Mark 1:14-20
¹⁴After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ¹⁵"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
¹⁶As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." ¹⁸At once they left their nets and followed him.
¹⁹When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Things are moving along at a good clip already in this gospel. We're at chapter 1, verse 14, and Jesus is a grown man, beginning his ministry, calling his disciples. Luke and Matthew detail the birth of Jesus, Mark jumps right into his adult life.

Mark's style and language, such as "immediately" and "at once" that was mentioned in yesterday's post, give us the sense of urgency of Jesus' message. Jesus was never in a hurry--but his message was and is timely and urgent. Jesus took three years to train his disciples, who (11 of them) would change the world. Jesus followed God's timing. He didn't wait, he didn't hurry, but he was purposeful. And the disciples he called sensed that they needed to respond right away to Jesus call. Verse 18 says "at once they left their nets and followed him." Verse 20 says "without delay he called them."

When I started this blog, it was mostly to create a method for me to get some Bible study done in the morning, before the responsilibities of the day crowd into my life. For some reason, it's easier to sit at a keyboard than make the time to open my Bible. I guess I'm more easily distracted by other Scriptures or notes or maps when I have my the pages of the Bible open, or it's too easy to look up and see what else needs to be done around the house. The computer screen and a particular passage I can look up online somehow keep me focused.

So, this way I am hopefully putting the important things first. I need the reminder of verse 15: "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

The time may be short. God, please help me to live each minute of every day, reflecting your glory. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:30 AM 1 comments

 
Mark 1:9-13

One of the things that makes Mark an interesting read is that he writes in relatively short sentences, and moves the reader right along with his frequent "at once" or "immediately" phrases. This is probably the fastest paced gospel of the four, so it makes a fun study.

We were briefly introduced to John the Baptist in Mark 1:1-8--now we see the one John spoke of, that he pointed to--Jesus of Nazareth. I like the phrasing in the NIV in verse 10--"As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove." This was no mild, common event--a bird calmly settling on a man's shoulders in a river. This event defined history--God became man, and heaven was "torn" open so Jesus could make a way for us to God. The Father made it very clear that Jesus was his Son--he must have gotten the attention of all who were present that day.

But this pronouncement was only the beginning of God's revelation. Jesus had three years of work on earth before his supreme sacrifice on the cross. And to prepare himself for it, after being declared God's Son, Jesus went to face temptation and the devil in a 40-day wilderness experience.

It must have been amazing for Jesus to see the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove, for all the crowd present to see. We may have highs in our life, too--not divine like that or dramatic, perhaps, but wonderful times when we know God sees us and loves us. Then the wilderness times come, when He may seem far away. Maybe we feel we are "with the wild animals" and Satan is attacking us from every direction.

Jesus knows what it's like to be in the wilderness. He is with us through all our temptations. And, on the other side of difficulties, he can send his angels to attend us.



- posted by Suzi @ 7:02 AM 0 comments

 
Mark 1:1-8

Mark's gospel pronounces that is is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and opens with the story of John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way for Jesus. Mark quotes Isaiah, who wrote in Isaiah 40:3 "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way, a voice of one calling in the desert, "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him."

John's purpose was to preach a baptism of repentance and sin, to prepare the hearts of the people for the eventual message of salvation through Jesus. He baptized people with water, but pointed them to Jesus, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

As Jesus' messengers on earth today, we should follow John's example and point others to Jesus. As fellow sinners, we can wash ourselves and others, and repent of our sins, but ultimately the only forgiveness comes only through Jesus.

When I think too highly of myself or of other believers, I should remember that we are all fallen, and only through the saving work of Jesus through the Holy Spirit can we find salvation.

I love a story of Rich Mullins, Christian musician and writer who died in 1997 in a car crash. Shortly before his death, his friend and photographer was shooting pictures for an upcoming project of Rich's. I believe Rich was in the hills of Ireland, and as he climbed higher, his friend asked him to pose with his arms outstretched. "Like Jesus?" Rich asked, with his arms straight out to his side, forming the shape of a cross. "No, lower," his friend said--"There--you're an arrow pointing to heaven!"

May we, like John and Rich, be arrows pointing to the salvation of Jesus.




- posted by Suzi @ 6:03 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 4:21-23
²¹Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. ²²All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
²³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.<sup>[2]

One of my favorite parts of our worship service at church is greeting the saints--or greeting those who are "yet to be saints." I'm always a little unsure of greeting people I don't know, but when I venture out and do so, I have always been rewarded with a sense of connection and harmony that I believe comes from above. When others greet me first, I am even more aware of a common bond we share and thank the Lord for such fellowship.

In yesterday's blog, I mentioned that Monday's blog never posted. And now, through some miracle (from God?) , it has reappeared from its lost place in cyberspace. So, I say to my blogging friends/readers out there, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. I hate to come to the end of Philippians, but I plan to continue a study in another book. Any suggestions? And thanks to any of you who may have stopped by recently from blogs4god. I hope we may keep in "touch"--and again, greetings and grace be with you all. Amen.</sup>



- posted by Suzi @ 7:25 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 4:14-20
I am reluctant to finish this study of Philippians, and maybe that is why yesterday's blog of these verses never went into cyberspace. I didn't save them anywhere else, either, so perhaps the Lord wanted me to ponder these verses anew and write something else about them.

In this Scripture, Paul is thanking the Philippian church for its generosity in supporting him--in fact, they were among his only supporters during a time when he really needed the help. Yesterday, as I wrote, I was thinking primarily of financial support, and how I should be better about giving to my church and others who are in need or who are in ministry where they depend on others to help them with gifts of money.

While this is a good reminder, and we need to be faithful stewards, I think Paul was thanking them for the help of Epaphroditus as well. And he went on to say that, even though he was grateful for personal and financial help, he had learned to be content in all situations.

I've been having computer woes in the last day or so, including losing yesterday's blog. It seems like little things like these tend to frustrate me more than worrying about our financial future or areas on need in my church (which I should be concerned about). Anyway, I read verse 19 in a different way today: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

God cares about us when we have needs, whether material, cyber-related, or spiritual. If I put all my needs in his hands, he will help me work through any situation. And being mindful of the glorious riches we can have in Christ Jesus, namely salvation and a personal relationship with the God of the universe, helps me to put things like lost blogs in persepctive.

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
(verse 20)


- posted by Suzi @ 8:43 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 4:14-20
14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Paul shows his appreciation to the Philippians in these verses--they were especially appreciated because they were the only ones who helped him financially ("in the matter of giving and receiving") when he left Macedonia. They continually sent him aid again and again when he was in need. Then he quickly adds, that he was not looking for a gift, but looking at what can be credited to their account. Because of their gifts, he gives thanks for their generosity and wishes blessing upon them. They amply supplied him, and even sent Epaphroditus as a gift to him. All their offerings were truly fragrant, acceptable sacrifices, pleasing not only to Paul, but more importantly, to God. Paul encourages his friends by adding that God will meet all their needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

How often do I give sacrificially? It seems that we are bombarded by phone calls, "junk" mail, e-mail and other requests for money--many of them for good causes. It is often hard to discern how much to give and to whom. I think a good rule of thumb to go by is, support your local church first, for much ministry goes on there that will help others outside our sphere.

Some may use the verse "my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (v 19) as a verse that means "if I give generously, God will make me wealthy.  I don't think this is true at all. I think this means that God honors us when we give, that he supplies our needs, and sometimes we do see financial rewards for our sacrifices, but we shouldn't expect it. When we are following God's principles in our daily lives, we naturally receive the blessing that walking closely to him provides. That includes giving to those who are in ministry.

And as we receive so many riches from Christ, namely salvation and the joy of knowing him, we can say with Paul, "To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (v 20)

- posted by Suzi @ 8:48 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 4:10-13
Several years ago I was helping out in Vacation Bible School, and the theme was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13. We even had a theme song, "I can do anything, can do, I can do anything, can do, I can do anything, can do, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Or it was something like that.

Before Paul says we can do anything though Christ, though, he talks about learning the secret of being content in any and every situation. I am tempted to say, I can do all things through Christ--and then wish for more money, more peace in the world (or in my life ;) ), happiness for everyone, health and security for always. But Paul teaches that we should be content whatever our circumstances. He expresses gratitude to the Philippian church for providing for his needs, and goes on to say he knows what it is like to be in need or to have plenty.

I have plenty--and have been richly blessed with a wonderful family, my own and extended. I need to learn to be content in all situations--whether in frustrated or trying times or times of peace and plenty. And I know, that I can find peace through Christ, no matter what my circumstances, because, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

- posted by Suzi @ 9:42 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 4:8-9
Philippians 4:8 is one of my husband's and my favorite verses. We have it calligraphed around the wall near the ceiling in our office. The office is a retreat room, where the computer is where I now sit, a collection of reference and fun books, a stereo, fireplace, love seat, desk and La-Z Boy. I love to sit in here, surrounded by the verse. This is a room where we can relax and think, and hopefully we fill our thoughts with whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.

Paul encourages his readers in verse 9 to practice the good things they have learned or received or heard from him. He then says the God of peace will be with us.

Being bombarded by whatever is false, impure, ugly, disgusting, imperfect and unholy today is a daily occurrence. But if we dwell on the true, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, we can achieve victory, through Christ and the Holy Spirit within us, over the evil that surrounds us.

Thank you, Lord, for giving us your Word, that we may dwell on things that are lovely. Help me turn to you and make your thoughts my thoughts. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:17 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 4:4-7
Wow, Paul packs a lot into these few wonderful verses. what encouragement he gives, which can comfort during difficult times. He calls us to rejoice in the Lord always, and then repeats it. The joy we can know in the Lord is not a happy feel-good kind of joy, but an ultimate peace in knowing that we can turn over our problems to God and rest in his sovereignty. Next Paul encourages us to let our gentleness be evident to all. I wonder, do others see me as a gentle person? When I'm crabby or having a "discussion" with my 14-year-old daughter, am I exuding gentleness?

"The Lord is near." I think Paul is referring to the return of Jesus, but perhaps he is also saying that Christ is as close as our own selves, if we have him living in our hearts. All we have to do is turn to him in prayer to receive guidance or consoling. Also, the end of our troubles may be just around the corner--if death doesn't take us first, the Lord's return may be sooner than we expect and we need to be ready and excited for this great event.

"Do not be anxious in anything." This is difficult for me. I am naturally a worry wart. I just returned from an overnight trip with my daughter to Duluth, MN, about 3 hours north of our home in Minneapolis. The van had been making some noises, so I worried about the it breaking down. The a/c wasn't working well, so I worried about being miserable on the way up north in 90 degree plus heat, and worried about my dog and daughter too. I worried about how I would get along with my daughter in the car for such a long period of time.

But as I put these things in God's hands, his peace settled over me. If the car breaks down, this will be an opportunity to meet new people and see how God can work this situation out for his good. If I am too warm, I can thank God for an air conditioned home and for the coolness of Lake Superior. If my daughter was crabby, I could use this as an exercise in patience (one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23).

By the way, the van didn't break down or even give us a single problem. It was a rather warm drive, but not unbearable, and the ride home was very pleasant. My daughter was a pleasant companion and we even enjoyed each other's company. She read a chapter from a book I bought her, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul.

God is good. I hope I can remember to always turn to him and rejoice in all circumstances.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:36 PM 0 comments

 
Philippians 4:1-3


Paul reminds his friends how he loves and longs for them, and summarizes by saying that his previous instructions are how they can stand firm in the Lord.

Then he goes on to point out a weakness among his friends. Even in the early church, under the instruction of Paul and in the power of the Holy Spirit, fellow believers still struggled with each other and argued. Here Paul publicly pleads with Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord, reminding them that they have contended at his side for the sake of the gospel. This is a good reminder for us, when we have difficulties with fellow believers, to see that this is an age-old problem, but one that must be nipped in the bud. I think of the song, "And they'll know we are Christians by our love..." How can non-believers come or want to come to Christ if they see a lot of in-fighting or bickering?

We need to remember that our names are in the book of life, and we will be in eternity together. We can bring others along with us if, by example, we show love and compassion toward one another rather than petty fighting.

Lord, help me love my brothers and sisters in the faith with your love and demonstrate your caring and compassion to them as a witness to the world of your power and love. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:10 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 3:12-21
¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
¹⁵All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. ¹⁶Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
¹⁷Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. ¹⁸For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Pressing on. Some days it may be harder to press on than others. But Paul says here that we press on to take hold of that for which Jesus took hold of me. I like to think of Jesus, who has already finished the race, coming back for me to lead me to the finish line. He's already won, but he helps us through the marathon of life that we each must run. We haven't taken hold of the trophy yet at the end of the race, but it waits for us. We need to look forward to the prize, forgetting the past and anticipating heaven and its reward.

This is one of my biggest struggles--forgetting the past and looking ahead. I often dwell on minor irritations or past mistakes of mine, unable to forgive others or myself. I need to let go of petty grudges and focus on what is important.

Yes, there are enemies of the cross who may jeer me from the sidelines as I pant my way through life. But I need to remember where my true citizenship is--in heaven, where we await our Savior who will transform our lowly bodies.

When I'm tired of this marathon, I'll focus on Jesus who's already crossed the finish line and not only waits for me to join him forever in heaven with a new body, but who runs along side me in this life. He's my biggest cheerleader and I know I can go on with his encouragement. I hope to finish well.



- posted by Suzi @ 6:30 AM 1 comments

 
Philippians 3:1-11
Today's reading is a bit longer than usual, but there seemed to be no good place to stop. Paul starts out the passage, encouraging his readers to rejoice, then cautions them to beware of evil doers, who are not true worshipers of Christ. Then he gives reasons he could boast as a true believer, which end up to be a list of legalistic reasons. All these reasons, he says, all these things that could be viewed as to his profit, he considers loss for the sake of Christ. In fact, all things pale in comparison to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus as his Lord.
 
Paul goes on to say that he does not have a righteousness that comes from himself or the law, but comes through faith in Christ. Verses 10 and 11 are among my favorites: 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (NIV)
 
Every day I am engulfed by the material things around me and the daily tasks I sometimes enslave myself to. I know that housework and serving my family are important--God has given me these things to do for his glory. But that is the key--for his glory. I often go about my day thinking who I will please by doing this or that or worrying about what I am not getting done or not getting done well. My focus should be on glorifying God in everything--event sharing his sufferings--knowing that this life is temporary. So the daily frustrations and the bigger problems that I encounter are nothing compared to the future glory. And somehow, through Christ, we will all one day attain the resurrection of the dead, and be freed from the cares of this life. Although I enjoying life here, I am so grateful I can look forward to an even better life after this one.
 
Thank you God for enabling me to keep a heavenly perspective throughout my day and week. And thank you that as I go through times of frustration and trial, I can hope for a better day with you forever. Amen.

- posted by Suzi @ 11:47 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 2:19-30
9I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.
25But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

Paul continues his theme of putting others first in this passage. One of the main comforts he had as a prisoner (probably on house arrest) was that he had the companionship of close friends. Yet he is willing to sacrifice their nearness for the sake of the Philippian church, hoping that he, too, may join them and see the recipients of his letter soon.

Today my parents are coming to visit. They travel (mainly in the summer) in their RV, visiting new and old places, and of course their children and grandchildren. I hate that we live so far away--they are in Tennessee and we are in Minnesota. So I cherish the time together, savoring it as Paul must have savored his time with Timothy and Epaphroditus.

My parents usually only stay a few days, never long enough, and this time I'm the first of the three sisters they will visit (my brother is fortunate enough to live only 45 minutes away from them now.) They are always helpful and encouraging when they visit. And frequently I am not very willing to relinquish them to other family members, since that means my time with them is lessened.

But, really, I am happy to share them with my sisters, because I love them too, and I know my parents' presence with them will be a benefit to them. A part of me goes with them, as I'm sure a part of Paul went with Timothy and Epaphroditus. I'm so grateful we all serve the same Lord and Savior, so we know that our parting is only temporary--even (in the far future, I hope) when we all part from this life.

I pray that I can be the kind of parent, wife, sister, daughter, in-law--that others will long for and yet be willing to send off to benefit others. With the love of Christ in me, I hope I can be a blessing to all I meet.
- posted by Suzi @ 9:50 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 2:12-17
THe theme of accountability continues in chapter two--even though Paul is away, the Philippian church continues to be accountable to him, obeying God not only in Paul's presence, but much more in his absence. In our present time we have so many tools to keep in touch over distances--not only the phone, but faxes, e-mail, and blogging! But even though Paul was far away and without these modern technologies, God was always near, working in his dear friends to will and act according to God's good purpose.

Paul's instructions were to not only obey the Lord, but to do everything without complaining or arguing. What a good reminder for me! It seems like there's always something to whine about--it's too hot, it's too cold, nobody helps me, I have to do everything, etc. etc. But if we cease our ranting, Paul says we will shine like stars in the universe as we hold out the word of life. Paul is willing to be poured out like a drink offering, without complaining of his circumstances, and encourages the Philippians to rejoice and be glad with him.

Lord, help me stop complaining about things that don't really matter, and rejoice in your goodness. Let me shine like a star in times of difficulty, reflecting your light. Amen.
- posted by Suzi @ 9:20 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 2:5-11
It is amazing to think that God cared enough about having a relationship with us that he sent his only Son to die for our sins, so we could be presentable to a holy God. I love the story Paul Harvey tells about the man and the birds. The man, who did not believe in the incarnation, stayed home on Christmas Eve, only to discover that birds kept flying into his large landscape window in a whirling snow storm. After many attempts to shoe them into the barn, he wished he could communicate with them someway--if only he could speak their language.....if only--he could become a bird to bring them to safety.

Well, Jesus did become one of us--God in the flesh. He made himself nothing--becoming obedient to even death on a cross! Paul exorts us to have the same attitude--to be willing to lay aside our own pride for the sake of others. Though Jesus was brought low, he did rise from the dead, and God has exalted him to the highest place. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow and tong confess that He is Lord.

I look forward to the day when I will join the chorus of voices to exalt our Lord and Savior. In the meantime, I hope to follow the humble example he set for us on earth.


- posted by Suzi @ 7:01 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 2:1-4
When my husband Tim and I got married, we selected portions of Philippians 2 to be read at our wedding. It seemed appropriate to read about being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. We realized that we should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than ourselves--looking to the interest of others, not only ourselves.

Twenty-one years later, it is still a daily struggle for me to put others' needs, including my husband and children, above my own. My selfish nature wants to nuture what I want, go with how I feel, and expect others to adapt to my circumstances.

One good thing about having a dog is that every day he gives me a reason to get up and out the door. He needs to walk and do his business, and even on days when I don't feel like getting out of bed, he gives me a reason to do so.

I need to view my relationship with my family and others as more important than my own, often petty needs or desires. If I can be mindful of my dog's needs every day, now much more should I pay attention to the needs of other people?

God, help me be sensitive and responsive to the needs of others, in humility considering others better than myself. Amen.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:28 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 1:27 -30
Accountability. This was something the church of Philippi had--Paul held them accountable for their actions with these words: "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel." (v 27, NIV)

I wonder what it would have been like to know that Paul was keeping the Philippian church accountable for their actions. Did it make a difference in the daily life of each believer as they thought about how Paul might respond to their deeds were he to return or hear about their actions?

Of course, we are ultimately accountable to God, who sees and hears everything we do, and who will be the great Judge on the last day. But in this life, it is good to be accountable to others--sharing our hearts and lives with fellow believers, who share our struggles and sufferings as well.

In the summer time, in suburban Minneapolis St. Paul where I live, accountability can be more difficult. Church programs are often suspended till fall, as families travel to "the lake" or are busy with vacation plans or just a change in routine. I need to work harder at being acountable to others so I can keep on track with my spiritual life and growth. A fringe benefit of this is knowing that when I struggle, others will be there to help and support me.

Father, help me be acountable to you, but also to others in my actions and thoughts. Thank you for giving me Christian brothers and sisters who care about me and share my burdens and joys. Amen.
- posted by Suzi @ 6:58 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 1:19-26
The other day I listened to a Focus on the Family program that featured Dr. Gary Smalley. Normally, he is on the program, either live or via "Taped Before A Life Audience" session. He discusses marriage and family issues, and always has interesting insights and stories. This program, however was different. It was about a life and death experience that Dr. Smalley had as he experienced a heart attack, of all places, hunting for a wild turkey (which he shot just before he collapsed). At the time, he said, he was ready to go to heaven. It wasn't that he didn't love his wife and family, or his ministry, but he was ready to be with God if God was calling him home. When his wife met him at the hospital as he was being rushed on a gurney to emergency surgery, she urged him to hang on. "You are not leaving me alone with this ministry!" she cried. He did recover, but eventually had kidney problems, and his son donated his kidney to Gary so now they are both (father and son) doing very well.

All this to say, I wonder if I can be like Gary Smalley and Paul at my life's end (if I have time to ponder it at that time...). Paul says, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." (v 21). Gary needed a little encouragement to stay in this life, but he was looking forward to seeing his Savior. Paul wanted to remain, so he could be of benefit to others, but eagerly anticipated heaven.

How am I living my life? Eager to see God when I join him--am I ready for heaven? And do I also long to remain so I can do the work God has for me here?

A heavenly perspective is a good one. Not a longing for death, but a healthy anticipation of life, face to face with Jesus, yet while continuing to live each day on earth to the full, for the glory of God.


- posted by Suzi @ 7:51 AM 1 comments

 
Philippians1:12-18
(To read the Bible online, click the link below)

Why do bad things happen to good people? I ask myself this question frequently. Why do my teenagers do things to disappoint me, even frighten me, when we have tried to raise them up in a godly home? Why do good people get terrible diseases and die young? Why would my boys' friend, age 16, decide life is not worth living and take her own life, leaving her parents to find her body, while family and friends grieve and continue to ask, why?

I do not pretend to have the answer to these questions, especially in this short blog. But the Bible is a good place to turn when we hurt. And in today's lesson, Paul sees what we would consider a bad thing, his imprisonment, as a good thing. The whole palace guard is aware that he is imprisoned for Christ's sake. Because of his chains, others are encouraged to speak the word of the Lord courageously.

And, even when some preach for their own benefit, perhaps to elevate themselves in some way, Paul doesn't focus on this, but is glad the word of God is preached. Often, we point out the faults of television preachers or others we disagree with, and often we criticize with good reason. But Paul points out that, whatever someone's motive, Christ is preached, and for this we should rejoice.

Sometimes I wish those I don't agree with would be silent. But if they are causing even one person to hear the name of Jesus and seek the Word of God, perhaps I should be the one who is silent and listens. I need to remember the words of Paul in I Corinthians 9:22: "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."

Father, help me seek the good in difficult circumstances. Help me listen to those who opinions differ from mine, but who serve the same Lord. Amen.
- posted by Suzi @ 7:57 AM 0 comments

 
Philippians 1:7-11
(See the link below if you wish to read the Bible online in your favorite version)

Paul writes about the affection he has in his heart for the Philippian church. I wonder, am I fostering the kind of relationship with other believers that the Philippians did with Paul? Far apart from his friends, he longs for them with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Sometimes I focus on the differences I have between my fellow believers: differences in lifestyle, political persuasions, perspectives on child rearing (especially with rearing teenagers, the stage of life I'm in now), etc. This variety of opinion and lifestyle was recently evident to me at Cornerstone Music Festival . I'm a surburban homemaker, conservative in thought, appearance and works. I was in the midst of long-haired, no-haired, chain-wearing, mohawk sporting, loud music listening teenagers and others. Although there are always non-Christians at the festival, many of these who look and act so differently from me love Jesus as much as I do and maybe even have a deeper relationship than mine.

Do I long for these with the affection of Christ Jesus--looking forward to seeing these brothers and sisters at next year's festival?

I need to work on my love abounding more and more, to discern what is best and to be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. I realize this is not only true of loving those at Cornerstone, but my own children and their friends whose opinions differ from mine. I want them to see the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus--not my own "righteousness."

And all this for the praise and glory of God.

Lord, teach me to love others with your love, to set aside my preconceived notions and prejudices. Amen.
- posted by Suzi @ 8:02 AM 0 comments

 
Blogging for Light
I've been thinking for awhile about how to continue Bible study in the summer months (I'm in Bible Study Fellowship during the school year) and how to share my faith with others. Today an idea came to me--why not do a daily journal, with readings from the Bible and my thoughts on them? So today is my first attempt at this new blog. My other ramblings can be found at my Swansmith blog.

I thought Philippians would be a good book to start with. It's short, straightforward, and exudes joy in a troubling circumstance. Even though the Apostle Paul is near the end of his life, he writes joyfully to his brothers and sisters in Philippi.

Philippians 1:1-6 (NIV)

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.


The church of Philippi had been receptive to the gospel Paul had preached there (see Acts 16) and had been generous in their support of him as he went out to minister elsewhere. He not only thanked them in his letter, but encouraged them as partners with him, and also pointing out to them that God was not finished with the good work he had begun in them.

Questions to ponder:

Do I receive God's grace and peace that he wants me to have on a daily basis?
Do others think of me with joy for how my life reflects the Lord's grace?
Do I remember that God sees the big picture--the whole tapestry, not only of my life, but of eternity? Do I realize that he is doing a good work in me, a work that is not yet finished, but one day will be?

Lord, help me be a vessel of your grace. Let me be a light to others, a reflection of your love. Help me not to become caught up in daily frustrations, but grow from challenges and trials, knowing that you are working to complete your good work in me. Amen
- posted by Suzi @ 9:34 AM 0 comments