Sorry , this should have been posted yesterday, and I have no excuse..life is just coming at me fast..and I decided to play and take a break. Check out this study going on at Philter48 , click on the button “Philippians Study”. (easy huh?)
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.(ESV)
These verses are intense. I love Paul’s Kingdom-minded perspective. All for the Kingdom. In every case of what the world would say is trial and persecution in Paul’s life, was the finger of God moving HIS plan into action, to spread the gospel to all nations. Totally blows my mind. Paul could have whined and complained about all that was happening to him, but his Believing God was always in tact! He knew that God was good, and if HE allowed such things, then GREAT things of a larger magnitude was at stake. Can you think of anything greater than a lost soul coming to Christ?
Paul was imprisoned and his charge was following Christ, and telling others about HIM. Can you imagine the guards in the prison, knowing this, and still the man keeps going, and going, and going…(talk about energizer!)
I am convinced that without the mind of Christ, and Knowing the heart of God…this is where the rubber meets the road! Many claim to know HIM, but in the slightest discomfort, the whining, and complaining is unbelievable! Paul demonstrates a heart fixed on Christ, the author and perfector of his faith, and not the world.
Are we focused on the Kingdom? Are we all about ourself? or all about God? seems to me there is no middle of the road.
ponderings of a princess... 
I just want to sit down and have coffee with you right now! You have no idea how much this post hits home. I am in the midst of writing a two part (maybe 3) post about what HE is doing in my life right now. He is definitely teaching me about being Kingdom minded. I have kicked and screamed a little, but your post really kicked me in my butt!
Love you Prin!
I don’t really know what to say about whining. I think I do it way too much.
I do know He can use me in my weakened position. Remembering it in the day to day is a tough one.
As long as the gospel is going forward, what more is important, right?
I continuously check my self to make sure that my life is for Christ – that I stay Kingdom focused. Sometimes He has to jerk my chain though!
Darla,
I believe this is why Paul was so successful with the lost, he was so fixed on Jesus. You are right, we need to be fixed on Jesus. When I get fixed on the world, bill, and appointments, I get so frusterated and complain. But when I get fixed on Jesus, everything is great and I have peace. Great reminder. Love Tanya
not a road – a fence. and sitting on it makes God want to puke.
brent and i are in a place right now that is UN-COM-FOR-TA-BLE.
we’ve known its been coming for awhile now. and we recognize that we have a choice to make. shrink back – or stand firm (on and in Him)
either way, its a choice that, both, expend the same amt. of energy (sara, gitzengirl taught me that one) so why not expend it with Him, in total dependence. doesnt always make it easier. but it is always worth it.
When others see the strength that a relationship with God gives a person, it acts as a billboard for His message of love and compassion. Paul showed strength and continued to minister even to those in charge of him. He did not fall apart, wallow in self-pity, though he had reason to. We can follow that example, we have access to that same strength.
I like the way you think, you are responsive to the Spirit’s leading. I believe He speaks through you. Be encouraged, sister. love
Loved this post princess. I feel it spoke to me in so many ways. I am trying to get a grasp on the fact that no matter what I go through, I am still blessed. There is a song that goes “Even if He didn’t do anything for me, He’s done enough.” How often we forget that His sacrifice alone is enough and more than we could ever deserve. Yet when finances dwindle, when our health fails us, when we’re hurt in a relationship or when we don’t get what we want, we go to God complaining about how miserable we are. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with sharing our feelings/disappointments/frustrations with God but when we begin to do it with a heart of ungratefulness/unthankfulness [is there such a word?] we are in danger of offending God. Love you 🙂
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