June 28 – If Commanded, It’s Possible

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.” – Philippians 2:14–16 (NASB)

Please allowed a moment of disclaimer; succeeding with today’s command from Philippians 2 is rare on our part. Apostle Paul writes a great deal in these two verses. Our focus today is on the short imperative in the first verse. “Do all things;”  not do “most things,” or  do “some things,” or “as many as are possible” things. It is “do all things’ without grumbling or disputing.  Friends, this is a challenge and when we try in ourselves, failure often knocks us back to giving up. It’s so much easier to “gripe it out” when we have an unpleasant task or result. We are wired and programmed to complain and grumble, are we not? The Greek. word for “grumbling” is a term that actually sounds like what it means. Its pronunciation is much like muttering or grumbling in a low tone of voice. The word for “disputing” is more intellectual and here means “questionings,” or “criticisms” directed negatively toward God. But if we submit to the Spirit of God we will be prooven as blameless and innocent Children of God.  Not because of what we managed on our own but because of what God does through us. 

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December 28 - All Things Good All Things Bad

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

This is the time of the year that we are seeing and hearing the reflections of 2019.  What are the biggest stories or events?  What so-called important people died?  Some of us take account of the path of our life over the past 12 months.  And this brings to mind some good things that brought joy and happiness.  It also brings the memory of some things not so good, even bad and difficult things that happened to us or our family and friends.  Our verse of promise today tells us the we can be assured that all the things good and bad, without exception, have been worked together for our good by God.  The bad and even evil things He has overpowered and woven into a plan of good things for us.  This is for those who love God and those who are the called according to His purpose.  Those who do not yet know or love God do not have this promise.  But we know all things end up as part of God’s good plan for all who belong to him. 

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November 5 – All Things Added – Six of Seven

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  -  Matthew 6:33  (ESV)

In the words of Jesus Christ from the Sermon on the Mount, we as believers are instructed to not be anxious about what we have to eat, drink and wear.  These seemly mundane things are personal material needs and do cause some to be concerned (another word for anxiety or worry).  But Jesus say we are not to worry or be concerned.  We have looked so far at five of the seven promises in the larger passage of Matthew 6:25-34.  Today we look at the godly behavior which Jesus instructs us to live by.  Seek first God, his Kingdom and His Righteousness.  If we will give ourselves to His cause in the world, rather than fretting about our private material needs, He will make sure that we have all we need to do His will and give Him glory.  All the food and drink and clothing — and everything else — that you need to do His will and glorify him. 

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*Some of this content has been drawn from a series of articles from "Solid Joys" a daily devotional by John Piper.  Desiring God 

March 6 – The Bottom Line of God's Love

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28  (NIV)

So many of the verses we read in this blog are familiar to those who have walked with Christ in faith believing for a long time.  Our verse today reaffirms our belief that we have a wonderful God who is caring for us in the big and small things of our life.  God watches over all and He knows each of us who really know and love Him.  He has promised that no matter what happens to us in our life and no matter what we encounter, whether it is good or bad, easy or difficult, and whether it brings happiness or sorrow, He knows about it.  And for us who love Him and are called by His will and for His purpose, the bottom line of all these things eventually result in what is good for us.  This does not mean that we always know what is really for our good but we can trust our loving heavenly Father to know what is good for us.  Not a promise that everything will end up being easy or enjoyable but it does mean that nothing will ever rob us of what we have been promised.  When we face situations and circumstances that threaten our well being, God knows and in the end, what we receive will be good.  This is His purpose and His promise.  

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