Welcome Back Readers~
Our church has spent the last several weeks studying
Philippians. In this book, the disciple Paul is writing to the church of
Philippi from prison; despite his circumstances, his outlook is quite positive.
Why? Because Paul is keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus. He is certain that no
matter what is happening God is in control and is taking care of everything! He
is not afraid of what the future holds, instead, he believes the work of Jesus
will continue with or without him. Philippians 1:6 says, "For I am confident
of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until
the day of Jesus Christ."
Paul reminds us that this
does not happen overnight, rather it is an ongoing process of spiritual growth.
It begins with God's justifying work of the cross, where he paid the ultimate
price for all our sins. Once we accept this free gift of salvation, it is then
that the transformation takes place.. Although we are sanctified or "set
apart" by the work God accomplished on the cross, it is the circumstances
of our lives that develop through character and faith. Philippians 2: 12 -13:
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my
presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your
salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order
to fulfill his good purpose."
In
today's world, we act as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. If we are truly walking
by faith, our lives serve as beacons of hope to those around us. That does not our
lives will be perfect; instead we will point the way to someone who is! Paul
continues in verse 14-18, saying " Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so
that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without
fault in a warped and crooked generation.”] Then you will shine
among them like stars in the sky as you hold
firmly to the word of life poured out like a drink offering on the
sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with
all of you. So you too should be glad and
rejoice with me.
With that thought in mind, I came across the following song by Matthew West. It is called "Mended"
Hope you enjoy..
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