Thoughts from a Morning with the Philippians

I had a great time with the Lord the other morning, and I really meant to blog earlier just to share some of what God put on my heart.  Here we go.
(Verse) Phil. 1:1  "I am writing to all of God's holy people...who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders and deacons."
(Thought) Writing is something I enjoy.  How hard would it be to write a little something everyday that would possibly encourage and/or challenge someone?  An email.  A thank you.  A facebook message.  A poem to my wife.  And maybe sometimes an actual, old fashioned, hand written letter.

(Verse) “Phil. 1:11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ*—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”
(Thought) The fruit of true salvation is a life that is becoming like Christ.  This glorifies my Father.  I pray this for myself and help me to remember it for others as a blessing as well.

(Verse) Phil. 1:18 …so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19For I know that as you pray for me

and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.
(Thought) Rejoicing leads to deliverance! Rejoicing and prayer.

(Verse) Phil. 1:26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.
(Thought)Lord, as a missionary, yes, but more importantly as your son, may I desire productivity not so that others would see it for my sake but for pride in you.

(Verse) Phil.1:29  For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
(Thought) It is my privilege to suffer for him from the things that come my way b/c of the gospel. It is my shame and his if I suffer due to my folly. Help me to know the difference Father.