The Apostle Paul was given a thorn in his flesh…some chronic, painful condition that plagued him continually. And even though he had prayed three times for the Lord to take it – it remained. This was the same Paul who preformed extraordinary miracles, (Acts 19:11)…cast out evil spirits, (Acts 16:18)…and raised people from the dead, (Acts 20:10). But the prayers of his own healing went unanswered. Now many of us would react very badly if we had a great Ministry but were unable to be healed personally of some very visible disease. But Paul didn’t allow it to make him bitter, or doubt his worth. Rather, he looked at it from the viewpoint of his dependence on the Lord and his need for humility. For he writes in Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.” Paul gained his strength through his weakness…for God in His infinite wisdom gave Paul what he needed, not what he wanted.
Tag: philippians
In Christ Jesus…You are a citizen of Heaven.
In this upwardly mobile society, we move about a lot. Sometimes out of necessity, sometimes for pleasure…and there’s times we find ourselves in places that are different, strange, and unlike what we’re accustomed to…and we feel uncomfortable…longing for our home. As Believers, we’re foreigners here on Earth…for our citizenship is in Heaven. (Phil. 3:20) It’s no wonder then that we feel conflicted, uneasy and awkward…we’re just visitors here!
Philippians 3:12 ” Not 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.”
You are still running your race. You are still fighting the good fight of faith. So forget about the mistakes you made yesterday and instead reach for the goal before you…and you will find it.
Philippians 1:13 ” As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”
Yes, Paul did have a “captive” audience to preach to…soldiers, guards, and other prisoners. But his example and love of Jesus shone through the dismal and wretched conditions. Paul simply loved people and built bridges of encouragement and trust with anyone he came in contact with.
Philippians 4:8 ” Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble,whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
What we think about, what we listen to, and watch on TV or on the computer will impact our thought pattern greatly…the saying, garbage in-garbage out, holds true to our brain cells. If you are continually putting ungodly or questionable material into your mind, why be surprised what comes out of your mouth, or how farfetched and bizarre your day dreams will become. The Lord wants us to occupy our mind with thoughts that are right, pleasing, and virtuous in His eyes.
Safetypinlove 