CARE PACKAGE OF CONTENTMENT

Posted on May 4, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians – Radical Joy
 
This radical joy that gives us the urgent, enthusiastic life response of praise to God no matter what is happening around us is found in knowing, really knowing, God intimately. When you love God intimately you want to find out everything about Him. His Son taught us that radical joy comes from trusting in God, knowing God has our best interest in His Heart. It is loving Him back more and more each day as we realize the depth of His love. It is loving others in the same way God loves us.
 
This indescribable love gives us the desire to love others naturally and appropriately. Nothing forced or fake. How does this happen? God sent His Son, a part of Himself, to imperfect earth to live, to feel all the humanness we feel, to show us how to love each other, how to love God, know Him, and feel His Presence. Then, Jesus willingly followed the will of the Father and laid down his life for our life so that we can have a full, unrelenting, tenacious and intimate relationship with Him that will outlast earth itself. Forever.
 
Philippians 4 GodGod’s eternal love for us and KNOWING that love internally and personally, giving Him all glory for all good, breeds this radical, everlasting joy within us. AND that’s not all. We are finally content in all circumstances as we understand this inexplicable joy within us that is flowing through us. Contentment is another gift of that accompanies God’s gift of peace and joy.
 
I believe, trust, love God with all my heart, mind and soul. I seek to love others as He loves me. I am content.
 
Here’s Paul’s explanation of contentment, as he sits in jail, to his friends, the Philippians.
 
Philippians 4, The Message
Content Whatever the Circumstances
 
10-14 I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.
 
Philippians 4 contentmentContentment versus Chaos, What do we learn from Paul?
–Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, and again I say rejoice for God has not left us. Ever.
–It makes us “glad in God” when we love and help each other. Generosity to others is a blessed opportunity to show our gratitude to God for what He has done, is doing and will do for us!
–We learn and mature in our contentment through relying solely and completely on God for all, knowing if God says that’s all we need, then that’s all we need!
–Be happy (joyful) with whatever life throws at you because we know God is with us, for us, and will never leave us.
–Paul’s recipe for radical joy and contentment: “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”
–We can make it, too!
 
“I CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (v13)
I CAN make it, like the “Little Engine Who Could”, around any mountain or valley all because of knowing Christ. I CAN make it with HIS strength in my weakness. I CAN be content in Him no matter what! All because of Christ in me! Not me, but Christ in me!
 
Philippians 4, The Message – Last words…
 
15-17 You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I’ll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
 
18-20 And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.
 
21-22 Give our regards to every follower of Jesus you meet. Our friends here say hello. All the Christians here, especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar, want to be remembered to you.
 
23 Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.
 
PLEASE AVOID…
–Comparing our troubles to another person’s troubles so we can feel better…be content knowing God is for us all.
–Holding back or stalling generosity to those in need.
–Asking God to bless OUR plan. Go with God’s plan. Therein lies His strength and help.
 
Philippians 4 it is wellDear Heavenly Father,
We learn that contentment and radical joy come hand in hand with knowing and trusting You. It also comes in giving You praise and glory before, during and after our temporary troubles here on earth. I love you, Lord with all that is in me. I give you praise today for all the many, limitless ways you show your love for all of us. I believe therefore I am content. It gives me such joy to know and love you. Continue your work to transform me. Transform your church. Transform the world.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!

Posted on May 3, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians – Radical Joy
 
One of my mom’s most favorite questions to me after I had done something unwise as a child was, “What in the world were you thinking?” I was smart enough as a child to not answer that ambiguous question because my response probably would have lengthened the conversation that I wanted to shorten…at all costs. Short answer: I didn’t think.
 
As children, we immaturely react to circumstances around us. If a thread is hanging from the curtain we pull on it to see what would happen. If ink is dripping from a bottle sitting on the new couch, we open it to see what would happen and suddenly it is all over us and the couch. (I may or may not have done this as a child among other things.) I am not putting down curiosity or creativity, but we need to think about the consequences of what may occur before we might complicate a problem and make it worse.
 
As we mature and grow into adulthood we do the same with our emotions. We don’t think wisely. We assume what’s authentic but isn’t. We overthink. We react quickly…without thinking about what the real truth is in any situation. We aren’t too gracious in our response when we follow this line of thinking. We seem, as humans, to always think the worst, not the best and wonder why the worst keeps happening to us, robbing us of our peace and joy. We look at problems and look for more problems rather than solutions. We fill our minds with drama instead of the Truth.
 
Paul has the antidote for these mind poisons that plaque our lives. He tells us to think the “whatevers”. These whatevers have guided my life for quite a while. God is using the “whatever thinking” to transform my immature thinking. See what whatever thinking might do for you! Be blessed!
 
Philippians 4 think on whateversPhilippians 4, The Message
8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
 
Don’t You Love It?
–There is nothing worse than someone playing their instrument or singing a song out of tune with the band. What were you thinking?  Think like Jesus thinks!
–THINK – Before you speak. Is what I’m about to say the Truth, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind. If not, be silent and meditate on the whatevers once more.
–God is our Drum Major. Follow the beat of His heart. He wants us to march, in harmony, to the Trumpet of Jesus!
 
Philippians 4 in my alone timeDear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for transforming our thinking which continually matures us to behave more like You. Thank you for pointing out the Truth of WHAT and HOW You think. We will meditate/think on these words all day long and into the night. Thank you for saving us from ourselves. Continue to transform me and my thinking. Transform Your church. Transform the world. I’m listening. I’m Yours.
In Jesus Name, Amen
 
And I’m singing…
 
I listen to the Trumpet of Jesus
While the world hears a different sound
I march to the drumbeat of God Almighty
While the others just wander around
I’m a member of the Holy Ghost traveling band
We’re moving on up to a better land
I hear the voice of the Supernatural singing
Like only those who know Him can
 
(Verse 1:)
One sweet sound makes
A whole world of difference
When the world seems indifferent to you
His Melody of love calls you to be great
When marking time was all you thought you could do
So if you’ve been playing all your days by ear
Never knowing what your song was to be
Then pull up a chair, let down your hair
And take a few lessons from me
 
[Chorus:]
 
(Verse 2:)
A spiritual fanfare has a sound all it’s own
At the birth of a lasting song
It’s been two thousand years since Jesus was born
And still the celebration goes on
If you feel the need to get your life in tune
‘Cause you’re tired of the derdge every day
Then turn yourself around
Put your feet on the ground
And just hear what I have to say
 
(By Russell Taft, sung by the Imperials)
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SETTLED

Posted on May 2, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians 4 – Radical Joy
 
Worry. Yep, let’s put it out there. We worry about everything in our family. As I talk with others, they worry, too. My dad was a worrier, the chief of all worriers. He used to admit, “I hire out to worry for others, it’s my job.” My mom used to say, “I expect the worst, then when it doesn’t happen, I am happy.” I love my parents, but this isn’t how I wanted to live life. I work to see the positive side of life and to help others see it, too.
 
So let’s go to Paul who always has a positive perspective on life…while living it in jail. He’s IN JAIL, people, and this is what he says…(taking his cue from Jesus who also said, “in this world you will have trouble, but not to worry, I have overcome the world!”)
 
Philippians 4 prayPhilippians 4, The Message
Pray about everything
 
6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
 
What do we learn?
–Humans worry.
–That moment you catch yourself worrying, STOP and pray.
–After we pray, we praise God, knowing He will make a way that will be in our best interest. Expect the best not the worst in everyone and every situation.
–In the Name of Jesus Christ, pray for peace in peril. This prayer is answered in ways that delight and surprise us. Just watch!
–When we realize our loving Christ is living in us, working through us, His peace settles us down. The speed in which He does this depends on how quickly we let go and let Him take over.
–Praise God when we are “settled”. God brings everything together for good…our missteps, life stuff that just happens, sickness, loss…all comes together by God’s hand and settles us down. Oh, how God loves us!
 
YES! “It’s wonderful what happens when Christs displaces worry at the center of our lives!”
 
Philippians 4 God cameDear Heavenly Father,
I needed this today. I got up out of bed worrying about an upcoming test. What a waste of time and energy! What a waste of my health and nervous system thinking about it. Worrying makes you ugly in so many ways. So, I give it all to you. You are God and i am not. Make me whole and at peace. Thank you for immediately settling me down. Thank you for your peace. Thank you for continuing to transform me. Transform your church. Transform the world.
In Jesus Name, and by His Power in us, we pray. Amen.
I believe.
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CELEBRATE GOD ALL DAY!

Posted on May 1, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians – Radical Joy
 
A picture from a few years ago popped up on my Facebook timeline this morning that reminded me of dear family members and friends who have passed from this life to the next. I know exactly where they are…with Jesus. I rejoice through smiling tears this morning. Tears are because I miss them. The smile is there because of the hope we have…God’s best…living with Him forever. I celebrate God this morning! I will celebrate Him all day long.
 
How about the people still here? Do we love, appreciate, praise God for those who are still here with us? Have we celebrated their existence by being with them and telling them how much we love them? In doing so, we celebrate God.
 
How about those EGRs, (Extra Grace Required) people who annoy us with their selfishness but need love and care all the same? Let’s celebrate God for them, too! How about those who need prayer often? Let’s celebrate God for them! We need each other. God knew that. We learn from each other as we relate to and love God first, then others. Let’s celebrate God for bringing us together. Most of, let’s revel in God for saving us with a plan He had from the beginning of time!
 
Paul takes a moment in his letter to the Philippians to say these things and more. Can’t you just get along?, We hear Paul say between the lines. This is God’s best for you. I love you, says Paul and I want the best for you, too. “Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.”
 
“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, REVEL in him!” Paul seems to shout! (Rejoice and again I say rejoice! is the familiar words in other translations.) I like celebrate and revel! This means go beyond our typical “Yea, God” to throwing a huge welcome for Him in us with hugs all around, getting along with each other, agreeing with each other about who God is and what He has done, is doing and will do!” It is remembering God each day. It is celebrating with all that is in us! To revel in Him is to throw a mental party in your soul knowing you will see Him face to face one day. But for now…celebrate God…all day long and into the night! Smile through the tears for soon all tears will be gone, “wiped away” by God when we pass from this life to the next.
 
Read. Be blessed. Rejoice. Celebrate and revel in God!
 
Philippians revel in HimPhilippians 4, The Message
 
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
 
2 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges.
 
3 And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you’re right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.
 
4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
 
Philippians 4 togetherDear Heavenly Father,
We celebrate, rejoice, revel in You today…as always! You are God and we are not. You loved us first and will always be with us. Thank you for Your Presence in our lives. Thank you for guiding us over rough patches and disappointments. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for unconditional love, mercy and grace. Thank you for Your Word that tells Your Story and is about You! It all about You…not us. Thank you for protection and provisions. Thank you for blessings beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you for wanting only the best for us. God, I celebrate You with all my heart, mind and soul. May Your Holy Spirit fill us to overflow with praises today for You and at the same time wash away and cleanse every dark spot in us. Continue to transform me. Transform Your church. Transform the world.
In Jesus Name, Amen!
 
And I’m singing…
Rejoice in the Lord always
And again, I say rejoice!
Rejoice int he Lord always
And again, I say rejoice!
 
Rejoice, rejoice
And again I say rejoice….
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NO TURNING BACK!

Posted on April 30, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians – Radical Joy
 
When traveling, there are times of getting lost along the way. You make a wrong turn and your GPS immediately begins it’s task of setting you straight. “Rerouting…recalculating…make a u-turn now!” “Get back on the right road for your own good”, your GPS seems to shout at you. What do you do? Do you follow the advice and turn around so you can get back on the best and most efficient roads home or do you stubbornly decide, no, I’ll go my own way. No, I’m not familiar with these roads or this part of the country, but if I go my own way long enough I will surely find home. Excuse me, but, how ridiculous!
 
Paul is giving believers the same advice. Christ lives in us. His Holy Spirit, our personal, inner GPS, guides us through this journey called life…if we let Him. He will quickly help us make course corrections when we, as humans, take a wrong turn. We must stay focused on the goal of Christ and living with Him in our forever home. We are only travelers now who rely on His Holy Spirit to guide and correct us on the journey. There’s no turning back now, is there?
 
“There’s far more to life for us” who believe in Jesus! We’re citizens of high heaven!”, Paul enthusiastically shouts. Jesus IS coming back and will take us home with Him…forever. AND in the process He will make us fit for heaven by transforming these tired earthly bodies to glorious, beautiful bodies like His own. We will be made whole with His power, the same power that defeated death here so that we can have eternal life there. There’s no turning back, friends!
 
Side story. My dad, in the days following my mom’s passing from this life to life with Jesus, had a vivid dream. He got out of bed to tell me about this dream with a smile and tears streaming down his face. “I saw and heard your mom speaking to me so clearly. She said, ‘Vernon, don’t worry about me. I’m beautiful here. Someday, you will be here, too. And you will be whole, too.” I believe this was the Holy Spirit’s way of reminding my dad of the ultimate goal of every believer while comforting him in his grief. We don’t lose. We can’t lose. We gain. There’s no turning back, not when Jesus is ahead. And what about the “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone on before us, rooting us on as we run the race here?
 
Yes, I’m very sure about Jesus. There’s no turning back to go our own stubborn way. We must run the race to the finish! “God beckons us onward–to Jesus! I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”, says Paul. We have the same goal! No turning back now! That would be ridiculous.
 
Philippians 3, The Message
Focused on the Goal
Philippians 3 heaven bound12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
 
15-16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
 
17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
 
20-21 But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
 
Are you lost on the journey?
Can I remind you of the joy of following Jesus? Oh, what joy to know Jesus Christ as Savior AND Lord! Oh, what a Savior! Oh, what peace we have when His Holy Spirit guides and even corrects our path and lights the way to Jesus. God wants only the best for us. Even when the path is rocky and hard to manuever, His hand is there to guide us over the rough places. Do we follow the King of kings and Lord of lords or the one who wants to destroy us. There are only two choices. Choose wisely. Choose Jesus! I’m praying you will.
In Jesus Name, Amen
 
And I’m singing…
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, no turning back!
 
(I’m also singing this in Creole…yes, I still remember singing this with my brothers and sisters in Haiti who are devoted to Jesus! I praise God for you!)
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I WANT TO KNOW CHRIST!

Posted on April 29, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians – Radical Joy
 
Oh, how we worry about stuff that isn’t worth our time to think about. But it takes a long time to grow and mature to get to the point of knowing what is important and what isn’t. Paul sets us straight, as usual. He reminds me of the first time I said yes to God and to subsequent times later. He also reminds me, sadly, of all the time spent in worry and pondering over things that had little value in light of Kingdom thinking and behaving.
 
Paul begins with “Be glad in God!” “REJOICE, and again I say rejoice!”, as in other translations that are more common to us. “The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ’s praise as we do it. We couldn’t carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it–even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials.” In other words, it’s WHO you know and follow. It is good to train for the race to finish well, but our desire is to know Jesus. That is ALL that matters when all is said and done.
 
Philippians 3, The Message
 
7-9 The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness.
 
10-11 I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.
 
Philippians 3-7 My Gain I Count as Loss-yellowThink About It…
 
Paul had been to the most prestigious religions schools. He was a Roman citizen which was important in that day. Paul was a great man of influence in the eyes of the world before his encounter with Christ. He gladly gave it all away for a new obsession…knowing Christ personally. Everything is “inferior stuff”, not worth the time to think about. The one and only desire is knowing Christ. Think about that when world thinking creeps in.
 
Paul points out that knowing Christ in his resurrection is not enough either. We must know Him, “be a partner in” Christ’s suffering…”go all the way with him to death itself.” Paul wants to be resurrected with Christ! That’s giving all to know Christ in all ways.
 
Paul’s humility, because of Christ, knows (like you and I) he hasn’t arrived, doesn’t not have it altogether now. “But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.”
 
Rejoice! And again I say, rejoice! God reaches down to us by sending His One and Only, Jesus Christ to save us. Nothing else matters. Yes, I want to know Christ!
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us this much. We rejoice at the thought of your love and care for us. We rejoice in being redeemed by Christ so that we can get to know You through Christ! We rejoice. We are glad this morning to know You and to listen to your teaching. Continue to transform me. Transform your church. Transform the world. I want to know You more and more each day.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Posted on April 28, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians – Radical Joy
 
Philippians 2:14-16
 
“Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.”
 
Philippians 2 God wantsDear Heavenly Father,
We cannot do anything apart from you working in and through us. Help us to reach the heavenly goal of becoming more and more in every way like Christ. Transform me. Transform Your church. Transform the world. Begin with me.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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HOW JESUS THINKS…

Posted on April 27, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians – Radical Joy
 
When we give every part of our being back to God, our Creator, and live in responsive obedience to Him, an everlasting, eternal, inner. undepletable joy us birthed! Joy doesn’t come from what is happening to us or around us. Joy comes from Jesus Christ, with Whom we do life with and during the journey called life here.
 
Living in the rhythm and flow of His grace, with our hearts beating in cadence with His heart, radical, inexplicable joy exudes from within us. We don’t create joy. Joy is part of knowing God through Jesus Christ and realizing the depth of love He has for us. Joy seeps into our being at the point of excepting His salvation and takes over every aspect of life as we begin to think more and more like Jesus who taught us to live in responsive obedience to God by His example.
 
I’m not sure joy is something we choose. (Bear with me while I think about this…) David cried out to God, “Restore the joy of YOUR salvation.” Salvation by Jesus Christ breeds joy that cannot be stolen or taken from us. If we are saved by God through Jesus Christ and believe and live as redeemed people, then joy is always there. The gift of salvation is wrapped in joy. Joy is not what we conjure up, or psyche ourselves up for in order to put a smile on our sadness in the bad times. Joy just is. Joy is always there no matter what. Eternal joy is not what we do, it’s what God’s salvation gives us as we follow Him in responsive obedience.
 
Other people can try to steal our happiness for a time, but they cannot rob us of our joy! We can choose to be happier when things go wrong, that is a perspective of attitude we can choose. But joy, everlasting joy, comes from God and it is part of God salvation to restore us to Himself. Can’t touch my joy!
 
Paul explains the joy of God’s salvation to us with clarity. He tells us how Jesus thinks and how we should respond which sustains and grows our joy. Read and be blessed…and responsive.
 
Philippians 2 attitudePhilippians 2, The Message
He Took on the Status of a Slave
2 1-4 If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
 
5-8 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
 
9-11 Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
 
Rejoicing Together
12-13 What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
 
What do we learn?
–Joy comes with salvation. No one on earth can separate us from our salvation (and joy) that comes from God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
–We are redeemed to live in responsive obedience to God who bought us at a high price!
–Our new “status” as a redeemed believer is to follow Christ, learning to think and behave as He did. He laid down his status so that we can live with Him forever. “…he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave became human!” “It was an incredibly humbling process…he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death–the worst kind of death at that: a Crucifixion.” This is our status…to be more and more like Christ as we grow and mature in his love. Joy comes with the package of following Christ.
–“Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.” That energy produces more and more joy! Joy produces more energy!
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the joy of YOUR salvation in us which produces more of Your energy in us, giving us a desire to please You even more. It is a never ending circle of joy as You love us and we love you. Your joy produces energy and energy produces more joy! Thank you for restoring the Joy of YOUR salvation in us. We cannot do that for ourselves. Continue to transform me. Transform and restore the joy of Your salvation in your church. Transform the world.
In Jesus Name, Amen
 
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DELIGHT OR A DRAIN?

Posted on April 26, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians – Radical Joy
 
Who do you want to hang out with most in life? Who is that person who smiles a lot, no matter what, and seems to exude unending inner joy, even when life around them seems to be falling apart. Describe them in your mind. Think about them right now. Praise God for them!
 
What traits do these joyful people have? I think of these characteristics immediately:
–Smiling eyes with the grin on their faces. Deep wrinkles have been formed because of their consistent smiles.
–Open arms, ready to offer a timely hug that is meaningful and appropriate.
–Listening ears intent on hearing and understanding without minds working on a answer. They just listen.
–They listen because they are learners. They love to learn about all kinds of things.
–They seem to be the one who will have an encouraging perspective to a difficult situation.
–They are problem solvers with “what if” instead of “but…”
–They are the first to volunteer to help out when needs arise.
–Their homes are open and inviting.
–They are humble and don’t know how much people want to be around them.
–They give life to those whose breath has been knocked out of them.
–They do more than trust in Christ, they know how to suffer for him. Trusting and suffering is considered a privileged joy.
–They are a delight, not a drain on the Kingdom of God.
 
I think of these character traits as I read Paul’s encouraging words to the church. He is a cheerleader as he suffers for Christ in jail. He is still a delight to the Kingdom work even though he sits in a dank dark hole chained to the wall of his jail cell. Wow.
 
“Live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ.”
 
“There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting.”
 
Jesus told us there would be suffering. Paul positive perspective tells us to suffer for Christ is a gift! We become more and more like Christ in every one. Suffering is part of growing and maturing like Christ!
 
Philippians 1 joyI have discovered that great people of endless joy God put in my path to help me grow, those whom I have admired and observed because they impressed me so much, all suffered great pain in hard circumstance in their past. They do not talk about the pain or the circumstance but give glory to God for helping them through it. Suffering made them greater in humility, joy, peace, gentleness, graciousness…all the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit. This is no coincidence. This is inner, inexplicable, unspeakable joy in Christ in the making while suffering in them imperfect world for Him!
 
Read and be blessed. See what you think….
 
Philippians 1, The Message
22-26 As long as I’m alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I’d choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it’s better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We’ll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.
 
27-30 Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You’re involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
I do not want to be a drain on Your Kingdom work. Forgive me when I was. Thank you for teaching me about joy and encouragement. Thank you for not giving up on me and helping to see the importance of listening, learning and growing. Here I am. I’m Yours. Transform me. Transform Your church. Transform the world.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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THE BEAT GOES ON…

Posted on April 25, 2018 by randscallawayffm
Philippians – Radical Joy
 
The beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da
 
Philippians 1 heart beat goes onThis popular song was introduced while I was in high school by Sonny and Cher. It was sung at his funeral. I don’t know why, but it popped into my head as I read Paul’s celebration and proclamation that, no matter what, The Message of Jesus Christ cannot and will not be squelched! Paul, in jail, celebrates how well the church is doing in proclaiming Christ. “I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered.” Prospered!! What an attitude! What a joyful perspective Paul has all because of knowing Jesus Christ intimately.
 
Even those who are “doing church” instead of being the church, to get what they can for themselves while Paul is in prison, does not phase him. He is celebrating that, no matter what, Jesus is more and more accurately known to all. Can you hear the exuberant enthusiasm in his words? “They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit!” Paul thanks the Philippian church for their prayers, “through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the spirit of Jesus Chris, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done.”
 
Do we get hung up in our circumstances? It is in those circumstance that we come closer to God and learn more about Him. Don’t miss that opportunity!
Do we stop being and living and telling the Truth of Christ just because of a few rough places in our lives? It is in the middle of difficulty where intimacy with God is felt and grows exponentially!
Do we compare our church with another and try to sarcastically bring them down with our comments? As long as Christ is proclaimed, celebrate! Don’t compete, pray for each other! Do what God wants you to do but above all, preach Jesus!
Do we live for Christ…no matter what? Do we have the attitude, “I can’t lose!”, like Paul? I pray we do. We really can’t lose with Jesus Christ as Lord!
 
Yes, no matter what, the Beat goes on and on and on…. The “beat” is Jesus Christ, the beat of our heart.
 
Philippians 1, The Message
 
They Can’t Imprison the Message
12-14 I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I’m in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they’ve learned all about him. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah.
 
15-17 It’s true that some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, they think they’ll step right into the spotlight. But the others do it with the best heart in the world. One group is motivated by pure love, knowing that I am here defending the Message, wanting to help. The others, now that I’m out of the picture, are merely greedy, hoping to get something out of it for themselves. Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition, and so the worse it goes for me, the better—they think—for them.
 
18-21 So how am I to respond? I’ve decided that I really don’t care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!
 
Philippians 1 gainAnd I’m going to keep that celebration going because I know how it’s going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don’t expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose.
 
Dear Heavenly Father,
Our hearts, minds and souls rejoice because of you this morning. You have reminded us how intimately you love us. You are the beat of my heart. You are God and i am not. No matter what, to live is Christ. To die is eternal life with You! I can’t lose. What joy to know you. I love you with all my heart, mind and soul. Continue to transform me. Transform your church. Transform the world.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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