Stand in Victory

Ephesians 6

Inspired thots

The word today is 'STAND'. It is repeated 4 times in this chapter.
1) Stand in the position (v11) against the devil's schemes.
     ~ confrontation; be prepared with the full armor

2) Stand your ground (v13) in the day of evil
    ~ be strong and sure footed

3) Remain standing (v13) after the battle
    ~ being victorious

4) Stand firm (v14) with the full armour
   ~ a full armour is heavy and can make one clumsy if not familiar and trained in it

Change for the One I Love

Ephesians 5-6:9

Inspired thots

Indeed LOVE is a real motivation. Love inspires! Love causes Action.

'For God so loved the world that He gave...' John 3:16

God loves me... If I love HIM, what can I Give Him (as He gave)?
I can never out-give God! Whatever I give Him, pales in comparison.

If I love the Lord, I am to...
>>>  'find out What PLEASES the LORD'   (v10)
>>>  'understand the WILL of the LORD' (v17)

It's all about RELATIONSHIPS!

Each - important to be A WHOLE

Ephesians 3,4

Inspired thots

The Love of Christ is at work with the fullness of His grace. How I can take God's grace for granted.

Living a life that is worthy of my calling... (4:1)
That is really a high calling.
I am called to 'prepare God's people for works of service'  (4:12) but it is so discouraging when God's people are not responding. I am tired of pushing and cajoling to assist others in their maturity. Each should already be grown up; built up; matured. But not every part is doing its work. Pareto's principle applies.

Be productive; be fruitful; be useful with my  hands - to have something to share with those in need. (4:28)
God blesses me to share the blessings with others.
I am not as diligent as before. I have slipped away in my zeal for God. I must position myself again correctly before the Lord.

It's ALL about JESUS

Ephesians 2

Inspired thots

Because of Christ, I am being made Perfect.
This is a BEFORE and NOW chapter.
Looking at NOW and LATER.

It is God who is RICH; God who is at Work
...and I am His workmanship, created to do Good Works. (v10)

It is Christ who did it ALL; who has set everything in its place for the Destiny of Heaven and Earth.
With Christ, In Him, I belong to God's family;

The Almighty God at Work

Ephesians 1

Inspired thots

Indeed my God reigns! He is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Glory to His name.
Before the world became, He is. And He had you and me in His mind.

He is Alive and at Work.
> He CHOSE (v4) - He has a Will;
> He Predestined (v5) - He made up His Mind firmly
> He freely Gave (v6) - He is Generous with His bounty
> He lavished (v7) - He is more than generous
> He made Known (v8) - He reveals clearly
> He purposed (v9) - He has a plan

It is So reassuring to trust in One who is in total control.

When God gives something, it is Complete!
v 3 ~ He blesses... with EVERY Spiritual Blessing
That means I lack nothing.

And I need to respond ...

Waiting Patiently for What Belongs to Me

Philippians 4

Inspired thots

v1 And this is how I should stand firm in the Lord
~ follows from previous chapter;
! be reminded that my CITIZENSHIP is in Heaven
! wait eagerly for Jesus to return
! look forward to a transformed body like Jesus'

v4-8  Rejoice! Always!
~> Prepare for what is to come; to receive what belongs to me.
~> motivate others

v13 To do all things through Christ who gives me strength >>> learn the secret of being content in any and every situation.
~ stems from experiences of being in need and having plenty.
~ truth of the matter is: God knows and provides at the right time. He is in control.
~ with God, I am AMPLY SUPPLIED (v18)

v19 My God will meet all my needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

No One is Perfect ... Yet!

Philippians 3

Inspired thots

As the bible keeps reminding me, no one is perfect ... yet! So do not put any confidence in the flesh. Do not think highly of self for that is deceiving. Truly, my life is in God's hands. It is Him who wills me to do as I live in obedience to His ways and words.

If I think I am great, there are many, many more greater people than I. I am just thankful that God chose to let me have breath 50 years ago and today, I have breath and love for Him. Hallelujah! All else of the world is immaterial. He is my Maker; and I shall adore Him alone. He is my Provider and I shall focus on Him for all provisions; He has never failed to provide.

Paul encourages with 'PRESS ON'
>>> Press on to Salvation
>>> Press on to Eternal life
My citizenship is in Heaven. (v20)

I may differ in my thoughts, opinions and ways from others. God will reveal to me and each one who seeks Him diligently and sincerely. (v15)
>>> Press on to Godly Life
>>> Press on to a Great Transformation (v21)

I am my brother's keeper

Philippians 2

Inspired thots

Again, God confirms to me that I should care about my brothers & sisters in Christ. The verse that stands out is 2:21 - :"for everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ"

How true! Man is a selfish being, caring for himself. But Christ is SO different; caring for man; for ME.
Yes, it is important to IMITATE Christ, although it is hard.
Jesus looks not at HIS own interest. Verses 5-11 are amazing!
Attitude Change is needed.
* Christ is God in His nature but did not consider Himself EQUAL to God the Father. How mind boggling!
* Christ was willing to take on a SERVANT nature instead of exercising His Godly nature when in human form
>>> this tells me that humans must be humble in nature/attitude. Christ took on the right attitude for the right form
* Christ exercised Humility and Obedience - 2 attributes of man that are pleasing to God.
~ God the Father REWARDS Him to the Highest place

And the interest of Christ is the interest of God His Father which is others' salvation while those saved must continue to work out their own salvation. I am in the latter and I need to take on Christ's interest, which means I need to care for others who need Christ.

The essence of 2:21 is repeated in 2:4 - "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"

It is good to take care of myself; but I must also take care for others. SO, LNG here I am!

Everyone is an Instrument for Christ

Philippians 1

Inspired thots

The Lord seems to be confirming with me that I should carry on with the LNG; and it is true in a way. My faith is all about relationships; whether they are encouraging or frustrating, relationships need to be cultured. Let me not be dull in service and faith.

1:6 - He who BEGAN a GOOD WORK in you will CARRY IT ON to COMPLETION until the day of Christ Jesus.
yes, God is not finished with me yet! How can I give up now, on Him? on myself?
1:25 - Remain and continue with 'all of them for their progress' and joy in the faith. That is my calling for this year.
yes, Lord! One more year with LNG as You have called me, by Your grace and strength, Lord!

The important thing: advance the gospel - rejoice that Christ is preached in every circumstance, and continue to rejoice (1:18)
yes, everything that happens, happens to further the gospel to the glory of God! As I commit myself to God, He will work in me and around me, through others to His glory. It's not about me. It's about Him. He uses me... He will use others in His own time too.

Prayer to Uphold Others in the Faith

Colossians 4

Inspired thots

Prayer is SO important! for self and others.
The main thought that struck me today from this passage is DEMAS. Here, Paul conveys Demas's greetings to the church as in Philemon but in 2 Timothy, Demas 'in loved with this world, deserted Paul' and went off to Thessalonica.

How EASY it is for one to fall away from Christ; especially when :
1) the world is SO 'attractive' and alluring
2) the circumstances turn tough and difficult to bear
3) one is dull and not watchful (letting our guards down)

On the other hand, I read Tychicus - faithful and serving consistently in every way.

Not a scholar myself, hopefully Demas was 'restored' in Colossians.
As James exhorted,'the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and efective' and the very last words are 'Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins'

I need to be PRAYING for my fellow brothers and sisters.
That's the LEAST I can do......

Great Relationships Need Persistent Working On

Colossians 3

Inspired thots

A life in Christ is all about a relationship.

One relationship touches another relationship. Learn from Jesus how to build that relationship with Him, so that I can also build relationship with others, whom He also loves.

Relationship with Christ:
)== set my HEART on things above
)== set my MIND on things above
)== my life is hidden in Christ
)== put to DEATH my earthly nature
)== put OFF the Old Self
)== put ON the New Self
)== New Self comes by RENEWing the mind with knowing Jesus
)== Christ is in ALL

This affects my relationship with Others:
)== All are chosen, holy and dearly loved
)== Be clothed with the fruit of the Spirit
)== Bear with one another
)== Forgive one another
)== Live peacefully with all
)== Be thankful
)== Teach and Admonish one another
)== Do EVERYTHING in the name of the Lord

Man's Nature vs Christ's Nature

Colossians 2

Inspired thots

What a Difference between man's nature and Christ's!
Praise God for saving me to have Christ's nature.
In Christ, I am FULL, RICH, COMPLETE,WISE, Alive,Forgiven, Free and Knowledgeable.
Reality is found in Christ (v17) but it is easily forgotten because God's things are not seen.

Hence, I am to 'continue to live' in Christ (v6,7) Rooted and Built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as taught, and overflow with Thanksgiving.

What can cause me to steer off course?
> hollow & deceptive philosophy
> human traditions
> basic principles of this world (perhaps the needs in my life by the world standards)
> False Humility (striving to be humble more than pretension)
> Worship of angels (is wrong because they are ministering angels sent to serve God's people - Heb 1:14)
> unspiritual mind
> idle notions
> lost Connection with Christ the Head
> human commands and teachings
> self-imposed worship
> harsh treatment to body
> sensual indulgence

It is YOUR way, Jesus, that is Best for me. Please help me understand and learn with Thee.

Laboring to Glorify God

Colossians 1

Inspired thots

Everything was done by God for man; now, it should be Everything to be done for God!

Interacting with people:
= to bring them good news of Salvation
= to encourage them to keep their faith
= to pray for them at all times
= to show a good example of faith & love

I must change in view of :
=) my status in God's kingdom
=) Eternity
=) how I can impact others for the Lord

Be Prepared at All times

1 Thessalonians 5

Inspired thots

Yes, truly many Christians are wondering about the last days. Will Jesus come in my era? the constant question as world events happen without warning and creating fear and chaos. Truly these are the signs of the times.

As a child of God, I should know for Paul advised a watchfulness for it; though the exact day is unknown but the conditions leading to it are clear. The Lord's coming is liken to 'a thief in the night' (v2) - when it is dark and quiet with everyone resting and unaware. How scary! All the more to be alert. Darkness with the world's ailing economy and empty promises as well as catastrophic events. Quiet when all seems to be well. Resting with all guards are let down. Never let my guard down; just as a ready soldier, rest in full armour! (Ephesians 6)

Reacting to Others

1 Thessalonians 3 & 4

Inspired thots

Though the passage is written for a different context, it speaks to me of my group of interaction.

Yes, we have not met for some time... but I have not forgotten them in thought (2:17)
I did not have the same passion as Paul to 'make every effort' to see them; rather, I was glad to take the excuse to 'avoid' them, meeting only WHEN the situation calls for it. I was 'tired'.
Indeed, I was as Paul - standing it no longer, best to be left by myself. (3:1) pondering, waiting on the Lord, praying for them

I needed the solitude to rest and wait on the Lord; there were too many things happening....
New Year; New school term; new responsibilities; more work...
something has to go. I was already sleeping later, waking up earlier; but praise God for freshness to start the new day!

Yes, when one is not careful, 'the tempter' has tempted some and my efforts have been useless. (3:5)
BUT LORD, let it not be useless. They are your precious children; bring them back to Yourself.
Praying for them to stand firm in the Lord (3:8,10); that's the best I can do... no, I can do more, if I want to and make time for. Let me not kid myself. But Lord, I wait on You to lead me on every step.

Yes, Lord; You can still use me to 'supply what is lacking in their faith' (3:10)
Yes, Lord; I can still impact people. You are not done with me yet.

Being Involved in Others' lives

1 Thessalonians 1 & 2

Inspired thots

Being involved in others' lives is no laughing matter; it is not easy at all. Many times, the hard work and effort seem to be futile but one can only hope to sow as God leads.

God is reminding me of that as I ponder over the service in various ministries; when little fruit result, I feel like backing down. Perhaps it is a time to be 'under the shelter of God's wings' to be refreshed and to hear from God again.

There are many points of reminder:
1) God has chosen me to be His child and worker (1:4)
2) Be a model to all believers of my faith (1:7)
3) serve the Living and True God as I await for Christ's return (1:9)
4) Do not try to please man but God (2:4)
5) Do not seek praise from man (2:6)
6) Be gentle with each other (2:7)
7) Being a 'spiritual father' (2:11,12)
8) Accept the Word of God at work in me. (2:13)

These traits will strengthen me as I continue to work with people. Life is all about people interaction.

Exercise PRAYER

2 Thessalonians 3

Inspired thots

Prayer is to be made most important in my life;

>>> pray for the word of God to be spread to others; SALVATION!
        yes, that is the Lord's desire; that all should be saved. John 3:16

>>> pray for those who spread the word of God; SAFETY!
        dangers abound on those who do God's work but God is with them. Romans 8:31

>>> pray for FAITH to believe and to remain STRONG in God!
        the devil prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
        his roar may shake my faith to make me an easy prey.

>>> pray for hardworkingness to use time wisely; STEADFAST!
        do not be idle with time and talents; be busy and not busybodies.

Knowledge Gives Stability & Security

2 Thessalonians 2

Inspired thots

Alarm is caused by being taken in by deception; deception overtakes because of the lack of knowledge; lack of knowledge causes one to sway at every piece of alarming news... and the cycle continues.

The cycle occurs because one is not willing to accept what God has revealed or remember what is taught. Forgetfulness is a dangerous trait. It is a personal choice.

There is good news; stability; victory; security; in the midst of anything, God is triumphant - before, now and in the future. Forgetting and not believing that are detrimental to a Christian's well being - physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Always go back to the 'beginning' - what God has set into motion (v13)
Remember the 'end' - victory is the final destination for God's people.
Hence, the 'in between' proces - to stand firm and hold on to Christ's teachings. (v18)

Life can be so simple and fulfilling. Can it happen to me or you?

God is Near to His own

2 Thessalonians 1

Inspired thots

As a child of God, care for the brothers and sisters in Christ by praying for them to be strong in their faith.

God is for us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) A child of God does not fear the circumstances or people for God is in control. Under His hands is the safest place to dwell.

God's power empowers His child to fulfill every good purpose and act that is prompted by faith. (v11)

God, in these last days, there is no safer place to be than under Your shelter; there is no greater place to dwell than in Your shadow for then You are near to me; there is no worry or fear for You are greater in me than he that is in the world.

Hallelujah! God is my victory!