus thinks, the compassionate prayers to God for those in need.  I want my heart to love as Jesus loves, unconditionally and unabashedly.  It is time to look at this life in the realm of the kingdom.  What impact is my life in Christ having on the world around me?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mercy and Compassion

Jude 22-23 Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. This is something I have struggles with, loving those who frustrate me.  How can we be merciful to those who are "corrupt" without being judgmental?  It is definitely not our place to judge one another, it is our place to love one another.  Sometimes loving the people who are rude or cruel is the hardest part of being a Christian.  My humanity would like to judge people for their behaviors and choices and lash out at them.  I believe we are only able to show true mercy and compassion for others when we accept these for ourselves from Jesus and then He lives them through us.  Allowing God to change our hearts in order that Jesus' mercy and compassion shine through is a journey.  It's not always easy.  On those difficult days, I remain quiet and ask God to love on me, so I...
2 comments
Read more

The Heart of Jesus

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. I have had a difficult time finding a single verse today.  I have been all over my Bible, reading and thinking.  I'm settling on this verse, mostly because it is closely related to one of my favorite verses.  I sometimes get caught up in thinking I need to do certain things to grow in my faith.  These things are not inherently bad, nor are they necessarily good.  Two big stumbling blocks for me are fasting and tithing.  I find myself getting hooked into the religious value of them rather than the relational value.  I find that spending time with God gives me a clearer picture of my own motives for wanting to do these things.  I find that I usually feel the need to fast when I'm feeling poorly about my body image.  I find that wanting to tithe usually comes after reading verses in the Old Testament about God blessing Israel for its offerings.  Both of these are mot...
Post a Comment
Read more

For Mom

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. This is a post for Mom.  She is the embodiment of these words written by Paul.  When I think of Mom and who God created her to be, this is it.  Each of these phrases describes her perfectly.  Mom learned very early on in her walk with Jesus to let Him have His way in her life.  Who she is and has been to people is the testament to that.  Her patience with a super naughty 2-year old, namely me, rivaled that of Job.  I don't ever remember her getting angry.  Quite frankly, Mom and the word angry in the same sentence is laughable.  She never bragged or boasted about us (even though we know she's proud of us) because that wouldn't be showing love to her listener.  Mom was never rude, she was always serving others, and she was never jud...
2 comments
Read more