Philippians 1:27-30

Personal Notes:
Knowing that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, I foolishly pulled an all-nighter on the 26th, and then didn't go to bed until 10PM the next day. I thought I was doing something so important, that I just couldn't stop before I mastered it. Very foolish! I missed my time with God - didn't know one day from the next, and various other physical abnormalities, with rest and time away from the computer will prayerfully be resolved. I can't effectively be a useful tool for ministry if I don't take care of the temple. I'm even "thinking" about going to the gym today - that's a whole 'nother issue! Time spent with God and taking care of His temple is never wasted time!
Overview:
 Paul admonishes the believers to be of one mind and one spirit - standing together. Their unflinching testimony both with their mouths and by their behavior (let your manner of life be worthy...), would be a sign to their opponents that they would be defeated, and that the believers would prevail because of God's empowerment. Verse 29 says that they were not only given/granted salvation, but "also to suffer for His sake.," just like they've seen Paul suffering in the past and know that he is still in prison for Christ's sake.
Application:
It is not a privilege to suffer! There are a lot of reasons why I "suffer" - not in the Word; not taking care of myself; not seeking His direction, not living the Christian life through the Holy Spirit's power etc. This is not what the writer is talking about. He is referring to the suffering that comes from outside opponents because of my faith in Christ. That kind of suffering is a privilege. We are so blessed in this country to still have religious freedom - not that I don't see its demise in the future - but right now, I don't know what suffering for Christ's sake truly looks like.
I do know that I need to seek unity of mind and spirit with my fellow believers. We still need to work in a spirit of unity so that we, together, might accomplish great things for God. Out of the 5/10 people I've asked about praying about AWANA, no one has offered to help.
"Father, is this of you? We must reach out to the lost of our community, if not this way, then how?? Please direct me as to Your will in this, and convince hearts that this is the path You want them to take. If not this, then please Father, raise someone up with a plan to reach the lost for Christ."