Philippians

I used to think my favorite book of the bible was Romans.  It's the book that after I got saved really helped me settle multiple matters of theology that I wrestled with - like the issue of whether or not a believer can lose his/her salvation (they can't) or whether or not a believer can be "entirely sanctified" here on earth as a Nazarene church I briefly attended tried to tell me (and that's false). 

It's also the book of the bible that God used to call myself to Him.  My aunt used what is called the "Roman Road" to lead me to faith in Christ. 

However, as I age as a believer, I find that God is using the book of Philippians more and more to grow me and challenge me in my faith.  Whenever I'm conflicted about something or I've slid out of fellowship with Him, He always sends me back to Philippians chapter 4.

Today, I read something there that spoke to me:

Philippians 4:2 "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord."

There's a lot happening on Facebook as it pertains to today's election.  We have a very controversial amendment to our state constitution that we are voting on, and it's education related. 

Anything related to education - to the destruction or detriment of public education especially - gets my blood boiling.  And despite how hard I try to not post my two cents about controversial subjects on Facebook, I find that there are times when I can't hold myself back - especially when it appears everyone else feels so free to express their opinions.

It has caused rifts to form. 

So, I felt compelled to spend some time in God's word today, and He brought me back to Philippians 4 and that above verse. 

What did God communicate to me in that verse?

When Christians disagree, there is always one thing we can agree on - that Jesus is Lord!  The focus needs to be there.  MY focus needs to be there.  It's really the only thing that's going to heal our church and my heart right now.

Quiet time with God.  Muy importante!

It's time to refocus on my Jesus.  He - what brings Him glory - is what matters most.


3 comments:

  1. Amen, Jamie! It's time to focus on Jesus! All of us, as Christians, should agree that Jesus is Lord and move forward. I refuse to be caught-up in politics. I prayed and voted--No discussion or finger-pointing. I pray that whichever man becomes our next president, be anointed and guided by Jesus. I will pray for him, just as I have prayed for every president during my adult life. Many blessings and thank you, for this post. I'm on my way to Philippians 4!

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  2. I don't know that I'd call it a life verse, but the closest thing that I have to one is Philippians 4:13. My problem is that I tend to try to do all things in my own strength, and I *can't* do all things when I do that.

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