Good Morning Mighty Men of Valor.
Last Monday of March.... "in like a lion out like a lamb"... really?
It's 26 degrees outside with a high of 31, wind is blowin' .... at least it is sunny and not snowing.... for me, a bit unexpected.
Unexpected stuff happens all the time... you would think we would expect the unexpected by now... But we often don't ... and are surprised when the unexpected lands in our laps. If it's a good surprise.... great!
But, what if it is not so good, even something really difficult?
What do we do then?
How do we respond?
Truth is we will all have difficulties, misfortune, hardships in life.
The good news is that God is with us.... always.
The Apostle Paul said, whether he was abased (brought to low points) or abound (lifted to high points) he learned to be content in the Lord. (Phil 4)
Several thoughts come to mind....
- Good for him, he was the Apostle Paul, I'm not.
- He probably said that when he was abounding, wonder what he said when abased?
- That sounds religious to me.... now get real.
Stop Dennis, what's with the negative?
Well, as I consider this further I see he gives us some tips that we could use. So maybe he figured some of this out.
Before this verse he encourages us how we should think. What mindset we should establish... To think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, having virtue, and things praiseworthy. In other words, have a positive mindset rather than a negative one, not to worry and always expect the worst.
I know, I heard this before.... just think positive and it will all be okay.
I don't think so!
But wait.... he then gives us the key to all this a verse after the abase/abound stuff.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Most versions say "through" or "by means of".
Think about this..... if I do something "through" the government, or through the church or through my business there is a dependency on that entity.
This is what Paul is saying.... depend on the Lordship of Christ.
That is what a lordship is... one who oversees and provides for his subjects.
Rely on Him... His ability, His way... have a dependency on the personage of Christ....all that He is. Not just as a resource, but as a relation. Joint heirs.... to lean on the personal relationship between Christ and me. Christ and you.
So how we respond depends on our preparation... How we think.
And how well we depend on the Lordship of Jesus.
Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
Strength and Honor, but Only for His Glory.
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