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 Philippians 3:1-7 - Whatever Happens

        We simply don’t know what will happen.  Who will win the war, who will be the next president, will we make a profit, will the market go up, or will there be another pandemic, etc.  We don’t know if we’ll live long lives, or, like so many, have a life cut short.

        But we do know a lot.  We know enough.  And have enough understanding to live good, godly lives.  We know that Jesus will return (2 Peter 3) and we know that God’s chosen people are those who put their faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:7-9).

        So what?  Well, it’s a great day to live for Jesus.  I have no clue what the future holds, but I trust God.  Oh, what a long and winding road we’ve traveled to get this far.  And yet the journey has only begun.

        Thank you Lord Jesus for your creativity; you are showing people our need for you.

        May Christians offer something good to God.  Real and genuine.  Father God, we grieve for how we have so burdened the Holy Spirit.  We are sickened by the hypocrites, the prosperity preachers, the so-called leaders in the church who turned out to be selfish frauds.  This list is long.  Thank you, Lord God, for your gift of knowledge and understanding.  Please give it to your people in spades.  Please raise up those who can preach, teach, and explain God’s ways.

        Our job is straightforward today.  We are to sing God’s praises.  Seriously.  Let’s sing about God.  Try singing the doxology in your car.  Or in your office.  Sing an old church camp song.  Why not!  Why?  Because it does something in our spirits.  And it is a recognition of the reality that God’s love is beyond measure.  God loves all people.  Jews.  Arabs.  Greeks.  Russians.  Swedes.  Even Yukoners (where I spent the first five years of my life).  His love is unfailing.  God’s faithfulness and goodness to you and me endures forever (Psalm 117:2).

        And, in addition to singing, add this to your to-do list.  Be a good friend today.  Reach out to someone just because and let them know how much you value them and love them.  Pray for them.  Pray for your family and extended family.  Pray for Jews.  And Arabs.  Pray for real peace.  Love and reconciliation with God.

        Remember, your friend’s face may be getting old, his beard gray, but it is his heart that reflects who he really is - and that’s the child of God that Jesus knows (Proverbs 27:19).  Encourage your friend to fight on for God today.  To stay pure and to do good.  Safeguard each other’s faith.

        I do rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ this morning.  I am a messed up sinner saved only by the grace of Christ.

        But listen to this passage.  It's a serious message as true today as two thousand years ago.  There are mutilators we need to watch out for.  They are in our churches.  They are legalists, proud, and full of evil.  They are wicked dogs.  Say away from them.

        A sign of right standing and relationship with God is worshiping God in spirit.  Sing!  Let the Holy Spirit in us worship God.

        Rely on what Jesus Christ has done for us.  Rely on nothing else. 

        There is infinite value in knowing Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

        Lord Jesus, please forgive us of our weakness and pride.  Please give us grace and strength in you today.  Amen.

Our oldest son, Samuel (middle), playing at the Calgary Stampede with a couple buddies from church.



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