What are your circumstances?

1 Phil 4:10-19 - Brothers and sisters: I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you revived your concern for me. You were, of course, concerned about me but lacked an opportunity. Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

You Philippians indeed know that at the beginning of the Gospel, when I left Macedonia,
not a single church shared with me in an account of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was at Thessalonica you sent me something for my needs, not only once but more than once. It is not that I am eager for the gift; rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account. I have received full payment and I abound.

I am very well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus,
"a fragrant aroma," an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 

Thoughts: This is something I have thought about for years. Namely, that I need to approach life with humility, allowing people to care for me. For in allowing others to care and do for me, I give them the opportunity to be strengthened through serving others. 

For example, some friends serve food for others on Wednesday nights at the church. Can I make food myself? Yes, I am fully able to take care of myself, but allowing myself to be taken care of by others gives them the opportunity to build up their spiritual strength. St. Paul also writes about humbly and joyfully living within your circumstances. 

There will be times that you live in abundance. These are the times when everything seems to be going right. We are to rejoice in those times and be glad. Too often, I want to be ashamed and I feel guilty when things are going good. Like I don't deserve it because everyone around me is not in the same state.

At other times, you may be experiencing hardship; again we are to rejoice that God is with us at these times also. It is how we react at these times that give true witness to the life of Christ in us. However, this does not mean that I need to assume others hardships. I can be helpful and supportive but others crosses have been given to them to carry. We each must carry our own cross. The one that was given to us to carry.

Question: How do you deal with abundance? hardship?

It Was A Dark And Stormy Night

1 Peter 5:6-7 - So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. 

Thoughts: On September 8th, my worries were truly laid at the feet of God and I was washed clean in the waters of baptism. It was truly a baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

I was a master at worrying. I still have occasional worries as I still live in this world. My worries will not ever be gone until I sit in heaven at the feet of Jesus. 

Through the practice of frequent prayer, constantly laying my worries at the feet of Jesus in humble submission to the will of God I  feel the love that comes from a close, personal relationship with Christ. I now fill the empty spot, where I used to keep my worries, with the word of God.

Once I was able to truly lay all my worries at the foot of the cross and submit myself humbly in prayer to Him, He started using me in awe inspiring ways to share the message to anyone I might have the opportunity to. This call to humble service feeds my soul in so many ways. It may be a bit bold but I feel a real connection to Pope Francis and desire to follow the loving example he is giving us.

Humble Pie

I was given a big piece of humble pie to eat last night. Can't say it was the most tasty thing I had ever had but it was something I needed.

You see, I have been on this great journey with the Lord. One of the things that has happened was a renewed desire to serve the church. More specifically through the diaconate. I had thought about it years ago but did not think the time was right. History certainly shows that to be a true statement. This renewed desire has been a great journey so far. Pretty much everyone has been excited and supportive of me. That is until last night.

A close family member and I were talking last night and they said something to the effect. I guess it is nice all this diaconate stuff and everything and I guess others are happy for you but I just don't see it. I don't see how you are any different now than before. Well, for one thing, six months ago, that would have really hurt my feelings. This time I listened to the comments and turned it around into a time of reflection.

I thought, maybe I just show good but in the privacy of my home I am different. I probably am different at home. Something I will need to work on. I am convinced that home is the absolute hardest place to evangelize. Jesus certainly found this true on his return to Nazareth. 

Really kind of interesting that this should happen now. It had been just about 8 hours earlier that we had witnessed a most humble man, Pope Francis, ask the people to pray for him upon accepting his role as supreme pontiff. I can only hope that if I make to ordination that I will never forget the scene of that day and that I will have the strength to live my life in humble service.

I owe a debt of gratitude to that brave family member that called me out and told me what they really thought and I also owe gratitude to our new Pope Francis for being good examples and good counsel.

Creation

from Colossians 1:16 - All were created through him. All were created for him.

Thoughts:  What strikes me here is the word "all".  We tend to band together as Christians and we sit in our little prayer groups and sing praise songs and think we are really getting it done.  But are we?  This has been tugging at my heart for a while. I have been on twitter for a little while now and as I look through my list of followers and following, they are mostly people like me. Jesus preached and reached out to the sick, the poor and the sinners. Maybe I am missing something here.

If I stop and look around me and take the time to observe all that God created and realize that they too were created for him, we will see that everyone one was created to glorify God.  We are all called to glorify God by our lives.  Some have more success than others but by the blood of Jesus he shows that he care for all that were created for him.

I challenge everyone, including myself, to look at everyone we meet today through the eyes of Jesus Christ that we may see, in them, God's creation.  Let us also be workers for Christ helping our brother realize the awesomeness of God's creation in each one of them.