The Apostle Paul's Heart

Today I ponder the amazing heart for Christ that the Apostle Paul exemplified during the first century. Not only did he love Christ with his whole heart, but he loved God's people to the extent of writing them letters of encouragement while he himself was in prison for preaching the gospel. Not only that, but his life was threatened because he didn't know whether or not the authorities where going to kill him. In this volatile life threatening state, Paul says

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."(Philippians 1:21)

"The message translation says it like this: "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."

Selah!

After reading these verses, the old adage of the glass being half full or empty comes to mind. Perspective is a very powerful force!!!!!!! What's amazing is that mankind has a CHOICE in how they view various circumstances. In the Apostle Paul's instance, he always saw the glass as being half full. ie. when he was in prison, he viewed the prison as his PULPIT. With his life threatened, he joyfully anticipated being with Christ. When entertaining the possibility of remaining alive, he eagerly anticipated encouraging others in the Christian faith. No matter what state Paul was in, his posture or perspective was one in which he used his challenging situation to bring attention and glory to God!

Prayer: Lord, Paul's example of love, passion, commitment and steadfastness towards you is astounding! Help us to maintain the proper perspective AT ALL TIMES. Help us to not be fair weather Christians, but faithful disciples even when life presents its challenges. Moreover, it is my desire, like Paul, to love you more than anyone or anything. Father, you sit on the throne of my heart. Nothing else is more important than you.

Obedience At All Times

Luke 12:48 says "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded." (NIV) The (NLT) version says it like this "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return."

In today's day and age, there is a lot of focus on self. It appears the preponderances of many people's thoughts have to do with "me, myself, and I!" Not only that but it appears that many sermons that are preached on Sunday mornings focus on self as well. ie. you having victory, you're an over comer, you being delivered, you walking into your inheritance, you walking in purpose etc. etc. etc. Although I don't deprecate messages that help Christian believers overcome in their personal lives, the body of Christ must have a balanced perspective. In my opinion, this balanced perspective is an awareness that there is more to the Christian faith than "YOU BEING SPIRITUALLY SUCCESSFUL" and that with spiritual blessings or promotion, comes responsibility.

In my opinion, one of the most important disciplines to maintain during any season of personal spiritual success is an obedient spirit towards the Lord. Why? Because when a person is blessed, it is easy for them to forget about the Lord. The time needed to be still and maintain an open heart and ear towards the Lord's leading is replaced with an indulgence in the blessings.

Let's remember to not only remember the Lord in difficult times, but to serve him and obey him during times of success and triumph.