Philippians 1:16-18 (NIV)
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[c]18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
This passage of scripture, in a pastoral letter to the Philippian church, reveals the profound humility and Christlikeness of the Apostle Paul.
Not many people would have the spiritual fortitude to think like this or grasps this delicate issue like Paul did.
In light of all the hardships he endured for the cause of Christ, Paul remained composed and dignified. He did not resort or respond with a beleaguered and disgruntled attitude. After all, Paul had spent more nights in a jail cell for preaching the gospel than many of us have spent in church.
Yet....he persevered with confidence and purpose.
The issue was that during Paul's imprisonment....preachers and teachers of the gospel began to fill his vacancy or vacuum of leadership in the churches throughout Asia.
Some of these church leaders were saying things about Paul that were untrue and hurtful. For example....reports had circulated that Paul was locked up; in chains; because God was angry with him or perhaps he had compromised his faith.
Here is a paraphrase of what Paul was saying:
"These guys are preaching the same Gospel that I preached unto you. However...many of them are repeating rumors about me that are untrue, attempting to sell me out, taking advantage for themselves by selling me short....but......I'm grateful that at least the gospel of Christ is preached."
In essence....Paul was saying....that we're only....."Science Apart".
Can you envision this kind of Christ confidence?
Do you display such assurance?
Do you see the difference in yourself and the lowliest of sinners.
It could be......only Science Apart.
Think humility.....ACT......as one worthy only by His GRACE.
Check out this video on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/EdBym7kv2IM
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Us Against The World - Coldplay
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
The tightrope that I'm walking just sways and ties
The devil as he's talking with those angel's eyes
And I just want to be there when the lightning strikes
And the saints go marching in
The cryptic lyrics of Coldplay leaves room for multiple interpretations however its impossible to miss the spiritual references in the verses and chorus.
Amen....the devil with angel eyes....till the saints go marching in...Daniel and the lions den.
Sounds like the guys in the band have spent considerable time in Sunday School. :)
As a child of God you should know the importance of identifying the world as Satan's playground.
Jesus refers to him as the prince of the world.
John 16:11
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
As the result of his power and influence...his natural enemies are the people of God.For this reason we regard the world with all its enticement, lusts, and dazzling temptations as part of our spiritual warfare.
We dare not underestimate the influence of this dark world.
Gods children must arm themselves with the truth of His word which is like a sword used to defeat Satan and his temptations.
Prayer is also essential in keeping us in step with the Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is inthe world.
Pray each day that God will watch over you, protect you from evil, and lead you along the path of joy and peace.
It is Us Against The World....But in Christ, we have the victory that overcomes the world!!!
Check out this video on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/rbu672bwBjo
Thursday, February 7, 2013
David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
Colossians 3:2-4
This song is a lyrical masterpiece.
Surrendering all of your pride, esteem, emotions, wants, failures, hangups, dreams, desires, ambitions, and even your feelings, is accomplished by loosing yourself in Christ. Its called "Hidden In Christ".
Check out this video
Sia - Titanium (feat. Sia) - Z100
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory
I'm bulletproof nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall, I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium, I am titanium, I am titanium, I am titanium
This song is a lyrical masterpiece.
The scene in the video where the news reports of something spiritual happening at the local school should raise your eyebrow.
You know exactly what the song is about if you have ever experienced complete emptiness of yourself and pride. You feel sort of invincible when you have nothing to lose.
The song by DG, whether intentional or not, describes a spiritual achievement for all children of God. To pursue the calling of God, to carry your cross for Christ, to surrender to the will of God and His purpose for you requires complete abandon.
Praise - Goes to Christ
Insults - Fall on Him
Persecution - Rests on His Shoulders
Victory - Possible In His Name
Failure - Covered By His Grace
Your life is crucified with Christ.
You belong to Him and your body is His temple.
Fireproof - Bulletproof - W/A Titanium TShirt
That's the Ideal.
I know its a daily thing...
But to lose yourself in Christ.......is to find EVERYTHING.Sia - Titanium (feat. Sia) - Z100
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
All The Right Moves - OneRepublic
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
It don't matter what you see
I know I could never be
Someone that'll look like you
It don't matter what you say
I know I could never face
Someone that could sound like you
(All the right friends, in all the right places
So yeah we're going down
They got all the right moves in all the right places
So yeah we're going down)
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Surely you have heard that adage before.
Its a condition that we all find ourselves in from time to time. The problem is covetousness. We simply want what someone else has; Their looks, their voice, their fame, their future, all of it.
In reality, especially in the spiritual realm, God has something special and unique for you that compares to no other.
Whatever venue or direction He has you on, its for a purpose that is beyond your wisdom and understanding to figure out. Gods infinite wisdom is too much for our limited knowledge.
The greatest musicians and talent has yet to be discovered on the world stage; and may never be. God has positioned all of us to be salt and light wherever we are.
To be ONE with the Lord means that our life has meaning and purpose. No more envy or coveting what some other has........YOU ARE SPECIAL.
God has uniquely made you...YOU. Don't try to be somebody your not. Be a blessing where you are.
Check Out This Video
http://youtu.be/qrOeGCJdZe4
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
MMIX / Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall - Coldplay
Matthew 9:35-37
Whatever the inspiration of Buckland, Champion, Berryman, and Martin to write these lyrics; it is echoed in scripture.
Our God feels every heartbeat, and sees every teardrop. This passage reveals that Christ looked out among the masses of people and felt the need of those who sought Him. In fact, He saw them as harassed and in need.
The motivation of our Lord was that He saw the need and He had the means and the power to do something about it.
You too can use your heart as a weapon and make a difference. People, like sheep, need guidance. Their is no greater satisfaction than when you see a need and you do your best to help meet that need through the love of Christ...
COME ON...!!!
WE DON'T WANT TO SEE ANOTHER GENERATION DROP.
Check out this video
http://youtu.be/w6NuGbPXMZ4
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
I turn the music up I got my records on
From underneath the rubble sing a rebel song
Don't want to see another generation drop
I'd rather be a comma than a full stop
Maybe I'm in the black maybe I'm on my knees
Maybe I'm in the gap between the two trapezes
But still my heart is beating and my pulses start
Cathedrals in my heart
Whatever the inspiration of Buckland, Champion, Berryman, and Martin to write these lyrics; it is echoed in scripture.
Our God feels every heartbeat, and sees every teardrop. This passage reveals that Christ looked out among the masses of people and felt the need of those who sought Him. In fact, He saw them as harassed and in need.
The motivation of our Lord was that He saw the need and He had the means and the power to do something about it.
You too can use your heart as a weapon and make a difference. People, like sheep, need guidance. Their is no greater satisfaction than when you see a need and you do your best to help meet that need through the love of Christ...
COME ON...!!!
WE DON'T WANT TO SEE ANOTHER GENERATION DROP.
Check out this video
http://youtu.be/w6NuGbPXMZ4
Monday, February 4, 2013
Bronte - Gotye
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
We will be with you
When you're leaving
We will be with you
When you go
We will be with you
And hold you till you're quiet
It hurts to let you go
The apostle Paul went through an evolution of thinking:
He was wanting to stay and continue his work for the lord but he was willing to go if that is what God had planned...
Eventually he was wanting to go home with the Lord but was willing to stay.
Do you see the difference?
2 Corinthians 5:8-10
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
Regardless of what God had in store...he was confident that he would be with the Lord and eventually see those whom he served with the Lord also.
In Christ we always have a...Win/Win
Their is no LOSS...in the Lord of life.
We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us
Check out this video
http://youtu.be/le34ygtODfI
Sunday, February 3, 2013
If I Lose Myself - OneRepublic
13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
You can feel the light start to tremble
Washing what you know out to sea
You can see your life out of the window, tonight
If I lose myself tonight, it’ll be by your side
If I lose myself tonight, oh yeah yeah yeah
The sentiment in these lyrics are understood. As a chaplain its been my privilege to be at the side of many who drew their last breath; with loved ones surrounding the room. The passing of the saints of God is very peaceful and extremely precious
The peace that passes understanding is one that comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus declared that if anyone believed in him they would never die; but be passed from death unto life.
The assurance of knowing Him as Savior allows you to walk through the valley of the shadow of death with no fear; for the Lord, your shepherd, will guard you and protect you; and you will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. This promise brings great comfort to those going home to be with the Lord....and those left on this side of paradise.
Philippians 4:7
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Check out this video
http://youtu.be/2aFKSBO7F4g
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