Philippians 4:10-13

Personal Note:
Much to praise God for - the webpage is launched. There were a few glitches, but I believe they've been taken care of. Check it out   http://www.woodschapelonline.org   All the credit goes to God - He's made it obvious to all that that is true. Two months ago I knew absolutely nothing about webpages, but it was something I always wanted to do - just not w/ a deadline. When I needed my wrist for typing, I badly sprained/broke it six weeks ago, and had to type one handed for a few weeks. See what I'm saying...it was impossible for me!! God did it all! Then even one of those weeks, we went to Chicago for Moody's Founder's Week. I brought my computer, but didn't do anything for the web during that week - just got fed on God's Word. God did a miracle folks - a real honest to goodness miracle. I'm just getting it now as I'm typing this. I've been so consumed w/ the project that I didn't see the "big picture" until now. I'd sure like to believe that God is not finished w/ us or Woods Chapel. I'm seeing some exciting things on the horizon, so keep looking up!!
Overview:
Paul is acknowledging the Philippian church's concern for him. Then he makes it clear he is/was never in true "need." He's learned to be content in whatever circumstance God places him. The secret to facing life's ups and downs - the highs and lows is that it's not about Paul, it's all about God doing the work through him. It is God that gives the strength to endure through it all.
Application:
Here we go again! God just keeps pouring it on and overflowing me with Him! This passage couldn't have been more perfect for today. I had written my "personal note" before I began my QT. Then, I'm reading Paul's testimony of God's faithfulness and limitless strength in his life - that's me too, Paul! Now if I could just get the part about "I have learned..." - past tense. How many times does God have to do a miracle before I "learn" that I can depend on Him?! But I'm getting it today, Lord!
"Through it all, through it all...I've learned to trust in Jesus. I've learned to trust in God. Through it all, through it all...I've learned to depend upon His Word."

Philippians 4:1-9

Personal Notes:
Looks like Carole and Peter are working their way back to the States. WOW!! This must have been an unbelievable time in their walk with God. To go from no funds to go, to having the trip fully paid for, and then all the opportunities to share Christ and pass out Spanish NTs - and the shoes, can't forget the shoes! I've poured over their blog each time they updated it, feeling such a part of their venture. Mine was not to go, but to pray for them, their safety and for opportunities, and God has overwhelmingly blessed. I'm anxious about their crossing the border, but I as they, are confident that the God who brought them there, will keep them safe - no better place to be than the "palm of His hand."
Overview:
Stand firm in the Lord. Paul asks two women who were active followers of Jesus to "agree in the Lord" - and for those around them to help them. Getting along is so important because others are watching (v 4), and we don't have time to waste - the Lord is "at hand." Pray and make your requests known to God, and His peace, His shalom, will fill you in a way you can't explain (surpasses all understanding), and will guard your hearts from anxious fears - fixing your eyes on Him. Think about good, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable things - anything that is worthy of praise, think about these things - not the troubles you are going through or anything else that is holding your mind captive. Practice, Practice, PRACTICE the principles you are learning from God's Word (v.9), then ...God's shalom "will be with you."
Application:
Did I need to hear that from God today or what?! Today is the launch day for the webpage I've been working on for our church. I went to bed about 3:30AM last night, putting the finishing touches on "my" (I know it's God's, but I'm its caretaker) baby. But I'm so new and fearful there may be a glitch when I upload it that I was frozen in my fears. This is the easy part, the work has been done. But I had let Satan overtake my thoughts: "What if... happens?! What if....it's not as good as you think it is? What if...."
But then my loving, encouraging heavenly Father embraces me and says: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." As tears run down my cheeks (typical, right?!), I am filled with such love to my God who knew just what I needed to hear this morning. What if... what if I had been foolish enough to begin my day without Him?! I would have missed so much!!
Satan, "My God is going to take care of all the "what ifs...." - He has filled me with His overflowing peace."

Philippians 3:12-21

Overview:
Paul says he is pressing on, straining forward to his heavenly reward. He encourages other believers to do the same. Focus on those who are walking "correctly" - not on those who have fallen away (become enemies of the Gospel). They have allowed the world and the things in it to become their god. Remember, your citizenship is in heaven - look with anticipation to His return when our bodies will be like His glorious body.
Application:
I love the phrase in verse 12: "...because Jesus Christ has make me His own." Can't go wrong having that in mind throughout the day! It felt like reading a love letter from God when I read that this morning. I am His bride and He has demonstrated over and over again his love for me. That has given me a deep love for Him in return. He made me his own when I accepted His gift of eternal life 53 years ago, and He has continued to show me unconditional, true love since. He has made me His own!!
This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through.
My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door.
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore!

Philippians 3:1-11

Overview:
"Beware of dogs," Paul says. Harsh words for the Jews who were trying to get the Gentiles to be circumcised to fulfill Jewish law. Paul admonishes them to not put stock in that to show your identity w/ God. If anyone could have had a right relationship with God based on those external or worldly things - Paul sure did. He shares his "pedigree" as a Hebrew of Hebrews. But after listing all those things that gave him (as Saul) and other Jews reason to believe they were good God-fearing people - he calls it all rubbish! It was knowing Christ that made the difference in his life (v.8). There was nothing good in Paul or anyone else - any "goodness" we have comes only from God (v 9). He concludes with two great verses (3:10-11): "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." 
Application:
What chutzpah (what guts!!). He was not afraid to call it like he saw it. I can identify with the protective heart he had for these new believers. How dare someone come and try to get them to do the wrong thing! I'm sure if he wasn't in prison, he'd be there in a heartbeat protecting his spiritual children. But this is also a good lesson for me - my children and even my spiritual children are His. God is perfectly able to protect them without me. My job is the training. His job is the keeping and protecting.
"God, thank you that my precious children are in the palm of your hand - and You are not letting go!! Make me the best steward/caretaker I can be - ever mindful they are YOURS. May I be a godly example to them. And when I fall, make my heart tender to quickly confess my faults and get back into perfect fellowship with You, so I can be used of you to mentor and encourage them in their Christian walk. Lord, I want to be a good ambassador to represent You in all I do." AMEN

Philippians 2:25-30

Overview:
Paul is sending Epaphroditus to them. He almost died and the church heard about it and were very distressed. Even though Paul desperately needs him, he is sending him so that they can see for themselves that Epaph is okay. Paul says to receive him with joy, and honor such men.
Application:
Like Timothy, Epaph was an unselfish helper and encourager to Paul. I am blessed when God brings people like Timothy and Epaph into my life at just the right time to fill the human need of having someone you can see and touch that represents the love of God in my life. Again, I am challenged to do more to "honor" those who do the work of ministry. Paul's letters are filled with praise for those who have helped the ministry. May my lips and emails be filled with praise for the gifted people we have the privilege to do ministry with.

Philippians 2:19-24

Personal Note:
Great day of worship - loving the Judges series. I decided I needed some Othniels in my life to help get AWANA off the ground. If this is of God, He will put together this over-sight group. They need to be Othniels - committed ti the cause (evangelizing lost kids) and responsible enough to take on a job and run with it. Lord , send me Your Othniels!
Overview:
Paul extols the virtues of Timothy. He is trusted, genuinely concerned for the welfare of others, tender and protective (as a son with a father). Paul is sending Timothy in his place to encourage the church in Paul's absence. He says he hopes he will be able to come see them himself real soon.
Application:
I am impressed with Paul's generosity in his willingness to send Timothy to them, while Timothy is the only one who takes care of Paul's needs. I need to think of the welfare of others in just such an unselfish way. I can learn from Timothy too - does not seek to be the front person, but is satisfied in helping Paul and doing his bidding. By this time, Timothy was capable of preaching and teaching well - he had learned from the master-teacher, Paul. Yet he was satisfied in taking a back seat to Paul. His time for recognition would come. I also like that he didn't try to outdo his master. Many times in my young pup stages, I would try to show how much better I was than my teachers. Timothy didn't seem to fall into that trap.