Philippians 2:12-18

Overview:
Commends them for working out their salvation - basically the Christian walk/life. Do it w/o grumbling or complaining, remembering that God is working in and through you as He sees fit. You must shine - stand out from the crowd, which is messed up group of people. Don't let them pull you in, but hold fast to what you've been taught being obedient to God's Word until His return. At His return we want to say that we lived wisely and for the purpose of glorify Christ in everything. Be glad for me if I am being "poured out as a drink offering" because it is for God, as I (Paul) rejoice.
Application:
Paul in both Colossians and Philippians seems to very concerned for their unity and for their moods. Over and over he tells them to get along, don't grumble, don't be jealous etc. I think that was so important to him because in my own life my grumpy attitude will keep me from doing the thing that I should be doing, and even if I'm doing them, make me more productive. You can get a lot more done focusing on the positive, rather than on the negative which needs to be confessed and moved on. I can't do anything about someone who has wronged me, but I can have the victory of it with my attitude. To get the most done, I must focus and surround myself w/ people w/ upbeat attitudes.

Philippians 2:1-11

Overview:
If there is even a small amount of "positive feelings" (encouragement, comfort, affection, sympathy etc), complete them - make them 100% for the purpose of being unified in one mind and purpose. Don't do things out of jealousy or pride, but think of Jesus' example of humility in serving one another. He was God, but chose to take on a human body, knowing that He would further humble Himself by death on a cross. He didn't try to hang on to His "God-ship," but stuck to the parameters of one of us - human. He did it all for God's glory, and so should our service be - to His glory alone.
Application:
There is always a hard mix in service when you want to know if you are "doing okay," so you seek man's approval - knowing full well, that all you need to have is God's approval. But that's where it gets "hard." I've seen others, and I'm sure I've been guilty of this too - working very hard at some aspect of ministry, spending many, many hours accomplishing the task - all the while never realizing they were "putting others off!" The key for me, is if I can put all those hours into ministry, I better be putting time in God's Word! Staying daily in His Word, gives me perspective, and a humility that does not come naturally to me. Without that steady, firm Guidance, I am not of one mind with those around me - rather am in an "I know how to do this (better than you!), and I'm doing it my way no matter what you say." Totally wrong perspective. There is no help or ministry to others if you are doing battle with them. God uses those of us with strong personalities - we often can motivate others to get things done, but if He wanted us to all be type A's - He'd have done it! If Christ could keep his gifts under control - can't I keep my meager amount under check too?!
"God make me a servant - one who cares more about the person than the project."

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."