Anticipated Joy

“If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead” (Philippians 3:11)

Paul is known for his long sentence structures. This verse comes at the end of a sentence that begins in verse eight. After he speaks of the “nothingness” of his fleshly accomplishments before he met the Lord, he enumerates regarding his life in the Spirit following salvation in Christ Jesus.

In the thirteen epistles he has written he has no uncertainty about the believers’ resurrection or the power of God to make it happen. His statement here is one of humility, not uncertainty. John Philips, in commenting on this verse, says the word “if” used here is not a word of doubt but rather it is used as, “seeing it is so.”

For the person saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, the resurrection from among the dead is his greatest anticipated joy.

Shaped by Christ's Death

“…being made conformable unto His death.” (Philippians 3:10)

Believers have two distinct choices we can make. One choice is that we can be conformed to this age or world in which we live. It is easy to fit into and be shaped by that mold. Churches as well as individuals are often shaped by the world with the excuse that “you have to be like them to win them.” However, we are instructed to, “Be not conformed to this world" (age). (Romans 12:2)

On the other hand we can be conformed or shaped by the cross, the sacrifice and the willingness of Christ to suffer for us. Paul was conformed to the death of Christ, evidenced in the statement in Romans 9:2-3, “I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself  were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”

How desperately do you desire to see people saved today? Family members, including husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters and parents are lost and in need of salvation.  It is likely you have unsaved friends and neighbors. Conformity to this sinful age on our part will not bring them to Christ. We must be conformed to the Lord’s death to make a difference.

Suffering for Us

“…that I may know Him…and the fellowship of His suffering…” (Philippians 3:10)

Anyone who reads the Bible has some knowledge of the sufferings of Christ - from Genesis 3:15 to Psalm 22 to Isaiah 53 and many more references in the Old Testament and numerous references in the New Testament. All four of the Gospels give vivid details of our Lord’s suffering and death. In the Garden of Gethsemane He sweat as it were great drops of blood. He was scourged, beaten unmercifully, had a crown of thorns placed on His head, was spit upon, blindfolded and slapped, and mockingly told to prophesy and tell who it was that struck Him. His hands and feet were nailed to a cross, where He hung for six hours before saying, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit,” and then giving up His spirit in death. Have you ever wept over your sins when reading of His crucifixion?

The “fellowship of His suffering” is experienced when we count ourselves as, “crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20) We are told to, “set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3)

The Power of His Resurrection

“…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” (Philippians 3:10)

It was not enough for Paul to know Jesus the man who walked among men, became tired, went to sleep in a boat on a stormy sea and wept at the tomb of a friend. He not only wanted to know His need for food and water and His ability to teach as no other man taught, he also wanted to know the power of our Lord’s resurrection.

It was the resurrection power of God that raised Jesus from the dead. In the First Corinthian letter we read, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept…But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.” (I Corinthians 15:20, 23) The bible says, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection.” (Revelation 20:6)

The life of the child of God is to experience the power of the resurrection through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in service and to know resurrection power either at the resurrection of the saints when the Lord returns, or immediately afterward, at the rapture, to “be changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye.” (I Corinthians 15:52-53) It’s a “win, win” situation for the child of God.

Why?

"Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think he doeth God service.” (John 16:2)

When the Jewish leaders led in the assault on Jesus which resulted in His crucifixion, they thought they were doing God a service. Just a few hours before His crucifixion our Savior declared that the time would come that His followers would be put out of the synagogues and be killed and those responsible would think they were pleasing God.

Jesus went on to say, “And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” (John 16:3)  That explains why Islamists are killing Christians and why a young man went into a building where Christians were involved in prayer and Bible study and killed nine of the worshipers of God. Paul the apostle says that before he was saved and while he was on his rampage of blasphemy and injury toward followers of Jesus, he “did it ignorantly and in unbelief.” (I Timothy 1:13)  The evil things that happen in our world would cease happening if the perpetrators would surrender their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Do You Know Jesus?

“That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being made conformable unto His death.” (Philippians 3:10)

My father was a great man in my eyes. Prior to answering the call to preach, he had farmed, served as a deacon, and taught Sunday school. He was thirty-six years old when he finally said yes to the Lord to preach the gospel. He suffered a major stroke at the age of fifty-seven and died four years later when he was sixty-one years old.  I have heard many people say they knew my dad, but they really only knew about him.  I did not just know about him, I knew him.

Paul says in our text, “I want to know Jesus…” Many people have some knowledge of Jesus, where He was born, where He grew up, where He was crucified and a few other facts. But they only know about Him. To know Jesus we must spend much, much time with Him. We must talk with Him in prayer. We must fellowship with Him. We must seek His counsel. We must read His precious Word. We must confess our sins, faults and failures to Him and experience His forgiveness. You need to have the same heart’s desire as Paul - know Jesus.

No Bragging Rights

“Though I might also have confidence in the flesh.  If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more.” (Philippians 3:4)

In the preceding verse before our text Paul says, “And have no confidence in the flesh.” That, of course, is speaking of our standing with God.  In today’s text the apostle says he could win the prize if you were to boast about fleshly accomplishments. In verses five and six he enumerates seven “bragging rights,” beginning with his circumcision when he was eight days old and ending with being blameless as far as keeping the Old Testament law.

Following that he says he counts those “bragging rights” as “nothing” or as “dung” as far as his salvation is concerned. Elsewhere he says he is the chiefest of sinners. (I Tim. 1:15)

What bragging rights are you claiming for your entrance into the Kingdom of God? Those things will keep one from the Kingdom. One will not be saved until he first sees himself as a lost sinner in need of salvation.  One must then repent of his sin and turn in faith to the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Change of Heart

“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Philippians 3:3)

God is concerned about the heart of man. When Samuel the prophet was in the process of choosing to replace Saul as king of Israel, thinking his mission had been accomplished with the choice of Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab, the LORD said to Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7) In His concern for what is inside us, God further tells us, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Finally, the Bible says, “He is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter…” (Romans 2:28-29)

It takes more than some physical outward change to bring salvation to a lost sinner. A change of heart can happen only by the grace of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Warning

“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” (Philippians 3:2)

Paul’s warning about “dogs” was not the cute little critters many folks keep around the house as a pet. The word “dogs” in the Bible is sometimes a reference to male Sodomite cult prostitutes. It can be a reference to the dogs referred to in Psalms 22:16 where in the prophecy of Christ on the cross it is said, “For dogs have compassed me.”  The reference to dogs in our text is perhaps a reference to wild, vicious, marauding dogs which would sometimes get in a flock of sheep and kill or scatter them.

Evil workers are those who are given to sinful ways. They have nothing to do with God or God’s people. They are like those before the flood in Noah’s day; “the wickedness of man was great in the earth and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5)

And finally, there were the Judaizers, called the concision, like those in Acts 15 who insisted that one must become a Jew before he could be saved.

These warnings were necessary then and are still necessary today as false prophets abound, as well as the evil workers and those who make salvation a thing to be earned by good deeds, religious rites and ceremonies.

Finally, My Brethern

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same thing to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.” (Philippians 3:1)

A little boy at church asked his mother sitting beside him, “Mom, what does it mean when the preacher says, ‘Finally?’” His mother said, “Honey, it doesn’t mean a thing.” We all laugh at that. Paul is not guilty of declaring he is through while continuing on.  He has more to say.

Joy is the major theme of Philippians. Standing strong against false doctrine, maintaining unity and accord in the local church, making sure the believers are under the Lordship of Christ and that they are behaving as blood-bought people is the way to remain joyful. These are some of the main ideas in the first two chapters of Philippians.

These reminders, plus those to come in this epistle, are not burdensome for Paul. Any teacher knows that repetition is one of the keys to learning. Do you recall memorizing the alphabet and the multiplication table? What about John 3:16? The safest thing for the saints at Philippi, as well as the saints today, is to hear the old, old story again and again. One of the reasons so many professing Christians are not rejoicing today is because they are trying to be friends with the world and have fellowship with Christ at the same time. It has never worked and it never will.

A Good Name

“Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.” (Philippians 2:25)

Let’s take a look at two men, Epaphroditus and Judas Iscariot. Only twice is this man’s name, Epaphroditus, mentioned in the New Testament, both times it is in connection with the Church of Philippi. Paul refers to him as his brother, companion in labor, fellow soldier, your messenger and the carrier of a gift to Paul from the Philippian Christians. He had labored even when sick, nearly to the point of death as a result of sacrificially serving the Lord. He would carry this letter from Paul to the church.

On the other hand, Judas Iscariot was the well known treasurer for Jesus and the disciples. He is mentioned numerous times in the New Testament and is spoken of prophetically in the Old Testament. Knowing what we know about Judas and his pilfering the money put into the treasury bag, who would trust him with anything in the way Paul and the believers at Philippi trusted Epaphroditus? Judas will forever wear the name of “traitor” and “Son of Perdition.”

The Bible says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches…” (Proverbs 22:1)

I Trust in the Lord

“But I trust in the Lord…” (Philippians 2:24)

Paul mentioned in the previous verse that he hoped to send Timothy to Philippi but right now he was not sure of what the future held for his possible martyrdom. Perhaps he would be able to go to Philippi himself.

When there is uncertainty in your pathway and the future has not been fully revealed, the best thing to do is trust in the Lord. The word tells us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) 

Are you facing some kind of uncertainty in your future?  Talk to God about the problem.  Look in His Word for similar situations and how the Lord helped His own through their trying times. In the song, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” we find these words: “Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.”

No Greater Joy

“But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.” (Philippians 2:22)

Paul is endorsing the ministry of Timothy as well as the man himself. In our previous devotion Paul recommended Timothy as “likeminded” with Paul. Today is Father’s Day.  I have many precious memories of working with my father in the fields out on the farm as well as working with him in the gospel. When I was just entering the ministry he invited me to preach in two, perhaps three revivals. As one would expect I invited my dad to help me in meetings. Those are precious, precious memories.

Other exceedingly precious memories flood my soul as my son has been “Music Man” for a large portion of my ministry.  We served together in a tent revival when, as a teenager, he played the piano each night as a different man preached. He has been my organist, pianist and music director for a long time in a local church where I was pastor.

Brother Paul would not object, I’m sure, if I said something about my daughter who has served the Lord in so many ways. She has sung, taught Sunday School, has been VBS Director and taught in VBS. John said, and I agree, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (III John 4)

Paul could only say, “As a son with a father,” but I have the privilege of saying of my dad and children, it is the real thing. Their mother set the standard and example.  She was teaching a class of four and five year old “Beginners” in Sunday School when she was fourteen years old. She has gone with me every step of the way, going way beyond the call of duty.

Likeminded with the Best

“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” (Philippians 2:19-21)

The late Dr. Robert G Lee, for many years pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, said he would not give a recommendation to a church pulpit committee for any preacher.  He said it was the equivalent of co-signing a bank note.

Paul did not have that view of his friend, Timothy. Paul was looking forward to sending Timothy as his representative to Philippi. He said of Timothy, “I have no man likeminded, who thinks as I do. All the rest,” Paul says, “seek their own welfare.” Paul was saying that the Philippians could depend on Timothy to be trustworthy in all ways because he was indwelt with the same Holy Spirit as Paul.

There is an old song that asks the question, “May the Lord depend on you?”

Reader Note: We hope you are enjoying this second viewing of the study in Philippians. We are using these while Bro. Jim is recovering.  We are thankful to report that he is getting better and ask your continued prayers.   

Rejoice in Trials

“Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.” (Philippians 2:17)

A sub-title for the epistle to the Philippians could well be, “Rejoicing in Trials.” In the 104 verses in this epistle, some form of the word, “joy,” is used sixteen times. That’s once in every 6.5 verses. Paul is rejoicing in his imprisonment and is calling on the Church at Philippi to rejoice in their trials.

One of my friends who had a long bout with cancer, when he would be asked, “How are you doing today?” responded by saying, “I’m too blessed to be stressed.” That response is much better than, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.” James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations (trials); knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:2-3) Also read I Peter 1:6-7 and I Peter 2:19-24.

Shine as Lights in a Dark World

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” (Philippians 2:14-16)

Believers are called on to live their lives in a sinful world, not in a sinless and utopian environment. Stars shine their brightest and most brilliant when the night is the darkest. Jewelers display their diamonds on black velvet so the beauty of their merchandise is more readily seen and adored.

We are not to complain and murmur about the difficulties in holding forth the word of life. So, you have been called to teach a Bible class of unruly teenagers. Pray, seek God’s help and let them see Jesus in you. Perhaps you work at a job with people who never give a thought to Jesus Christ, but rather ridicule and criticize you and other Christians. Be faithful to the Lord.

Note to readers:  You may have noticed we have been using previously published blogs the past few days. This is because Bro. Jim is in the hospital. Please pray that his health will be restored so that he can once again write these daily words. Thank you and God bless.  

Cultivate for Maximum Fruit

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)

This verse is not saying that each person decides for himself how he is going to be saved. It is saying that as God has done His work of saving grace on the inside, we are to work it out as a gardener or farmer works the weeds, briers, and thistles out of his crop and cultivates the soil to see that conditions are right for a maximum yield.

It is not the pastor or some Godly person who works salvation within you. It is God who performs the work of salvation in you. As He works in you it is the Christian’s assignment to work it out in fruitfulness and good works. Paul was in jail and not able to be present to help this young church. As then, so it is now, it is up to believers to take what God has given us and let others “see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

About Face

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast." (Ephesian 2:8-9)

A popular, yet very true statement is, "Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone." Strange additions have been added by religionists who are sure that there must be more to it than that. Yes, repentance is part of the equation. It was Jesus who said, "I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3) One is not "half-saved" if he repents with with no faith, neither is one "half-saved" if he believes with no repentance. Saving faith and repentance are inseparable sides of the same coin. One cannot spend either side of a coin without spending the other side of the coin at the same time.

When one is saved he turns in repentance from false gods, evil deeds, doubt, fear and unbelief and turns in faith, belief and trust to Jesus the Son of God for the free gift of salvation. One of the best illustrations of this truth is found in I Thessalonians 1:9 where we read that the Thessalonians, "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." As they turned from sin, they turned to God at the same time.

Every Tongue Should Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

“Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

Jesus is the name that God chose for His Son and announced it to Joseph and Mary by the angel, Gabriel. (Matthew 1:21 and Luke 1:31) His is a name above every name. There have been numerous personalities who have strutted across the pages of history who thought they were important. But they are forgotten names in dust-covered books of men who never receive honorable mention today.

Sadly, many folks will not bow the knee before Jesus nor proclaim Him as the Lord of their lives. But there is coming a time when He shall be recognized universally as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But for multitudes it will be too late for them. Saying, “He is Lord,” and proclaiming, “He is my Lord,” are totally different.

Allow me to urge you to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and recognize Him as the very Lord of your life as you surrender your all to Him. Someone correctly said, “If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.”

Let This Mind be in You

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)

How do people in a local church achieve the selfless traits mentioned in verses three and four from yesterday’s devotion? The answer is given in the statement, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Verse 5)  We must have the mind or attitude of Christ. He was in the form of God and never stopped being God even when He took on another form, that of being one of us.

• In so doing He expressed the attitude of self denial.  Jesus said we should “deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him.” (Matthew 16:24)
• His was a mind also of service, or servant-hood. See Him as He washes the disciples feet in John 13:1-16.
• He also humbled Himself. (verse 8)  “God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:5)
• He was obedient to the Father’s will. “Not my will, but thine be done.” (Luke 22:42)
• And finally, His obedience led Him all the way to Calvary and death. If we have been saved “we have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless we live, yet not us, but Christ living in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.” (Galatians 2:20) When He died at Calvary we died with Him.

For us to become selfless instead of selfish, we must let Him take over our thinking, our attitude and our very lives. He must live in us.

Practical Christianity

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

If you were choosing a theme song that accurately describes your life, would it be, “Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way; Thou art the potter, I am the clay.” Or would it be better described (to the same tune), “I want my way, Lord, I want my way. Nothing else matters, just give me my way.”

Oh, that we would follow the teaching of God’s Word as written here by Paul the apostle to the Christians at the church of Philippi. Perhaps it was because they were exemplifying this teaching of putting others before self that he could say of them, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” (Phil 1:3)

Determine that you will be a Christian that sets an example for others to follow in this matter of selflessness as opposed to selfishness.

Let us Sing unto the Lord

“Oh come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great king above all gods.” (Psalm 95:1-3)

When I was a child some of the singing in church reminded me of going to a funeral. It sounded so sad. There was sadness on the faces of the people.

A little boy asked his father, “Dad, is our old mule going to heaven?” With a chuckle his dad said, “Son, I doubt it. But, why did you ask?” The little fellow said, “Well, our old mule has a long face like some of the folks at church that are going to heaven.”

We Christians of all people have more to rejoice and sing about than anyone else. Our Savior is alive and well. He was crucified, died and was buried. But the grave could not hold Him. We attend church on Sunday to celebrate His resurrection and life. We are not at a funeral when we gather to worship. We are at a celebration of life that will never end. Let’s get together and praise the Lord.

Heart Change

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies…” (Matthew 15:19)

Why do people do bad things? What causes someone to go on a shooting spree and kill innocent people? Why do people steal? Why do people lie about other folks? These evil instigators need a change of heart, like everyone else in Adam’s race need a change of heart.

Changing one’s ways of living will not change one’s heart. Changing one’s heart will change one’s way of living. (II Corinthians 5:17) Changing religions is not the same as changing one’s heart. Changing where you attend church is not the same as heart change.

The deceived, unregenerate heart of man will make him think that being as good as his neighbor is what satisfies God. Such deceived thinking comes from an unchanged heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9)

Jesus and only Jesus the Son of God can change the sinful heart of man.

The Assurance of our Lord’s Presence

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
(Joshua 1:9)

The commissioning of Joshua is very similar to the commission Jesus gave the church before He ascended to heaven. We, like Joshua have been given a command from the Lord.

As we carry out our Lord’s assignment we have the assurance that He will be with us as God promised to be with Joshua. “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)

A Greater than Solomon

“Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.” (I Kings 10:7)

Word had gotten around concerning the greatness of Solomon the son of David. The queen of Sheba wanted to meet him and see for herself. She gave Solomon her assessment in our text. The half had not been told her of Solomon’s greatness.

A young man had been attending church and Sunday school all his life and lately he had attended the church’s youth program. He had heard many wonderful things about Jesus. The night he personally invited Jesus to be his Savior he stood on the front porch of the church building and said, “The whole world looks brand new. Why didn’t somebody tell me?”

The half has not been told us of the joy of having our sins forgiven or of the promise of His presence through difficult times. The half has not been told of the riches of serving Christ. One day we will see heaven with its golden street, its gates of pearl, its walls of jasper and its chief resident, our Savior who died that we might live. Praise to Him forever and ever.

Jesus was addressing some scribes and Pharisees and said, “The queen of the south (queen of Sheba) shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” (Matthew 12:42)

Moses My Servant is Dead

“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, ‘Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise…’” (Joshua 1:1,2 )

Great leaders live among us doing the work God has assigned them to do, as in the case of Moses. But the day comes when the announcement is made, “My servant is dead.” That brings the question, “Who will take his place?”

God’s work is much greater than any one of us. When this generation of Christians passes from the scene the baton of leadership and service must be passed on to the next generation who must be prepared to accept the role of leaders, followers and servants.

Just as Joshua had been being molded for such an assignment, the present generation of Christians, who will pass from the scene, must be prayerfully evangelizing and preparing the future generation through discipleship and Christian training to carry on the great work of the church. Someone will take our place, whether or not they are prepared.

All Things Work Together for Good

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purposes.”  (Romans 8:28)

An elderly gentleman who I knew told me that he thought Romans 8:28 should be taken out of the Bible.  He couldn't understand how the verse could be true because his sweet Christian wife had severe arthritis, had been in a terrible car accident and as a result was not able to leave her house or her wheelchair.

This verse is not saying that everything that happens to us is good any more than we and say that all the ingredients in a chocolate cake, eaten or consumed alone, are good.  But a good cook can take those ingredients, stir them together, bake them in a hot oven and serve them to family and friends who enjoy the final product.

Many things happen to us that we neither enjoy nor understand.  The brothers of Joseph terribly mistreated him, selling him into Egyptian bondage.  I think of Joseph’s words to his brothers following the death of their father, Jacob, "As for you, you meant it for evil but God meant it for good to save much people alive.”  (Genesis 50:20)

When We See Jesus

“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” (Job 42:5)

Friends of mine formed a gospel singing trio. One of their songs said, “I have never seen the face of my Savior, but serving Him has been such a thrill…” Later it says, “I have never seen the Savior but one day I will.”

Every true Christian looks forward with longing to seeing the Son of God face to face. We have talked to Him many times, asking for His help, thanking Him for His goodness and for His forgiveness of our many sins. We have lifted our hands in praise to Him but we have not seen Him. But one day we will see Him. Until then we walk by faith not by sight.

Are you longing to see Him? Are you prepared to be where He is? Trust Him today for eternal life.

Pray for the Servants of the Lord

“Brethren, pray for us.” (I Thessalonians 5:25)

Paul, Silas and Timothy were partners in ministry when they wrote to the church in Thessalonica. Theirs was a simple request for the recipients of this letter:  pray for them.

I remember a song from many years ago which said simply, “I want my friends to pray for me.” It is a valid request. There is not a preacher of the Gospel, a pastor of a local church, a missionary on foreign soil, or a teacher in the Sunday School who does not need the prayers of others.

May I make this request to you, the readers of this short devotional, please include me in your prayers when you are praying for servants of the Lord and calling them by name.