Christ Magnified in My Body

We have been studying the book of Philippians on Wednesday evenings for the past couple of months. We are looking at it one chapter at a time and answering the following 5 questions:
1. What do I like/dislike about this chapter?
2. What do I not understand about this chapter?
3. What do I see about the nature of God in this chapter?
4. What lessons do I want to take from this chapter?
5. How is my life going to change because of this chapter?

Last night we reviewed the entire chapter and I was reminded about my conviction when we studied chapter 1. In verses 19 and following Paul states,

"For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain..."

Firstly, we need the prayers of others and it is imperative that we are praying for others. For our prayers to be most effective, we need to be in close relationship with God and with each other. You don't need me to pray that God will "help you" or "be with you." He already will and is. You need me to be praying specifically for your needs; for your faith to be strong; for you to be aware of the spiritual blessings awaiting you when your trial is over; for you to be open to how you can bless my life and others' when you have overcome.

Secondly, the supply that comes from the Spirit is more than adequate. Jesus didn't say in John 15 and 16 that he was sending a Helper incapable of fulfilling His purpose of guidance. Paul says later in Philippians 4:19 that God will supply all of our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Thirdly, Paul's expectation and hope (expectant desire) was to proclaim Jesus as His Christ and that is the reason the prayers of his friends and the Spirit's supply would be effective in delivering him from prison (he was converting his captors in the palace guard.) His hope resulted in him boldly proclaiming Jesus in word but as he says in verse 20, that he also lived Jesus.

When people heard and watched Paul, they saw Jesus. Paul allowed Jesus to be magnified in his life and if need be in his death. Living, for Paul, was Christ. His purpose and reason for being was to testify to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24.) Christ in Paul's life was evident. There was no question who Paul followed and patterned his life after.

When people see me, I wonder sometimes who they see, or better yet, Who they don't see. When I am faced with a situation when I am called to stand up for my belief, I fail to boldly stand up and confess my belief. The ways I react to various situations that make my life inconvenient are telling of the level of my faith. Sometimes, instead of magnifying Christ in my body, I suppress Him. I need the prayers of my brothers and sisters, I need to be praying for my brothers and sisters. Both invite the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ and as I am earnestly expecting and hoping for God to dwell in me, Jesus will be magnified. When I try to magnify myself, I may fool some people. I may even fool myself for a short time, but when my goal is to show Jesus to the world by my lifestyle and life, living is Christ. It is this kind of living that makes dying gain. Any other kind of selfish living offers no gain when death visits.

When I make my goal to magnify Christ in my body, I begin to see things like He sees them. My view of people changes. Instead of the physical person, I see a soul. If I don't know them, I would engage conversation to determine the state of that soul. If I do know them, and know they do not have a relationship with God through Jesus, I would invite them to study. When I magnify Christ in my body, the way I lead my family will change. My goals for life will change. My perspective of money will change. My relationships will change.

I could ramble on further, but I have to work on our zero-based budget for Saturday. Right now it is a "below-zero-based" budget. Jack, our minister has said often. "Studying the Bible is not primarily about me studying the Bible, but about me allowing the Bible to study me." When I let the Bible study my life, I am more able to see where I need to change instead of me trying to change the Bible to fit with how I believe or how I am living.

I am thankful Paul wrote the letter to the church in Philippi. We get to study Colossians next. It just keeps getting better!

Financial Peace #2

Well, we have had one class of Financial Peace University and we have already learned some new words; "It's not in the budget." We already knew those words because we had no budget for them to be in. At least not a written budget where every penny coming in for the month was given a name and told where to go before the month began. We are hoping to indocrinate the kids in this new mindset and I think it is catching on already. The other day I needed to buy a USA Today (Prepaid Legal Services was featured on the front page of the Money section; I will be happy to share it with you if you want, just let me know (John)) and when I got back in the van, Anna Clair said loudly, "Hey, that's not in the budget!"

We ate at a new restaurant in Ashville tonight. It's not too often a new restaurant becomes available in Ashville. Except for the one restaurant that keeps changing names or when one of the pizza shops puts up a new sign, (Stewey's Pizza, then Mike's Pizza). They can sure come up with some fancy names for pizza joints can't they? Anyway, the new place tonight we enjoyed was called "Ehlo's". Now you pronounce that just like you would say it if you put the letter 'L' and the letter 'O' together. The food was tasty and the atmosphere was pleasant. The place was decorated in a familiar Mary Engelbreit pattern of bright colors and lots of cherries. I came to find out that "Ehlo's" was in fact the letter 'L' and the letter 'O' put together and it stands for leftovers. That Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace University!!

I think we will be amazed at how much frivilous spending we do every month when we sit down and tell the money where to go. We will implement the envelope system next week and will be forced to spend only the money designated for certain things. There will be a blow envelope but I have a feeling that at the beginning we won't be blowing anything. I will keep you posted on how we are doing. Dave walks us through the Baby Steps (there are 7 of them.) We have just about got the first one done and then will begin on the debt snowball. If anyone is interested in a fine, black, 2002 Honda Accord with a sunroof, let me know.

I am thankful that God has brought this into our lives and I know that He will bless our efforts.

Financial Peace

I remember while living in Tennessee listening to WWTN radio and hearing Dave Ramsey's "The Money Game". It is an entertaining financial advice radio show where people call in asking questions regarding the mess their finances are in and Dave offers suggestions for how they might best deal with the situation. He is entertaining and right on the money (no pun intended) most of the time. He explains otherwise boring information in easy-to-understand terms. Dave offers what he calls "Financial Peace University" where he teaches either in a seminar format or on video over a longer period of time, the principles needed to eliminate debt and to save money. He admits that most of his information has been around for many years and is quite simple, but he delivers it in a new way. Most of the people who graduate from FPU eliminate, on average, about $5,300 in debt and save about $2,700 in just 91 days. He teaches budgeting and uses the envelope system which forces you to stick to a budget and use cash for purchases.

Jack, our minister at Circleville, is a certified trainer and we are going through the classes now. Our first class was on Saturday. It is exciting to dream of being debt free and scary at the same time because it will require a change in our behavior and lifestyle. Dave says that you have to get a little crazy and maybe sell some things, which may make the kids think they will be sold next. He also teaches how to teach children about money and how to handle it so that they will learn to handle it and not be handled by money.

I am thankful that God's word has much to say about money and our stewardship of it. I pray that many will benefit from the information in the class and that Jodi and I will grow because of it.

Another Reunion

Well, time has again flown by and left my blogspot a little stale. It seems that I have good intentions but the clock has other ideas. Is it a commitment problem? I don't think so. I am just so busy and don't have the schedule of a "preacher".

This week in Bible class on Wednesday, we were studying from Philippians chapter 1. I was reminded of an episode from 11 years ago that gave me a new perspective of verse 21-25. For me to live is Christ and die is gain (vs 21). Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith... (vs24-25).

If I am alive and haven't passed from this life, my life is Christ. Colossians 1:27 says, "To them God willed to make known the what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 3:3-4 says, "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

My mission and purpose is to display the character of Jesus in my life so that others may come to know Him through me. As we stated in class on Wednesday, it would be greater to depart and be with God. Paul knew though that his continuing to live was more needful for those he would teach. You never know who will need you in this life. We should always be preparing ourselves to enrich others' lives and be looking for opportunities to share Christ with them. If I am still alive, it is more needful for someone else that I am here. I must not neglect my service as a child of God.

I recall a 95 year old Christian lady in the nursing home. She very much wanted to depart and see her husband and be with the Lord. She would ask me nearly daily, "Why am I still here?" I would answer her that the other residents needed her. It was her custom to walk around the home, barely able to use a walker, and tell everyone she met, "Jesus loves you and I love you. I hope you are having a great day!" I told her that is why she was there. She would shake her head yes and longlingly look out the window.

Paul states in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy." What a wonderful picture! When Jesus comes again and we all come into His glorious presence, we will see those whose lives we enriched, and those who enriched our lives with spiritual blessing. It is indeed a sobering thought.

I am thankful for those who have enriched my faith. Maybe some of them longed to depart and be with Jesus, but felt the need to remain and tend to mine and others' faith first. May I do the same.

The Right Equipment

I have been where he was. I sensed his discomfort. The uneasy laugh, indicating his frustration and his embarrassment, unsure which was greater. He was alone and none of the rest of us had the nerve to assist him. There really wasn't anything we could do. The aisle was pretty much empty though to him, everyone in WalMart was staring at him. Yes, he had the dreaded task of finding the right equipment. Sent on the errand for, more than likely, only one thing. That explained the few "odds and ends" that were spread in his cart. (He had to have something to hide the equipment.) I wanted to at least walk by him, a silent pat on the back, a nod of the head to let him know I was there with him but that was all I could offer. The first pass we made I heard him declare in desperation to the cell phone against his ear, and I quote, "There is one that says it has wings!?" I ushered Jodi out of the aisle as quickly as I could just to give him the needed privacy. She was giggling. I don't know if she was giggling more at him or thinking of me when I was performing the deed not so long ago. About 10 minutes later, we passed the aisle again and he was still standing there, defeated, shaking head hung low, holding two soft-sided boxes in either hand. Jodi informed me that she had seen him in the interim and said that he had hung up the phone once, for now the phone was up again, the poor soul trying to get the information that would allow him to walk proudly out of that aisle, task completed. Whether he ever made it home successfully last night, I do not know. He could have purchased about 5 different kinds just to be safe and made it home without the right one. Which leads me to a question. Why don't the women just shop for these things by themselves? Is there a secret camera in those aisles recording for the next reality TV show? I admire those men who leap out there in that realm where they know for certain, if they do succeed, they have embarrassed themselves beyond repair. Yet, we continue to go there and put ourselves through it because we love our women. I just hope that guy's wife said "thank you" when he got home. I hope he used it to build his relationship with his wife and he allowed his frustration to subside before he got home. His day was no better if he didn't return with the right attitude or the right equipment. I applaud us all!

I have waited 5 plus years for what happened yesterday evening. Jodi had a jewelry show (not what I am talking about), Anna Clair stayed at the show and played with her cousin, so Levi and I had the evening to do whatever we wanted. And what we wanted was to play our first round of golf together, just the two of us. At least that is what I wanted to do and when I asked Levi if he wanted to he responded with a resounding "YES!!!!" So with my golf bag on my shoulder and Levi carrying his only club, a 7 iron, like a gun (he is still only 5) we headed for Upper Lansdowne Golf Club just east of Ashville.

We began on hole number 1 and quickly found that a Thursday evening with 75 degree temperatures brings out all kinds of folks wishing they were golfers. The wait on some holes was excruciating as we had maybe just enough time to complete 18 holes without needing night vision goggles to see the balls coming up the 18th fairway. Now don't get me wrong, I am glad that anyone enjoys the game of golf but if you are going to play in the evening time at least be in a little hurry; at least be ready when your partner hits the ball, you already have your club chosen and you are on the tee box ready to tee off. I am also happy for the females to play golf, but please don't take 1 minute to address a ball that you then dribble off the tee 30 yards to the right. And please don't re-tee another ball that you have to go back to the cart to get and proceed to dribble 30 yards to the left so that now you have to take extra time to retrieve because at least the first one you hit isn't stuck under a tree. And please don't wear black running shorts trimmed in white and a tee-shirt to the golf course. If you do and I am behind you, I may just hit a ball past you onto the green on the 3rd hole. I did. It was a short par 4 (265 yards) and instead of waiting 27 minutes for them to clear the green I went ahead and teed off with my 3 wood, taking a lazy swing just trying to lay up short of the green. I forgot to take into account the tail wind and as soon as I struck the ball I thought to myself, "Uh-oh. I think that might hit them." It missed by about 15 feet. It is a good thing they weren't my uncle or I would have been dodging the ball coming back at me.

After that, I decided that I was going to enjoy this special time with Levi. We talked about him getting his own clubs. He wants one of the fat ones (driver) and the putt (putter). Levi also had started imitating my comments about how long the twosome in front of us were taking to play. So we just enjoyed the company and the scenery and I enjoyed quality and quantity time with a very special boy. I let him tee off on most of the holes and he just started walking up the fairway saying, "I'll just meet you up there." I looked back to watch him and he was hitting the ball fairly well. He would make it up to the green and he would drop the ball in the fringe and then hit it toward the flag. He would then come and get my putter and then put it toward the hole. After about 6 putts he would announce, "Another birdie! I am beating you Daddy!" He even informed me that he made an eagle.

The back nine went much more smoothly as most of the patrons were only playing 9 holes. When we made it to the 18th green and putted out, I told him that at the end of a good round of golf, we needed to shake hands like they do on TV and say, "nice round." So when he finished putting out, we shook hands and exchanged words and then I gave him a kiss. What a special time. Hopefully we have many more such occasions to enjoy a relaxing round of golf. The way we were both playing last night, he will probably legitimately beat me when he is about 10 or 12 years old.

I am thankful that we had the evening and were able to spend that time together. If we never play another round of golf together, I was blessed enough. Whatever it is you and your sons or daughters like to do together, just the two of you, I say do it and build memories and seal the bond you have. Life is too short to take them for granted or to miss the opportunities. Create your legacy today based on a spiritual foundation and pass it on so that when your children step up on it and develop their own, they will find themselves on a solid foundation. God knew what He was doing when He gave us children. Honor His gift by how you handle them.

DCI

Wow! What a fantastic show last night at Crew Stadium as we watched the DCI "Artistry in Motion" spectacular. The seats were great, 40 yard line 20 rows up; perfect spot to see the intricate marching maneuvers, hear the blast from the horns, and to feel the beat of the drums. One of my fondest memories of high school is marching band. We, of course, never reached the level of the drum corps but we did have a great time performing our routines and exciting a Friday evening home crowd. Everyone had a great time; even the children were obedient to the lady in front of us and to my knowledge left her seat unmolested the whole show. It is a good thing one of them didn't accidently rub her seat or Sally may have been spending the evening in the Franklin Co. jail on charges of misdemeanor assault.

As I reflect on the show last night and endeavor to draw a spiritual application, I can only think of the amazing harmony and the rightness that occurs when a group of people from different walks of life, with differing talents, each do their task to the best of their ability with the end goal to give their all for the common goal of perfection. They don't always reach their potential, but they try.

I am beginning to see the church this way. I think that is what God intended. Every member has certain talents that will help complete the body when these talents are utilized effectively and with the whole heart engaged. We fail to often when many in the body fail to put forth their required amount of effort, however little or great that effort be. John wrote about a month ago or so about the desire to glorify God in all we do and I think that will help us to see others differently and may even allow us access to them to help them desire to serve God more and will help them serve Him better. It is a way we can help to change the hearts of Christians. Talking about how little some do amongst ourselves will never change them.

How God must shudder when there is dissonance among the church because many choose to not fulfill their purpose and do their work. How He must wonder when those who do work to fulfill their purpose speak lowly of those who won't. I know I have trouble with this but I resolve to work on it so that the praise we offer to God as Christians will sound so much better than the music we heard last night.

I am trying to get back in the swing of things this week and I hope to share some of the highlights of church camp from last week and the reunion from the first of June. It never ceases to amaze me just how quickly time passes. Jodi said Wednesday that summer passes more quickly that the cold months. Even the colder months are flying by for me.

I am thankful that God gave us the church and that He put in place the plan to reconcile all men to Him. I am thankful for the cross and the forgiveness, hope, and promise I have because of it. May you have a great day.