Philippians 3:1-2
Paul summarizes what he wrote in chapter two, saying finally, rejoice. In chapter four he says it again, rejoice. As we work to serve God in His purposes and build connections with fellow believers, we will have joy.
Paul says he doesn't mind writing them the same things again. His encouragement, teaching, reminders, and admonitions serve as protection against false teaching and those who oppose Christ. In chapter four Paul specifically discusses guarding our minds against these things. First, though, he describes the opposition. The false teachers we face today focus on man, not things of God. Even in the church we may find a list of customs and rules people say we must follow to worship God.
If we are aware of the opposition (of various kinds) our children will face, we'll find the patience necessary to teach or speak the same things over and over again. Our concern for our children's welfare motivates us to review lessons often to strengthen their learning. We never stop encouraging our children to make wise choices.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Networking
Philippians 2:25-30
Paul encourages and builds quite a network of believers through his correspondence. He wants to send Timothy to Philippi and he wants to see his friends himself. Paul says he will send Epaphroditus to the Philippians because they heard and were concerned about his welfare.
We can support this same fellowship and sense of camaraderie among parents in our community. As I raised my children, they participated in community soccer, scouts, church youth groups, and events at our neighborhood elementary school. We became acquainted with several families and discovered they engaged in some of the same activities we did. We developed working relationships and enjoyed the shared endeavor of parenting.
If you are the only Christian in your neighborhood, seek to develop relationships with fellow parents at a local church or other community organization. You may also find other Christian parents within a local elementary school with whom you can share encouragement in the faith. God's Word encourages us to build a network to share His love.
Paul encourages and builds quite a network of believers through his correspondence. He wants to send Timothy to Philippi and he wants to see his friends himself. Paul says he will send Epaphroditus to the Philippians because they heard and were concerned about his welfare.
We can support this same fellowship and sense of camaraderie among parents in our community. As I raised my children, they participated in community soccer, scouts, church youth groups, and events at our neighborhood elementary school. We became acquainted with several families and discovered they engaged in some of the same activities we did. We developed working relationships and enjoyed the shared endeavor of parenting.
If you are the only Christian in your neighborhood, seek to develop relationships with fellow parents at a local church or other community organization. You may also find other Christian parents within a local elementary school with whom you can share encouragement in the faith. God's Word encourages us to build a network to share His love.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Fellow workers
Philippians 2:19-24
This passage reminds me of verse four, chapter one in which Paul thanks God whenever he remembers his fellow workers. He hopes to send one of his close friends to Philippi. He values Timothy's concern for others. Paul mentions again the human tendency for selfish behavior, with people looking out only for their own interests. Timothy's life is an example of the servant's attitude illustrated by Christ, as described in chapter two.
Together Paul and Timothy have a commitment to God's work and a concern for fellow believers and their spiritual well-being. They invested time, energy, and resources into people's lives for God's glory.
Consider other believers you know and how they have helped you by example. Encourage othrs by sharing the good news about how you see God at work. Through Timothy's example, Paul reminds us to maintain an attitude of service as we go about the work God has for us.
This passage reminds me of verse four, chapter one in which Paul thanks God whenever he remembers his fellow workers. He hopes to send one of his close friends to Philippi. He values Timothy's concern for others. Paul mentions again the human tendency for selfish behavior, with people looking out only for their own interests. Timothy's life is an example of the servant's attitude illustrated by Christ, as described in chapter two.
Together Paul and Timothy have a commitment to God's work and a concern for fellow believers and their spiritual well-being. They invested time, energy, and resources into people's lives for God's glory.
Consider other believers you know and how they have helped you by example. Encourage othrs by sharing the good news about how you see God at work. Through Timothy's example, Paul reminds us to maintain an attitude of service as we go about the work God has for us.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Shining Like Stars
Philippians 2:14-18
If we are aware of God's purposes in our lives, we will be able to do that which He calls us to do--joyfully. Our lives will shine as we give God's Word--the truth--to those around us, in word or deed. Our faith in God's plan and His work enables us to sacrifice and serve with a willing heart.
These are important concepts for our children. People often complain and argue, and young people are no exception. Each year we saw attitudes of complaining and arguing and we talked with the children about having attitudes that would honor God. Turning away from negative attitudes leads them to a pure and blameless life--a child with a positive attitude and a willing heart is less likely to get into trouble. These young people will also become a shining example to others and their peers will be drawn to that example.
Even if parents cannot always speak aloud the phrase, "honor God," in their community, they can instill in their children and their children's friends principles and attitudes of joy, willingness, cooperation, and effort as opposed to whining, complaining, and arguing. You can help your child realize the benefits of positive behavior. As Paul says, your life shining as you hold out God's truth to those around you will ensure that your labor, sacrifice, and service are all for Christ's glory.
If we are aware of God's purposes in our lives, we will be able to do that which He calls us to do--joyfully. Our lives will shine as we give God's Word--the truth--to those around us, in word or deed. Our faith in God's plan and His work enables us to sacrifice and serve with a willing heart.
These are important concepts for our children. People often complain and argue, and young people are no exception. Each year we saw attitudes of complaining and arguing and we talked with the children about having attitudes that would honor God. Turning away from negative attitudes leads them to a pure and blameless life--a child with a positive attitude and a willing heart is less likely to get into trouble. These young people will also become a shining example to others and their peers will be drawn to that example.
Even if parents cannot always speak aloud the phrase, "honor God," in their community, they can instill in their children and their children's friends principles and attitudes of joy, willingness, cooperation, and effort as opposed to whining, complaining, and arguing. You can help your child realize the benefits of positive behavior. As Paul says, your life shining as you hold out God's truth to those around you will ensure that your labor, sacrifice, and service are all for Christ's glory.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Small Steps of Faith
Philippians 2:12-13
One thing I appreciate about Philippians is its simplicity. Paul repeats the same concepts again and again. In these first two chapters he writes about obedience and God's purposes. As we read through Philippians and discussed our situation, we kept coming back to these same themes. We realized God wanted us to be about His business, working to accomplish His purposes. To maintain the attitude of Christ, we had to be open and willing to be emptied of self so that God could work in us and through us.
We talked with the children about their faith and their walk with God. We recognized that for many, the way to salvation would indeed be a process, needing to be "worked out." The first steps were small and halting as we sought to develop a sense of worship in our little community, a need for God to work in our lives, and how to live a life of faith.
"The feat of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). We stand in awe at how God works in people's lives. You may be the only Christian in your neighborhood, at your child's activities, or in the local school, but you can ask God to accomplish His purposes through you. You can work with one or two people with whom you have established relationships to help them take small steps of faith toward salvation, in fear and awe of a living, merciful, and just God.
One thing I appreciate about Philippians is its simplicity. Paul repeats the same concepts again and again. In these first two chapters he writes about obedience and God's purposes. As we read through Philippians and discussed our situation, we kept coming back to these same themes. We realized God wanted us to be about His business, working to accomplish His purposes. To maintain the attitude of Christ, we had to be open and willing to be emptied of self so that God could work in us and through us.
We talked with the children about their faith and their walk with God. We recognized that for many, the way to salvation would indeed be a process, needing to be "worked out." The first steps were small and halting as we sought to develop a sense of worship in our little community, a need for God to work in our lives, and how to live a life of faith.
"The feat of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). We stand in awe at how God works in people's lives. You may be the only Christian in your neighborhood, at your child's activities, or in the local school, but you can ask God to accomplish His purposes through you. You can work with one or two people with whom you have established relationships to help them take small steps of faith toward salvation, in fear and awe of a living, merciful, and just God.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Our Example
Philippians 2:5-11
Jesus is our best example of a servant's attitude. He willingly set Himself aside in complete obedience to God. When I read this, Hebrews 5:8 comes to mind. Jesus "learned obedience from what He suffered." Our goal is to serve God by serving others, regardless of the cost to us or how those around us behave. Even while "eating dirt" we learn we are where God wants us, doing what He wants us to do. As servants, we learn to set ourselves aside as Jesus did.
This passage in Paul's letter has been called the "Kenosis," or Jesus' emptying of Himself. When I read that Jesus "made Himself nothing," it reminds me of what Jesus said to His disciples, "greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Someone once said that means to just set your life aside.
As parents, we are called to set our personal lives aside on a daily basis as we minister to our chldren. We learn to shift our focus from our own problems to those of our sons and daughters. This ability to refocus brings clarity and peace to our lives.
The next time you walk into your child's room, take a minute to ask God to help you focus on his or her needs. Ask Him to give you a servant's heart, an attitude that is "the same as that of Christ Jesus."
Jesus is our best example of a servant's attitude. He willingly set Himself aside in complete obedience to God. When I read this, Hebrews 5:8 comes to mind. Jesus "learned obedience from what He suffered." Our goal is to serve God by serving others, regardless of the cost to us or how those around us behave. Even while "eating dirt" we learn we are where God wants us, doing what He wants us to do. As servants, we learn to set ourselves aside as Jesus did.
This passage in Paul's letter has been called the "Kenosis," or Jesus' emptying of Himself. When I read that Jesus "made Himself nothing," it reminds me of what Jesus said to His disciples, "greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Someone once said that means to just set your life aside.
As parents, we are called to set our personal lives aside on a daily basis as we minister to our chldren. We learn to shift our focus from our own problems to those of our sons and daughters. This ability to refocus brings clarity and peace to our lives.
The next time you walk into your child's room, take a minute to ask God to help you focus on his or her needs. Ask Him to give you a servant's heart, an attitude that is "the same as that of Christ Jesus."
Friday, September 9, 2011
Attitudes
Philippians 2:3-4
Parenting is not about us, it is a sacrificial endeavor. Parents spend much time and do many things in their childrens' interests rather than their own.
The attitude Paul describes leads to an environment of cooperation, not competition. Each person looks after the interests of the others with the goal of assisting the growth of all, rather than one person seeking to become better than the others. What a difference such an attitude would make in families!
Talk with your children about considering others before themselves--an important, and difficult, lesson for them to learn. Such basic lessons in kindness contribute to our children's emotional, social, and spiritual growth.
I hope you have found joy in fellowship and teamwork with other parents in your community. If we are united in Christ and have His Spirit, He will give us love to reach out to those around us. We can be comrades in our schools and communities, instead of competitive parents. Seek out the young, inexperienced, or new parent who is overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion. Look for and help the parent who is burned out and looking out for their own interests or those who care but exist in survival mode. Watch His joy overflow as you reach out with the good news of God's love.
Parenting is not about us, it is a sacrificial endeavor. Parents spend much time and do many things in their childrens' interests rather than their own.
The attitude Paul describes leads to an environment of cooperation, not competition. Each person looks after the interests of the others with the goal of assisting the growth of all, rather than one person seeking to become better than the others. What a difference such an attitude would make in families!
Talk with your children about considering others before themselves--an important, and difficult, lesson for them to learn. Such basic lessons in kindness contribute to our children's emotional, social, and spiritual growth.
I hope you have found joy in fellowship and teamwork with other parents in your community. If we are united in Christ and have His Spirit, He will give us love to reach out to those around us. We can be comrades in our schools and communities, instead of competitive parents. Seek out the young, inexperienced, or new parent who is overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion. Look for and help the parent who is burned out and looking out for their own interests or those who care but exist in survival mode. Watch His joy overflow as you reach out with the good news of God's love.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Seeking God's Purposes
Philippians 2:1-2
At the time we started reading this part of Paul's letter, we were also working with the children concerning their attitudes. We talked with them about treating one another as Jesus would.
Paul reminds us of all we receive from Christ. We have encouragement, someone standing alongside to help, someone who gives us the strength and courage to love those around us. As we walk with Him, we receive comfort as God comes close with His unconditional love. If we say we are united with Christ, we should also be united in purpose--to become more like Jesus, to love God and those around us--these things to which we have been called by God.
This passages reminds us to focus again on seeking God's purposes daily. Our strength comes from being united in Him. Even if we do not fully understand what He wants us to do, we can join together in our goals for our children and their spiritual growth.
If you walk with Christ, be encouraged by His love. As you seek Him, He will give you strength, energy, and love to carry out His purposes regardless of your current situation.
At the time we started reading this part of Paul's letter, we were also working with the children concerning their attitudes. We talked with them about treating one another as Jesus would.
Paul reminds us of all we receive from Christ. We have encouragement, someone standing alongside to help, someone who gives us the strength and courage to love those around us. As we walk with Him, we receive comfort as God comes close with His unconditional love. If we say we are united with Christ, we should also be united in purpose--to become more like Jesus, to love God and those around us--these things to which we have been called by God.
This passages reminds us to focus again on seeking God's purposes daily. Our strength comes from being united in Him. Even if we do not fully understand what He wants us to do, we can join together in our goals for our children and their spiritual growth.
If you walk with Christ, be encouraged by His love. As you seek Him, He will give you strength, energy, and love to carry out His purposes regardless of your current situation.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Repeated Words
Philippians 1:27-30
Paul goes over the same concepts again and again, in much the same way we tell our children things many times. Perhaps, having experienced what it is like to remind somone of something numerous times, we will be more willing to listen to God's repeated words to us. We will face opposition of various kinds in our areas of influence and ministry. Our children or their friends may show us disrespect; other parents may caution us against speaking about God, telling us what we can and cannot say. Often society as a whole seems to hinder us from parenting God's way. We see unfairness, injustice, and things that are not right, and may find it difficult to explain these things to our children.
Yet Paul says no matter what happens, conduct yourselves as Jesus would. As we strive to work together in a spirit of peace and harmony, others will hear of our love. They will realize we preach the gospel (good news of God's love) by our actions, even when "eating dirt." Even if there is only one other Christian in your neighborhood, stand together as one in the faith and find strength.
Paul goes over the same concepts again and again, in much the same way we tell our children things many times. Perhaps, having experienced what it is like to remind somone of something numerous times, we will be more willing to listen to God's repeated words to us. We will face opposition of various kinds in our areas of influence and ministry. Our children or their friends may show us disrespect; other parents may caution us against speaking about God, telling us what we can and cannot say. Often society as a whole seems to hinder us from parenting God's way. We see unfairness, injustice, and things that are not right, and may find it difficult to explain these things to our children.
Yet Paul says no matter what happens, conduct yourselves as Jesus would. As we strive to work together in a spirit of peace and harmony, others will hear of our love. They will realize we preach the gospel (good news of God's love) by our actions, even when "eating dirt." Even if there is only one other Christian in your neighborhood, stand together as one in the faith and find strength.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Serving
Philippians 1:22-26
Your children may have learned songs in church or at summer camp about heaven and salvation. What a wonderful opportunity to talk with them about our hope. As we meet with others, we can encourage one another with the knowledge that we serve exactly where God has placed us. I hope you discover the joy of being in the place God has for you, knowing He has placed your children in your care. We serve each other as well, working together for growth and joy in our faith and to build the faith of our children.
Even as we long to be with Christ, we remain here as His hands and feet. At times we hold too tightly to the things of this world. Paul strives to find the balance between focusing on that which is better by far--being with Christ--and living here to serve God and others.
Endeavor to team up with parents who are believers and help one another grow in your faith. Seek to realize how and why God has placed you in your circumstances. Remember these words, "who has been given to you, and to whom have you been given?" Who will you minister to today?
Your children may have learned songs in church or at summer camp about heaven and salvation. What a wonderful opportunity to talk with them about our hope. As we meet with others, we can encourage one another with the knowledge that we serve exactly where God has placed us. I hope you discover the joy of being in the place God has for you, knowing He has placed your children in your care. We serve each other as well, working together for growth and joy in our faith and to build the faith of our children.
Even as we long to be with Christ, we remain here as His hands and feet. At times we hold too tightly to the things of this world. Paul strives to find the balance between focusing on that which is better by far--being with Christ--and living here to serve God and others.
Endeavor to team up with parents who are believers and help one another grow in your faith. Seek to realize how and why God has placed you in your circumstances. Remember these words, "who has been given to you, and to whom have you been given?" Who will you minister to today?
Friday, September 2, 2011
Christ is Exalted
Philippians 1:19-21
Paul realized the power of prayer in various situations. He experienced firsthand the promise of Jesus and he can see the possibilities available through God. Even if he is not set free physiclly, his faith allows him to be free from the fear and frustration of imprisonment. He prays that God will be exalted in his life.
To exalt means to honor, to praise, and to glorify. Matt Hannan, the pastor of New Heights Church in Vancouver, Washington, defined "exalt" as "magnify." When we magnify something, we bring it near or closer, as when we look through a microscope or telescope. We want to bring God close to us so we can show Him to our children.
When we meet together, we receive hope and courage to continue on in the place God has set us. Daily we find that God gives us strength. We realize that our lives are in Him.
The good news we share with our children is that God's love will bring them close to Him. Jesus has made a way to bring us all back to God so that we no longer have to be separated from God. We are not ashamed to live as a godly example to those around us, for He will give us all the courage we need.
Paul realized the power of prayer in various situations. He experienced firsthand the promise of Jesus and he can see the possibilities available through God. Even if he is not set free physiclly, his faith allows him to be free from the fear and frustration of imprisonment. He prays that God will be exalted in his life.
To exalt means to honor, to praise, and to glorify. Matt Hannan, the pastor of New Heights Church in Vancouver, Washington, defined "exalt" as "magnify." When we magnify something, we bring it near or closer, as when we look through a microscope or telescope. We want to bring God close to us so we can show Him to our children.
When we meet together, we receive hope and courage to continue on in the place God has set us. Daily we find that God gives us strength. We realize that our lives are in Him.
The good news we share with our children is that God's love will bring them close to Him. Jesus has made a way to bring us all back to God so that we no longer have to be separated from God. We are not ashamed to live as a godly example to those around us, for He will give us all the courage we need.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Speaking the Word
Philippians 1:15-18
During our morning meetings, we continued to discuss the concept of "eating dirt," specifically in relation to our children or their friends offending us. Certainly some children--regardless of their background--will always seek to stir up trouble. Whether at school, children's church classes, or youth groups, not every child will participate with a proper attitude and right motives. Even so, Christ is preached through Bible reading, prayer, and service to others.
As parents, we also do not always present the Word as purely as we might to our children. However, we can meet with other parents, encourage one another in love, help each other through the rough times, and Christ will be spoken.
I encourage you to find fellow believers with whom you can meet--in person, by phone, online--whatever works. Ask one or more of these people to pray with you for loving attitudes and proper motives as you "preach Christ," whether by word or deed. As your children participate in community activities, set the example of Christ in serving others.
During our morning meetings, we continued to discuss the concept of "eating dirt," specifically in relation to our children or their friends offending us. Certainly some children--regardless of their background--will always seek to stir up trouble. Whether at school, children's church classes, or youth groups, not every child will participate with a proper attitude and right motives. Even so, Christ is preached through Bible reading, prayer, and service to others.
As parents, we also do not always present the Word as purely as we might to our children. However, we can meet with other parents, encourage one another in love, help each other through the rough times, and Christ will be spoken.
I encourage you to find fellow believers with whom you can meet--in person, by phone, online--whatever works. Ask one or more of these people to pray with you for loving attitudes and proper motives as you "preach Christ," whether by word or deed. As your children participate in community activities, set the example of Christ in serving others.
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