Morning Moments

Philippians 1:12-18

It has always disturbed me that we have presented this Life of Christ in terms of there and not here, future rather than present, and quantitatively as opposed to qualitatively. Eternal Life IS the Life of Christ in me NOW, HERE, and that's the TRUTH! As we have seen, this life in me is a life of brotherhood, blessings, burden, and as we shall see today a life of BROKENNESS as seen in eight ways in verses 12-18:

D. A Life of Brokenness "things which happened to me"

"Things happen"! It's a part of life and no one is exempt from it. Call it what you will but it comes to each and every one of us. Paul was faithful and because of it he landed in prison. How many of us would say something like this, "Man, this just ain't right. I have worked my butt off for Jesus and this is what I get? I mean, those guys with the TV shows get the cars, the houses, the big bucks and I go to the ends of the earth, live the way the nationals live, sleep the way they sleep, eat what they eat, and I struggle to get support? Give me a break!" It is right here than many of the faithful fall. Friend, it ain't over till the trumpet sounds! So, don't be weary in well doing for your shall reap if you don't faint. "Pray that ye faint not." Now consider -

1. Humiliation - "things...happen to ME" 1:12

2. Manifestation - "manifest in the palace and..." 1:13

3. Communication - "many are bold to speak without fear 1:14

4. Agitation - "envy...strife..." 1:15a

5. Dedication - "good will" 1:15b

6. Simulation - "contention, not sincerely" 1:16

7. Illumination - "of love" 1:17

8. Celebration - "I rejoice" 1:18

This coming week will shall enlarge upon each of these points, so read them carefully and prayerfully. Meditate upon them and see what you discover. Until tomorrow -

BLESSINGS!