Philippians 1 - Friday, October 2

It is all smoky outside this morning. We haven't had rain for week and between dust and fires we are desparately in need of some good rain. We are having a birthday party for Talia at "Bubble it Up" this afternoon (all I have to do is take along a cake). I have some cleaning and ironing (while watching DRA DVD) to do today. Yesterday I spent hours doing shopping and looking for presents for Talia and Justin for their birthdays - I feel a bit 'stressed' about the amount of money that has been spent on them and parties.....

Philippians 1:

A great promise: (1:6) "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work (I find great freedom in that phrase, it is not what I do but what Jesus does in me) in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Paul's prayer: "...that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled witht he fruit of righteousness tht comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." (1:9-11)

It is interesting that often adversity and hardship bring out the best and worst in variant people. e.g. bushfires - people show great courage to rescue and help each other and on the other hand looters come and start stealing, same in all sorts of natural disasters...

Why do some show incredible courage and confidence and others are more like vultures praying on the vulnerable??

Similar experience for Paul:
(v14-17) "And because of mychains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to prolaim the gospel without fear. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach, Christ out of selfsih ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

Paul goes on....

(v18) But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or ture, chrit is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Whatever happens.....

"...as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the goespel of Christ....you stan firm in the one Spirit, striving together with one accord for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you."

Prayer:

Talia's birthday - fun, happy and safe time
Rain - so many people in the country that must be stressed without rain and fires raging in various places
Samoa - Tsunami victims and families
Indonesia -earthquake
Enid - as we interact with her and love her (maybe invite her over for cake next Thursday night)
Me - plesee forgive me for all I do that lets you down, my lack of patience, my lack of love in action for my hubby. Please help me to be a walking example for you.
My children - there has been some fights yesterday over little things, "it''s mine". Please give Jimmi and I the wisdom to work through those issues with our children.
Most of all Lord, I just want to enjoy being in Your presence each morning, soaking up your love and compassion that is new to me everyday. Please help me to get beyond just the prayer list thing and just be with You.
I have to present a 6 minute talk on "Supernatural" at church in a few weeks, please help me and provide wisdom and discernment on what You want me to say.