Philliapians

For the next few months at church, we will be studying the book of Phillipians. From what I understand, it will be a fairly comprehensive study because we will make it the focus in our corprate worship service, our classes and our small groups. We were asked to sit down and read the book in one sitting and then if possible, journal in some way. Now, I don't believe I have some extremely important knowledge or information to share that is going to be earth moving or anything. I just need a place I can journal on a regular basis and keep myself honest about my reading and meditation on the Scriptures. So, I am going to do my journaling here.

So I sat down and read the book of Phillipians, it didn't take long, maybe fifteen minutes. I don't think I ever noticed how short this extremely powerful book is. Of course, the ideas and themes that the men presented when talking about class on Sunday did immediatly jump out at me-humility, self-sacrifice, joy, unity-they were plain as day. But a few others struck me as well.

1. 1:27-"Only conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"-at first I heard "BE UNIFIED" and yes, that is part of the message that Paul was communicating to them. But the phraset that really convicted me was "in a manner worthy of the gospel". Do I really act like I am worthy of the being a follower of Christ? Are my actions reflecting my call? When I speak, do I communicate my desire to be a Christ follower? How does my voice tone reflect in what I claim to be? How about my thoughts? I don't think I have ever really considered my actions in the context of everything I do being "worthy of the gospel of Christ". Yes, I have thought of these questions before, but not in the same way. Once again, the Spirit proves to me that the Word is "living and active".
2. 4:5-"Let your gentle spirit be known to all men; The Lord is near."-this has always been a hard teaching for me. I could tell you every reason why I insist on presenting a toughness about myself. And not a single person on this earth would take that away from me. They are justifiable reasons. However, it is not the people on this earth that matter. My spirit should be gentle because of the grace given to me. I should be letting go of all those painful reason for being tough if I am truly going to be forgiving. This is one area Satan has always had a hold of in my life and I suspect, unless I make a conscious effort to place that at the feet of my Savior, Satan will continue to have that foot hold. I am so glad Paul gave me incentive to do this- The Lord is near!
3. 3:10, 4:4, 4:7, 4:8, 4:13, 4:19-For about two years now, I have been making little musical notes in the margin of my Bible everytime I see a Scripture that makes me think of a song. I could not believe that in this very short book there are six songs that immediatly come to mind when reading it.
4. 4:11 "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." -I want this on my tombstone and I want it to true!

Thanks for allowing me journal here. Would love your thoughts if you want.