Jean Stockdale...

Passing the Baton of Faith

My next Bible study is on the book of 2 Timothy entitled, Run Well, Finish Strong. The book of 2 Timothy is Paul's final book before he was martyred for the faith. Paul ran his race, finished his course, and kept the faith. In this letter, he was essentially passing the baton to his true child in the faith, Timothy. His poignant words to run well the race God has given him are deeply meaningful to Christan moms who desire to see their children come to faith and walk with the Lord. This study is designed to give moms practical ways to hand down a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to their children.

Sanctified humor and healthy doses of practical illustrations are incorporated with Biblical truth in this study. Any mom who desires to pass her faith along to the next generation would benefit from this study! The study begin at Bellevue Baptist Church in the Memphis area on Jan. 14th. Click here for more details.

The on-line study begins on Jan. 21st. You can view the 45 minute DVD, download the lecture note, and interact with other moms online. The workbook costs $15.00 plus shipping and handling. Click here to order the book (which is not required to do the online study but will greatly enhance your understanding.) Details for the online study will be forthcoming but I encourage you to purchase your workbook asap.

Interested in beginning a MOMS ministry in your home or church? My study is designed to be done by an individual, in a small accountability group or in a church setting with the accompanying DVDs. Book (218 pages) $15.00 plus shipping and handling. Contact our Standing Near the Cross ministry office at 877-409-5564 for information or click here www.jeanstockdale.com.

How to Hand Down Your Faith to Your Children

Join us for a 10-week Bible studyon 2 Timothy called "Run Well. Finish Strong" at Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN beginning January 14 at 9:30 a.m. Details here.

Can't make it to Bellevue, then join us online for "Run Well. Finish Strong." The online Bible study begins Jan. 21. You will be able to view the 45 minute DVD, download a podcast, and download the lecture notes at no cost. If you chose to order the accompanying workbook, the cost is $15.00 plus shipping and handling. Click here for more information.

Now Let's Get Back to Work

 Now that we have tackled the tinsel and packed away the ornaments, it is time to get back to work and get back to the Word! Study God's Word with us. On Jan. 21 we will launch a 10-week on-line Bible study on 2 Timothy called "Run Well. Finish Strong." We will learn how to hand down a living faith to the next generation.

You will be able to watch a 45 minute video/or download a podcast of the message, download lecture notes, and interact with other MOMS from all over the USA and hopefully the world. The messages are practical, humorous, pertinent, and Biblically based. You will be blessed, encouraged, and inspired! It is not required but you will want to order the 200-page workbook from www.jeanstockdale.com. for $15.00 plus shipping and handling. More details will be posted on this site.

Things I Love Thursday

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know that I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I love Him and I belong to Him. Song of Solomon 6:3 says, "I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine." Without apology, I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Roman 1:16).

Because I love the Lord Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, I love His Word. As a stay-at-home wife and mom, I have dedicated myself to becoming a student to the Word of God. As a college dropout, I am quick to tell you that a high degree of education is not necessary in order for you to become a studentt of the Word of God. I am a huge supporter of education. I believe in higher education. However, that is not my story. I was a poor student in high school - rebellious, spiritually lost, separated from God and His Christ, unmotivated, and resistant to all authority. 

AND THEN I MET JESUS. Since that time, nothing has been the same! At the age of 24 I heard the glorious news the God loved me and had a plan for my life. But I had a problem. Because of what Adam had done in the Garden of Eden, I was a sinner. My sin separated me from God. God had sent His only begotten Son to die for my sin and the sin of all humanity. If I was willing to invite Jesus into my life by faith and receive His grace gift of salvation, God would forgive my sin debt, give my life meaning, guide and direct me, and take me to heaven when I died. I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ.  He forgave my sin debt. He sent the Holy Spirit to live in my human spirit and act as my internal control; I had His Word to be my eternal control. God gave my live meaning and I live with the promise of heaven awaiting me when I die. 

One of the many things I love about belonging to Jesus Christ is His Word. A source of strength, a guide for living, promises to claim, hope for facing crisis, relevant instructions for being a wife and mom, precepts and pricnicples to build a fulfilling life on the foundation of Christ, and a Book that a stubborn, fractured, damaged, weak, college drop out can read, understand, and apply to daily life. So, (0ne of the many) Things I Love on this Thursday is God's Word.

Word of God speak . . .

For more Things I Love click here and visit The Diaper Diaries. And don't forget to come by and play 5 Things Friday when we will post 5 of My Favorite Things.

And please join me for my on-line Bible study on the book of Ephesians entitled High Stepping for Heavenly Places. Click here for more information and check back on Monday for more details. My study for MOMS is free, non-denominational, and designed to help MOMS of toddlers, tweens, teens, and all the way through turning 'em loose! 

You will be able to view my 45 minute lectures on-line, as well as download my PODCASTS at no cost. My 192-page workbook will be available here for $15.00 but is optional. Homework and on-line discussion will be a part of this study which will provide accountability, small group interaction with other MOMS, and tons of Biblical truth peppered with sanctified humor and personal illustrations. Blessings.

Upcoming Events for September 2009

Upcoming Events for September 2009

Jean will be speaking at the following venues in September. If you are able to join her, she would love to meet you here:

1. First Baptist Collierville-September 9th at 9:30 to Kick Off their MOMS group. They are studying Jean's 10-week Bible study on Phillippians entitled "Joy in the Journey." For more information about MOMS in Collierville call the church at 901.853.

2. Hunter Street Baptist Chruch-2600 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover, AL. 35244 on September 15, 2009 for Girl's Night Out. Call the church office at 205.985.5300 for more information. If you live anywhere in the Birmingham area, please make plans to join us.

3. Bellevue Baptist Church-September 17th at 9:30 begins 10-week series for MOMS on the book of Ephesians called "High Stepping in Heavenly Places." Call Bellevue at for more information or check out the Women's Ministry Website at www.bellevue.org.

4. Family Life Bible Church in Conway, Ar. 72304-September 25-26 for a Women's Retreat at Ozark Conference Center. Call church office at 501.681.7971 for more details.

Podcast. Are You Kidding Me?!?!?

PODCASTING. Seriously. I have been teaching Bible study for MOMS for the last 20 years. My sons were 8 and 10 when I started. They are 30 and 28 now! When I began teaching MOMS I had no idea that this is what the Lord had for me to do with my life (beyond the whole wife and mom deal-I was sure THAT was His perfect will for my life-but this . . . who knew?) but teaching MOMS has become the driving passion of my life!

I teach MOMS every week (Sept.-Nov. and Jan.-Mar.) at Bellevue Baptist Church. If you live ANYWHERE in the Memphis area, please come and join us. We have a wonderful time on Thursday mornings at 9:30! For information go to www.believe.org and click on Women's Ministry. We have a nursery for the wee ones and we are offering a program for home-school kiddos. Seriously, you don't want to miss out on this! We will learn how to deal with the angry monster (in your life and in your children), we will learn how stop screaming at your kids (its okay-we all resort to it every once in a while), and we will learn how to use our words to affirm our family as well as how to honor and respect our husbands. And then we eat lunch. Because we work up quite an appetite learning all that stuff!

I can hear you now. You are making plans to join us even as we speak. But what, you ask, if you cannot attend. You don't live near Memphis. Or you work. Or you just had a baby and the idea of getting the baby dressed and you dressed at the same time is seriously out of the question. Good news. I have good PODCASTING news for you! The messages will be broadcast on a live video feed every Thursday at 10:45 CST, starting on Thursday September 17th. And, more good news. if you cannot join us on-line, the messages are achieved at the same spot. This year I am teaching on the Book of Ephesians. The study is called High Stepping in Heavenly Places. Would you like to learn how to live this faith thing out? Would you like to learn how faith looks in real life, flesh and blood, nasty now and now, with a houseful of ornery kids with their own ideas of whose in charge? Well, join us. On-line. And, more good news. If you would like the accompanying Bible study workbook, that will cost you $15.00 plus shipping and handling at my website www.jeanstockdale.com. Check it out and we will get that baby in the mail to you ASAP. You could even get you a bunch of your girlie girl MOMMY friends together and do it as an on-line group and meet one night a week while daddy watches the kiddos! I'm just saying!

Now, what if you can't join us at Bellevue and you can't watch the message on-line, then what? Well sisters, guess what? We are going to PODCAST the messages. That's right. PODCAST. We have got the computer program necessary and the directions and as soon as Ray and I can figure this baby out, well . . .  we are going to PODCAST my Bible studies from this here blog. I think (hope, really really hope) we will have the PODCAST up and running within a week, although this from a person who does not know how to do a thing but write on the computer, but I have PEOPLE. PEOPLE who know how to do stuff. Techie stuff. So . . . if Ray and I cannot get the silly thing to work, we are going to call in our people. So, keep checking back. And tell you MOMMY friends. Tell them to join us right here at this blog for a healthy dose of sanctified humor, practical advice of faith-walking as a mom, profound TRUTH from the Word of God, the added benefit of some funny stories from my crazy life. And who doesn't like funny?!?!

Now in order to try to start this up immediately (within this week) we are going to start by PODCASTING my study on Philippians called Joy in the Journey. Who doesn't like JOY! Every MOM needs some JOY in her life. So starting soon, you can click here and follow the directions to PODCAST and hear the 10-week series called Joy in the Journey, a Bible study for MOMS. If you would like to buy the 192-page workbook to go with the Bible study, go to www.jeanstockdale.com  and we will set you up for $15.00 plus shipping and handling. Please tell all your MOM friends to stop by and get some JOY 'cuz, sister girlfriend, we are PODCASTING. That's what I'm talking about . . . PODCASTING.

Now, one more thing. If you would use this service, would you please leave me a comment and tell me. That would be so greatly appreciated! Blessings.

HUNTER STREET BAPTIST CHURCH-BIRMINGHAM, AL.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall. Daily we look into the mirror to see if we have bed head, lipstick on our teeth, mascara on our cheek, or all of the above. A glance at our reflection gives us a general idea of the way we are presenting ourselves to the world. As believers we want to develop the spiritual discipline of looking intently into another type of mirror–the Word of God. Out beauty will fade, but when we invest in developing the beauty of holiness the aroma of Christ will beautify our lives.

Join us for Girl’s Night Outon September 15, 2009 with gifted speaker Jean Stockdale. She will encourage us to find everlasting beauty that will not fade! Tickets are $15 (includes dinner) and will be available Sunday, August 2.

For more information click here and go to Hunter Street Baptist Church, 2600 John Hawkins Pkwy in Hoover, Al. 35244 (near Birmingham). The number is 205.985.7295.If you live in the area, please join us for a night of Biblical encouragement laced with a healthy dose of sanctified humor! 

Jean is an international Bible teacher, speaker and author of 7 Bible studies. Jean is personable, practical, and pertinent. For more information about her ministry click here. Her message will challenge your faith, encourage your walk with the Lord, and tickle your funny bone. Don't miss this sweet evening of fellowship.

And the Survey Says . . .

Most of you know that I have been teaching a Bible study of MOMS for the last 20 years. Since 2006 I have published seven, that's right, seven of my Bible studies and produced DVDs to accompany the studies. In September I will begin a new series on Ephesians called "High Stepping in Heavenly Places." As I approach this awesomely fabulously fun, but very daunting, task I am well aware of the rapidly changing social climate we are living in. Not to be melodramatic (although you got to know that I am not opposed to me some drama), but I declare I have never seen anything like the world we are living in. I certainly feel called to teach God's Word and exhort, encourage, and instruct MOMS with His TRUTH, I do not want to become irrelevant. I intend to remain conservative in my doctrine and refuse to change the message. However, I want to stay socially relevant. Frankly, that is getting harder and harder for me! There is a narrow path here and I don't want to wobble off into the ditch on either side.

So, my darling little internet bloggy mommies, I am turning to you in my hour of need. I NEED some feedback. Whether you are a momma or not, a Christian or not, active in your church or not I need to hear from you. Whether you are a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, a homeschooling mom, a brand new mommy or a grandmother, I would like to hear from you. Any female is welcome to respond. You may answer anonymously or email me at [email protected] if you do not want you insight to be publicly shared. Give me some help here. Tell me what you need.

1. What would I need to offer to you to make you drop everything and attend my study? I need to know what it would take to make you faithfully attend every week (for 10 weeks) and refuse to miss. What would you need in a program for that to be true?

2. What elements do you need from a BIble study that would cause you to be motivated to DO it? How can I motivate you to DO what I am teaching you?

3. Would you attend if my program was only available at night? Could you arrange for your own child care if we hosted it in the evening?

4. Especially if you are a home-school mom or a working mom, would you really be interested in committing to a 10-week evening program? Would you do the homework (about 1.5 hours a week)? Would you be willing to go to a study after a long day of work?

4a. If you are a home-school mom, what would need to be for your children (give me some ide of the age ranges) offered to get you to set this time aside each week and attend? Would you be willing to pay for these services? How much per child would be reasonable?

5. What cost would be appropriate for a Bible study workbook and program?

6. Would you pay for childcare if offered? How much per child for a 2.5 hour event?

7. What topics would you want to be taught (or do you think are relevant for MOMS today)?

8. Do you enjoy the dynamics of a small group setting? What do you like (your favorite part) or dislike (the thing you cannot stand) about small groups?

9. What would you be looking for in a small group leader?

10. As the writer and teacher of these studies, what could I do that would make this study more meaningful to you?

11. What other insight do you want to share?

12. I want a program that is so extraordinary that MOMS are frantic to register and come. Considering the cultural climate, what kind of advertising could I do to reach MOMS outside my own church that would COMPEL them to come, even if they were not a member of my church or unchurched?

I am not looking to write one more study and teach one more session. The body of CHrist has enough studies. What we don't have is enough women living it out on a daily basis. I want to know some fresh ways to promote the program. I am looking for ways to reach into the unchurched and unbelieving community. I want to reach single moms and working moms and ALL MOMMAS with the gloriously good news that God loves us and He is able to help us MOMS raise up the next generation for HIs glory! 

Now, you may just put your answers in a paragraph form and not answer every question individually. You may skip some of the questions. I meant to only ask 3 questions and here I am . . . a short epistle later, still going and going. So help a sister out and give me some insight ASAP (or anytime over the next 4 weeks or so). Pray for me as I seek to reach the tired, the weary, the disheartened, the worn-out, the overwhelmed, and the MOMMIES of this world for the cause of Christ!

Finer Things Friday

I have just finished a project. I have written a Bible study for MOMS on the book of Ephesians. For months I have been writing day and night, night and day. Some weeks I wrote 7 days a week to meet my deadline. The manuscript is 192 pages. It is a 8.5 x 11 workbook style book. It has 67,579 words. It is the work of my hands. It is the expression of my heart. And it is finished. It is safely in the hands of the publisher and will be released in August.

I have always struggled with procrastination. I am one who can come up with great ideas but I lacked the follow-through. I am easily distracted. I like to sit on the couch and drink Diet Coke. I like to ponder the issues of life. All this has made my propensity to procrastination problematic. 

When I became a Christian, I wanted to serve the Lord. I wanted to follow after Him with passion and urge others to join me in the aggressive pursuit of personal holiness and practical righteousness. This heart's desire was at odds with my natural tendency to procrastinate. It is evidence of God's work in me that I am able to overcome my natural bent and stay on task to finish a project. The completed manuscript is not one of my finer things; God's work in my life IS! 

For more Finer Things Friday, click here.

I'm Back

When I began blogging, I never dreamed I would take a break from this addictive but satisfying activity. However, life happened and I simply miscalculated the effect it would have on my . . . well, my life! I have been writing my 7th Bible study for MOMS. Since Sept. 2006 I have written 7 Bible studies and published them. We currently have our studies in 24 churches and 3 countries outside the USA via DVDs and my books. I never saw THAT coming! Each book is about 200 pages. The studies are written as 8 week interactive studies which contain 45 individual lessons with homework . . . just in case you think I am talking about writing brochures!!  Seriously. Seriously!! Folks I am talking about a word bank of gynormous proportions. 

I began writing the latest study on the Book of Ephesians. This happens to be my favorite book in the Bible. It is the book I was studying when I knew God had spoken to me for the first time through His Word. This study has been a personal love gift to me from the Lord. In order to write this study (or any of the others for that matter) I had to become sequestered unto the Lord. When I am on deadline, Is start writing 8-10 hours a day and often 7 days a week. I hardly leave the house. I don't answer the phone. I eat at my computer. I do not clean house or cook meals. I barely do enough laundry to keep Craig and I in clean clothes. Craig pitches in and takes up the slack-God bless him!! May his tribe increase! Joseph, my Siamese cat, sits with me in my little quirky attic office and I write. I write and I write and I write. Words fly. Obviously, blogs do not. I just hate I was not able to balance life better but that is not one of my strengths. I am grateful my buddy, Ray, has posted several blog post of late. Thanks, Ray.

Here is the big news. I finished the manuscript on the book of Ephesians last night. The title is not completely firmed up so I will share it when I am locked in on it. I am close but not ready to tell it. Many of you know that the first title I was using, had been used for a book!! I must have seen it at some point and filed it away as a great title. Having to switch gears once you get something in your head is not easy!! 

I still have a lot of proofing and rewrites to do, but the bulk of the work is done for now. The completed manuscript is due at the publisher by the 27th of May, so the end is in sight. I hope this will allow me to get back to chatting with you via the blog and sharing in your faith walk.

I have some great pictures of the Baby Grands to post and some funny stories to share. I have some glorious truth I have gleaned from my many weeks sitting in heavenly places with the Lord Jesus Christ. He has stunned me with His faithfulness and His presence has been almost suffocating at times! He has taken my breath away as He has revealed the fresh relevance of His Word. Some days I would barely stand to leave my office-I feared I would never be in His presence like that again. I wish I could explain it to you in more articulate terms but I can testify of the power, the presence, and the perfume of the Lord Jesus Christ. His presence has been so rich and I will never be the same for this experience.

Now, back to the blog. In the next few days I will begin to catch back up with so many of you darling sisters in the Lord. I feel terrible for neglecting you and am anxious to hear from you and catch back up. So please forgive my "unexplained absence". 

Now the crazy part is that I am thinking seriously about writing another study starting up in July. I have been writing 2 or 3 Bible studies a year. I am sure I cannot keep up this pace for much longer but am not ready to start re-teaching the studies I have published. So for now, I am waiting to hear from the Lord on the direction of this ministry and I am trusting He will show up again and again. I stand amazed in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Our family is good. The grands are darling. Grayson visited with JJ and Poppa today and Declan was by for a visit this evening. We are over the moon for these guys! I have just been to Orlando to teach 2 weekends ago and then to Pickwick to do a women's retreat last weekend. I had a LARGE TIME at both events and met wonderful women who love the Lord and rejoiced to share the Word. I am of all women blessed. Blessings, sweet girlie girls! I am BACK.

JOY IN THE JOURNEY-Satisfied in Jesus-Lesson #10

Satisfied in Jesus

In Paul’s day, the care of prisoners fell to families and friends and not the state. It was up to the prisoners to enlist help. Paul had no visible means of support. He was cast wholly on the Lord and the kindness of His people. The Philippians had sent Paul financial support on several occasions. One of the purposes of Paul’s letter was to thank the congregation for their generous and timely gift. Paul’s letter was full of heartfelt gratitude and spiritual instruction. The Philippian church had ministered to his physical needs. In turn, Paul ministered to their spiritual needs.

I. A Generous Gift-Philippians 4:10 Paul was grateful for financial gift Epaphroditus delivered and for the love it represented. The sacrificial financial assistance represented the Philippians’ love for the Lord and for His servant, Paul. Because the gift was based on their spiritual relationship in the Lord, their material gift was an occasion for Christian joy. The believers at Philippi shared a unique bond in the Lord with the apostle Paul. He had personally led many of them to the Lord. He had planted the church there. He had invested in them through preaching, teaching, and disciple making. He considered them his joy and crown, his riches and his reward (Phil. 4:1). The finances gift represented the riches in Christ they all shared. It touched a responsive chord of praise in his soul. Paul praised God for His gracious provision through the Philippian believers. Paul rejoiced in the Lord greatly (Phil. 4:1). Apparently, some time had elapsed between gifts from the Philippian church. Paul was aware that the passage of time did not represent a lack of interest, but a lack of opportunity. Paul wrote, Now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity (Phil. 4:10). This sentence sounds a bit like a rebuke but Bible commentators do not think it was meant to be. Perhaps a better translation might be, “You have renewed your concern for me because you have been concerned.” Bible commentators believe this is more along the lines of Paul’s intention. The Philippians had been concerned all along and had wanted to respond, but because of Paul’s situation, they had not been able to get aid to him. The church created an opportunity to send financial aid to Paul. Epaphroditus would be the courier of the gift. Travel in this day was very difficult. No lodging was available. Transporting food was a problem. Safety issues were a constant concern. Robbery was a common occurrence as travelers ventured through isolated areas. With little or no security patrols, muggings often escalated to murder. Epaphroditus would be traveling with a cash gift, making him an especially vulnerable target. Furthermore, contact with a prisoner of Rome was dangerous. Paul was considered a conspirator against Nero. Anyone who provided help to Paul was in danger of falling under suspicion. Association with Paul was risky at best. The sacrificial financial gift represented only a part of the gift; the danger Epaphroditus risked to deliver the gift was equally significant.

II. A Contented Convert-Philippians 4:11-13 Paul was grateful for the gift. It caused him to rejoice in the Lord for His supernatural provision. However, he wanted to make it very clear. His joy was not dependant on financial aid from the Philippians or any other source. Paul had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he found himself. Contentment is learned through experience. Paul had learned to live in complete detachment from his circumstances. Paul reckoned the circumstances of his life to have been ordered by the Lord. Consequently, he fared well in and through them because of his own relationship to Christ. Paul had experienced prosperity and he had known poverty. Because he considered God to be in control of the circumstances of his life, his soul was at rest regardless of the prevailing situations of life. Paul could rise above any set of circumstances and prosper spiritually. Why? Paul wrote, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).Christ strengthened him. As Paul sought to live in the center of God’s will, he could rest in God’s power, provision, and providence. Please notice. This verse, often lifted out of context, is a conditional promise. The promise of God’s power is limited to the sphere of His will. Paul was content. In poverty or in prosperity, Paul was content. In prison or in the pulpit, Paul was content. Full or famished, Paul was content.

III. A Satisfied Soul-Philippians 4:14-23 Paul was grateful for the financial relief that the Philippians had sent. However, he was not seeking a gift. His contentment was in Christ. Still, Paul was very aware of the value of the sacrificial gift - not to his account, but to the balance sheet of eternal rewards laid up in heaven for the Philippians. Paul wrote, I seek for the profit which increases to your account (Phil. 4:17). The love gift would serve to meet Paul’s needs, but it would accrue heavenly interest and eternal rewards for the Philippian Christians at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Paul knew the members of the Philippian church were not wealthy. The size of the gift represented sacrificial giving. Paul was humbled by their sacrifice but he was well aware it was impossible to out give God. Out of His limitless treasury, God would supply the need of these who had given with liberty. God’s sufficient supply through the Philippians’ gift caused Paul’s thoughts to linger on God’s glory and grace, prompting a doxology. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greetings were sent to the Philippians from all those with Paul, especially those of Caesar’s household. What divine irony. Paul’s imprisonment for preaching the gospel had lead to the furtherance of the gospel in Caesar’s very own household! Paul was satisfied, amply supplied, with the Philippians’ gift. Beyond that, his soul was satisfied with Jesus. I cannot help but think that Jesus was satisfied with Paul! I trust your soul is satisfied with Jesus. May you walk with The Lord Jesus Christ as a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. May you enjoy His endless supply of Joy in the Journey.

Today is our last lesson on the Book of Philippians entitled "Joy in the Journey." For a live video feed or to view archived messages go to www.bellevue.org. We will begin the MOMS MINISTRY in September. Please join us then to study the Book of Ephesians.

Jean's current writing and speaking schedule has kept her away from her daily posts on the blog. Please check back in next week when she promises to return. She misses you all terribly!

To purchase Bible study workbooks or further information on Jean's ministry go to www.jeanstockdale.com. Sign up for her newsletter while you are there.

Joy in the Journey-Trouble in Paradise! #9

A Fly in the Ointment

The Philippian church held a special place of affection the Paul’s heart. He wrote, It is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Phi. 1:7-8). Throughout his letter, Paul affirmed his love for them and the spiritual delight he felt for their forward progress with the Lord. But Paul was aware of a problem in the assembly of believers in Philippi. Sadly, there was a fly in the ointment!

I. A Word of Affirmation-Philippians 4:1 Paul longed to see his Philippian friends and co-laborers in the faith. He was homesick for them. In his mind’s eye, he could picture his dear friends and recall sweet times of shared fellowship. John wrote, You too may have fellowship with us; indeed our fellowship is the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ (I John 1:3). Sweet memories of the Philippian flock flood Paul’s soul, bringing joy to his heart and encouragement to his weary soul. Paul wrote, Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved (Phil. 4:1). Like a father proudly considering the godly maturity of his child, Paul reflected on the spiritual growth of the body of Christ in Philippi and it brought great delight to him. Paul writes, You are my joy and crown. In this way stand firm in the Lord. Paul knew God was at work among the Philippian believers. It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). But he also knew that they had chosen to cooperate with God’s purposes and plans in order for eternal work to be accomplished in their midst. It spoke to the maturity of the Philippian church and it produced joy in the apostle’s heart. Eternal rewards were laid up for Paul because of the Philippian congregation. They would prove to his crown in glory. A crown that the apostle would gladly cast at the nail-scarred feet of Jesus! So, Philippian church, keep standing firm in the Lord!

II. A Fly in the Ointment-Philippians 4:2-5 Solomon wrote, Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor (Ecc. 10:1). That is, when dead flies are discovered floating in a vat of perfumed oil, the whole batch is ruined! Dead flies give, even a vat of concentrated perfumer’s oil, a bad smell! And it only takes one or two flies in the ointment to spoil the sweet fragrance of the perfume and most is worthless. Likewise, in the body of Christ, one or two malcontents can spoil the fellowship and stink up the place! In the midst of the sweet aroma of a united fellowship, striving to fulfill the purposes and plans of God, a fly can spoil the ointment! Division among believers spoils intimacy in fellowship, shakes the faith of new converts, damages the cause of Christ to the unbelieving world, and breaks the heart of God. At the church of Philippi, Paul was aware of a fly in the ointment. Epaphroditus brought word to Paul of the conflict between two women in the congregation, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul urged the two women to reconcile their differences and live in harmony in the Lord (Phil. 4:2). Can you imagine what it felt like to be one of these two women? In a letter that contained no rebukes, no correction of doctrinal error, or reprimand for moral failure, in a letter that consists of positive encouragement to press on in the Lord, in a letter intended to be read publicly to the congregation, can you imagine? Can you imagine hearing your name announced as one of the two flies in the ointment that was spoiling the fragrance of Christian harmony? Just how much was holding on to that grudge worth to those two women? We do not know the details of the disagreement but I don’t think it was worth what it cost them. Mercifully, the reference to Euodia and Syntyche was brief. Much was left unsaid causing me to fear that the details were well known to the congregation. Paul’s gentle plea for unity is immediately tied to joy. These two women had lost the joy of Jesus. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near! (Phil. 4:4-5). The joy of the Lord produces a gentle spirit. Joy. Gentleness. Fruits of the Holy Spirit. That is the testimony the Christian world should be known for, not bickering and in-fighting!

III. A Plea for Peace-Philippians 4:6-9 Prayer and peace. There are two things every mom can use! Paul writes, Be anxious for nothing (Phil. 4:6). How do you avoid anxiety when children are involved? The answer is through prayer. Pryaer is a divine mystery. Why pray when God already knows our needs and requests? What’s the point? We do not know how prayer works but we do know that God designed it to encourage us to come to Him. He longs to hear from us. He delights to meet with us. He wants us to pour out our hearts in prayer and make our requests known to Him. The process of prayer allows us to formulate the cries of our heart into prayer requests, causes us to spend time developing a thankful heart, teaches us to praise the Lord, and invites us to participate in kingdom activity. While we cannot explain prayer, it is one of the loveliest of Christian disciplines and it moves us into a closer walk with the Lord. Prayer produces peace. How? Prayer brings the activity of the Almighty into play. It moves us from our earth-bound living and lifts our eyes to heavenlies places as we change our focus from our situation to our Savior. We begin to bring our circumstances in line with God’s heavenly perspective. Prayer produces confidence in God’s presence and power in our situation. It focuses our eyes on Jesus. Through prayer, we draw the courage to persevere, the ability to know God’s heart, the divine power to do God’s will, and the confidence to live in the audacity of faith based on the Word of God and made operational by the Spirit of God. Pure thoughts. Think on these things. Think on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise. Think on these things. Think on Jesus. When we do, the peace of God distills upon our souls, reminding us the God of peace is with us (Phil. 4:9). Oh the joy of knowing Jesus!! He produces Joy in the Journe

Watch us live at www.bellevue.org today at 10:45 CT or later in the Archived Messages for MOMS Spring 2009-"Joy in the Journey" A Joyeous Look at the Book of Philippians.

Joy In the Journey-Lesson 8

Press On! Lesson Eight

Most Bible commentators consider the apostle Paul the greatest Christian whom has ever lived. Paul’s assessment of his own Christian life was much more humble. Paul would have summarized this season in his walk with Christ this way, “I have not already attainted spiritual maturity, so I press on.” From the moment of his encounter with the resurrected Lord of Glory, Paul was a new dramatically changed. Once the dread of the fledgling new church, Paul had terrorized believers. Paul, full of righteous rage, delighted to cast Christians in prison for their testimony for Christ. Paul attended the stoning death of Stephen and rejoiced to see the martyr’s blood run in the gutter. But all that changed. In an instant. In a moment of time. One glimpse of Jesus stripped Paul of all the religious ritual, pious pretense, and generational guarantees of God’s favor he was banking on. His Damascus Road encounter with Christ left him blinded and reeling from a glimpse of the Shekinah Glory of the Lord of All. In short order, Paul, the newly commissioned convert began an explosive ministry. Paul managed to stir up so much opposition in Damascus that he was forced to flee the city (Acts 9:25). While awaiting God’s direction in Arabia, Paul evangelized Arabia, Tarsus, and Cilicia before moving over to Syrian Antioch. He evangelized the island of Cyprus and founded a string of churches in Galatia. He championed the cause of Christian liberty and helped the elders of the Jerusalem church understand the covenant standing of Gentile believers. Paul described Gentile believers as wild olives, (who) were grated in among them and became partaker with them (that is the Jews) of the rich root of the olive tree (Rom. 11:17- parenthesis mine). Paul pioneered the work in Europe. He evangelized Ephesus and planted a church that was greatly used of the Lord to plant other churches in western Asia Minor. After years of fruitful ministry as a traveling evangelist, Paul found himself imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. Chained to a Roman guard, the apostle turned his prison into a pulpit and continued to win converts in the ranks of the imperial guard and opening the door for the gospel into Caesar’s own palace. Yet Paul wrote, “I have not achieved spiritual maturity. However, I press on” (my paraphrase of Phil. 3:12).

I. The Pursuit of Personal Holiness-Philippians 3:12-14 God had mightily used the apostle Paul to enlarge the reach of the kingdom. However, the work was barely begun. Paul’s intention was to view his calling as if nothing at all had been done. His new plan was to put the past resolutely behind him and sets his sights on the work ahead. Paul wrote, Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:12). Paul set the past in proper perspective. The sins Paul had committed were under the blood. That is, Paul could get past his past (the sins committed prior to his conversion and those sins committed after).He we willing to receive the forgiveness Jesus Christ was freely bestowing (see Romans 3:25-26). Paul also saw his accomplishments through his Father’s eyes. Everything of eternal value Paul had been able to do, he saw as God’s power in him. He recognized that God was accomplishing His purposes through Paul’s yielded life and obedient heart. Like an athlete stretching forward to win the prize, Paul was following after Christ. Paul was competing, not against other Christians, but against himself. Striving to crucify the flesh, cast down the vain imaginations lobbed into his mind by the devil, and cut off the lure of the world Paul wanted to lay aside every encumbrance and sin and run the race set before him, with his eyes fixed on Jesus (See Hebrews 12:1-3). The prize was Christ-likeness, personal holiness, and practical righteousness. He was pursuing the ever-deepening knowledge of Christ – not for salvation but for sanctification. The goal was to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus laid him hold of him. Press on, beloved Christian. Press on! Run well. Finish strong. Stretch out toward the finish line and run. Press on, beloved Christian. Press on!

II. The Acknowledgement of Spiritual Immaturity-Philippians 3:15-16 Paul recognized not every one was going to line up with him on every point. “Let as many as are perfect, have this attitude,” Paul wrote (Phil. 3:15). Many of Paul’s contemporaries disliked him, feared his brilliant mind, resented his success, feared his zeal and passion, and resisted his message. Paul was not threatened by their disapproval or frightened by their disdain. Paul was not willing to engage them in debate and he was certainly not interested in becoming embroiled in futile arguments. Paul warned Timothy not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to ruin of the hearers (2 Tim. 2:14). Paul refused to lose his joy over those who were not making forward progress in their walk with God. God was perfectly capable of revealing error to those who were either baby believers, or misled and deceived, or poorly discipled in doctrinal truth. Paul was content to follow after Christ. And he encouraged his readers to continue to press on with the Lord. Paul wrote, Let us keep living by the same standard to which we have attainted (Phil. 3:16).Press on, beloved child of God. Press on!

III. The Reminder of Future Glorification-Philippians 3:17-21 Paul did not consider himself perfect but he was willing to take on the divine responsibility of being a role model of one who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He urged his readers to observe those who walk according to the pattern of godly men and women (Phil. 3:17). Paul reminded his readers of the reality of false brethrens, who were ruled by all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and boastful pride of life (See 1 John 2:16). These false teachers masqueraded as believers to bring dissension and division into the body of Christ. There are many enemies of the cross of Christ, there are also many solid models for us to observe. Paul’s reminder of our future glory is enough to lift our thoughts from the misery and mire of this mortal world and cause us to fix our eyes on the heavenlies (Col. 3:1-3). The Lord Jesus Christ will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body f His glory. In light of that, beloved, press on. Press on!

To watch live video stream of this message,click here. The message is live on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 10:45 CT and then archived at www.bellevue.org under MOMS Spring 2009 "Joy in the Journey". We will soon be posting podcasts of this series on this blog. Blessings.

Joy in the Journey-In Christ Alone I Stand! #7

In Christ Alone, I Stand!

As a young Hebrew student Paul’s hunger for knowledge combined with his strict standards had caused him to rapidly rise to the top of his class. Paul had excelled at his religious education, showing early signs of genius. He verbally sparred with his peers and handily outshone their meager performances with his razor sharp rhetoric and nearly photographic memory. He had rightfully won bragging rights over all the other students. The bright Jewish scholar brought his parents no small measure of pride when he went off to Jerusalem to sit under the tutelage of the renowned Jewish rabbi, Gamaliel. Paul, born a full-bloodied Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, from a child was thoroughly grounded in the Scriptures. His parents recognized the early signs of genius in their son. They carefully guided their gifted child and relished the brilliant future their son had ahead of him. His home life, his schooling, his accomplishments, his passion, his position were all part and parcel of the components to groom Paul for a coveted seat on the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling counsel. That is, until that moment. In a blinding flash Paul was intercepted by the resurrected Lord of Glory on the Damascus Road.

I. Religious Gains-Philippians 3:3-6 Prior to his conversion, Paul had vigorously pursued a life that conformed to the letter of the Jewish Law. That is, using his human giftedness, his acute mental capacity, and his ironclad willpower Paul had achieved greatness according to man’s standard. If anyone had reason to believe he could gain favor with God through human effort it was the apostle Paul. Paul wrote, If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more. No one had scaled such heights of religious ritual. He was born of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless (Phil. 3:4-8). On the human level, Paul could boast about his Jewishness. No one could have bested Paul in his national, tribal, or parental claim to his Jewish heritage. None could approach Paul’s zeal and enthusiasm for garnering religious (self-made) righteousness. A brilliant mind. A skilled orator. A learned scholar. A Hebrew of Hebrews. Paul was rapidly climbing the ladder of the Jewish hierarchy to rule the Sanhedrin. Paul’s rehearsal of his Jewish pedigree was directed at the Judaizers who mistook their strict religiousness for righteousness. Relying on a works-based manmade righteousness, they believed sinful man could find favor with God through good works, religious ritual, and strict adherence to the Law. The pretense of such heresy is laughable, knowing the sinfulness of unregenerate man and the fallacy of the flesh. In Paul’s day the rabbis were adding their interpretations and traditions to the Scriptures. As these oral teachings began to be written down, the Talmud emerged and nearly eclipsed the Torah! Piror to Paul’s conversion he too had been immersed in Jewish traditions and religious rituals. But then he met Jesus. Paul’s encounter with Christ revealed the inadequacies of man’s futile attempt to gain God’s favor by works of righteousness. Salvation is in Christ alone. Beware of what I call “pretty flesh.” Human effort clothed in religious activity by a believer or an unbeliever is little more than an attempt to disguise the flesh and make it presentable. When we rely on natural gifting, sheer willpower, or pretense “to perform” and appear to possess an acceptable measure of spirituality, we are controlling the flesh with the flesh. This exercise results in strengthening the flesh. Believers are to crucify the flesh and surrender to the Savior.

II. Spiritual Liabilities-Philippians 3:7 Prior to his conversion, Paul had been captured by the self-effort of a religious system, which was never intended to produce righteousness. He was relying on his personal Jewish pedigree, his religious education, and his good works to gain God’s favor and secure entrance into heaven. Paul’s manufactured religious gains had turned into a spiritual liability. His religious rituals had dulled his senses, masqueraded his sinfulness with self-righteousness, and blinded him to his spiritual bankruptcy and his desperate need for a Savior. Religion had gotten between his soul and the Savior. Then he met Jesus. One glimpse of the Lord Jesus Christ and all of Paul’s self-righteousness turned into filthy rags in his sight. Taking account of his religious balance sheet Paul’s wrote, Whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ (Phil. 3:7). Paul realized his religious gains were spiritual liabilities. He was religious, but lost. Morally upright, but spiritually bankrupt. Still dead in his trespasses and sins. Upon meeting Jesus, Paul discarded his synthetic self-made religious ritual for the substitutionary sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. An honorable standing before men based on self-righteousness could not compete with a perfect standing before God based on the finished work of the cross! Whatever things were gain are all lost to me for the sake of Jesus Christ! In Christ alone I stand!

III. Intentional Losses-Philippians 3:8-11 Paul wrote, More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ (Phil. 3:8). Nothing matters but Jesus. In Christ alone, I stand. Christ gave His life for us (justification) as that we might be found in Him, not having a righteous of our own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes form God on the basis of faith (Phil. 3:9). He now lives His life through and we are progressively changed into His image (sanctification) by the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death (Phi. 3:10). See Galatians 2:20. One day He will take us to heaven (glorification) where we will attain to the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:11). No other call to consecration can compare with Paul’s evaluation of Christ. Should we be able to grasp the truth of this text, the lure of the world, the lies of the devil, and the lust of the flesh would fade from our conscious state. The things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace! And, oh the joy!! Irrepressible, unexplainable, uncontainable Joy in the Journey!

To watch live video stream of this message,click here. The message is live on Thursday, March 26, 2006 at 10:45 CT and then archived at www.bellevue.org under MOMS Spring 2009 "Joy in the Journey". We will soon be posting podcasts of this series on this blog. Blessings.

Sunday Selections

One of my favorite psalms is Psalm 91. Much like a faithful friend, this psalm has grown sweeter with time. I have it tucked in my heart to encourage and comfort me when life gets tough (which if often, isn't it?) 

We build strongholds of anger, fear, unbelief, etc. You fill in the black with your stronghold. Relying on sinful habit patterns of the past, we continue to run to these strong towers when life gets hard IF we have not renewed our mind with the Word of God and surrendered our soul to the Spirit of God. When we renew the mind with the Truth of the Word, we are able to replace the lies of the old life with the TRUTH of God's Word. By surrendering our will to the Spirit of God, we are able to walk in the truth. THEN when life gets hard, we learn run to the stronghold of the Lord, our refuge, our very present Help in times of trouble.

Psalm 91:1 says, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"

The Lord is our stronghold. Blessings.

I Am Accepted in the Beloved

I recently met Kristen through her blog La Dolce Vita. Kristen, a wife and a mom, is also a jewelry designer. I was immediate taken with her unique jewelry designs which are available on Etsy at Kristen's Custom Designs. She has a large selection of designs and also does custom work. I ordered this custom made necklace from her and wanted to share how much I love it!

I chose this based on the truth in Ephesians 1:6. Ephesians 1:3-14 is my favorite passage in the Bible. Paul teaches the ABC's of our conversion. In Christ we are: Adopted. Accepted. Blessed. Chosen. Oh, how I love Jesus! And I love wearing this truth around my neck. The Jews took bits of Scripture and wore them on their foreheads and arms to remind them to think God's thoughts and obey God's commands (See Deut. 6:8-9). In the same fashion, I wear this truth to remind me of my position in Jesus Christ. I am Accepted in the Beloved.

I asked Kristen to share a bit about her story so that we might know more about her and her blog. Here is my interview with her.

Name: Kristen Andrews of La Dolce Vita  

Your Family: I have been married to my husband for 11 years, we have a 3 year old son named Will and a 9 year old rescued Greyhound named Kane. How did you start blogging? I started blogging as a way to connect with family and friends and also started blogging about my business and it turned into something that I really enjoy, much like a on-line journal.   

You will never find me without...... My cell phone and Will we do everything together! Also hand sanitizer, sad but true. 

How did you get into making jewelry? I am now a WAHM. I own and operate Kristen’s Custom Creations  at www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com I create hand-stamped keepsake jewelry that conveys a message. My hobby of jewelry making became a business after I decided to take a break from corporate America to spend some time with Will. I feel truly blessed to have a creative outlet and to be able to be home with Will. 

If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it, what would it be? Live the life you love, Love the life you live!

Beloved readers, I cannot tell you how gorgeous my necklace is in real life! If you are interested in a unique piece of jewelry, please click here and go there to view all of Kristen's lovely designs or consider ordering a custom piece from her. I also ordered my initials and it looks similar to this.

One of the things I love about the blogosphere is the fascinating people God has crossed my path with. Kristen fits nicely into that group! Stop by Kristen's blog and leave her a note. Tell her Jean says, "Hey." 

A Glorious Giveaway

Heaven Help Us! We're MOMS!

The sweet friends from the SITS blog are hosting a carnival of giveaways for Spring Fling. This is my contribution.

Are you frustrated, aggravated, irritated, agitated, and just plain twitterpated? Congratulations! You're a MOM. Now what?

For the last 20 years God has given me a passion to write Bible studies and teach MOMS with the Word of God and encourage MOMS with the Spirit of God. My accompanying 10-set of CDs will give you insight from God's Word. Laced with sanctified humor, practical applications, and personal illustrations from raising 2 sons and releasing them into the world to build their own households of faith, I will help you navigate the mine field of mothering through the study of the Book of James, "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall."

God's Word is the foundation for all we should do as a woman, a wife, and a MOM. However, most MOMS stumble at the point of taking profound truths and making the practical for daily living. Join me for an in-depth look into the Word of God for precepts and principles for parenting toddlers to teens. No matter where you are in the process, newborn, school-age, teens, or releasing adult children, you will benefit from this study. We're MOMS! Heaven Help Us. 

So could you use some help with the awesome task of mothering? Here is how you enter to win a 200 page workbook-style interactive Bible study on James "Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall" and an accompanying 10-CD set. Value-$75.00

1. Leave me a comment with you email address included-1 entry

2. Grab my button-2 entries

3. Fave me on Technorati-3 entries

4. Follow me on Twitter-4 additional entries

Please begin by leaving a comment. Leave separate comments for each additional entry. Enter as many time as you like. Contest ends at 2 a.m. (Central) on SATURDAY, March 14th. PLEASE NOTICE THE DATE FOR DEADLINE HAD BEEN EXTENDED. The winner will be announced on this blog and notified via email by March 17th and mailing address will be confirmed at that time. Sorry, this giveaway is limited to USA residents only. Any questions, email me at [email protected].

For more great giveaways click here to go to SITS. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings.

Sunday Selections

Bread of life. Feed us 'til we want no more.  Philippians 2:25 Paul wrote of the character of Ephaproditus. Paul referred to him as a brother, a fellow worker, and a fellow solider. The church at Philippi had sent Epaphroditus with a financial gift to aid the beloved apostle who was under house arrest for preaching the gospel. Paul considered the man to be a true brother in the family of God. When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are placed into the body of Christ AND the family of God. Brothers and sisters in Christ. Heirs of God. Joint-heirs with Jesus. Redeemed. Reconciled. Ransomed. Access granted to the throne of God.  Privileged. Protected by the power of God. Indwelt by the Spirit of God. Pilgrims. Many are the benefits of so great a salvation.

Salvation is a free gift offered by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. However, the Christian life requires us to work to develop the disciplines of faith. Ephaphroditus was a worker. We are to work faithfully. Study diligently. Aggressively pursue the things of the Lord to develop personal holiness and practical righteousness.

Ephaproditus was a worker in the kingdom of God and a warrior in the army of God. He worked faithfully. He warred fearlessly. If we are going to be used of the Lord, we must adopt the same single-minded determination to work for the kingdom and to war in spiritual warfare to glorify Jesus Christ. Work faithfully. War fearlessly. Blessings.

Finer Things Friday

Amy over at Amy's Finer Things is hosting a wonderful carnival called Finer Things Friday. Click here to go there and read more Finer Things Friday. Consider writing your own post and join in the fun.There is nothing finer than God's Word. I am studying and teaching the Book of Philippians to my MOMS Bible Study. We are working our way through this series called Joy in the Journey. I have been pondering Paul's admonition, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as light in the world" (Phil. 2:14-15).

Don't grumble. Don't argue or be drawn into a dispute. Seriously? Can you imagine how many homes would be transformed if we implemented just this one small fragment of the Word of God?!?!? Some people would not have anything else to say if it weren't for murmuring and grumbling! Obviously, if we would consciously choose to carefully guard our words we could consistently be lights in the dark world for the glory of God! There is no greater joy than living a life that is well-pleasing to the Father. There is nothing finer!

Joy in the Journey-Philippians-Lesson Five

The Marks of Maturity!

God created man to be inhabited by God. Indwelling the human spirit, the Holy Spirit had access to the soul (the mind, the will, and the emotions). He was able to supply man’s code of behavior from the inner most part of his being (his human spirit). Man was created to manifest his invisible Creator God to the world. When Adam sinned, the Holy Spirit vacated the human spirit and man was left with a sin principle in control of his soul – teaching his mind, controlling his emotions, directing his will and ultimately determining his behavior. His body became subject to disease and death. His soul was governed by depravity as he become subject to the lusts of his flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind (See Eph. 2:1-3). Man in sin was not what God had in mind for His creation. Sin marred the image of God. What did man do? In a vain effort to cover his sin without confessing it, Adam took fig leaves and made a covering with the work of his own hands – a pathetic testament to the best a man without God can do to deal with his sin problem. A man without God can be quite creative. He can invent systems of religious ritual and, using the power of persuasion, convince thousands to join up. He can be financially successful, socially savvy, and intellectually brilliant. Engaging his own willpower he can turn over a new leaf, employ positive thinking, live an outwardly moral lifestyle, follow a 12-step program to deal with his addictions, pull himself up by his own bootstraps, and make New Year’s resolutions. But a man without God cannot win the approval of God. His sin separates him from God. He must be born again (John 3:7). The only solution to sin is Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is God’s remedy for man’s ruin. On the cross, Jesus Christ paid for the sin debt of the whole world (See 1 John 2:1-2; 1 Tim. 2:3-5). When we meet God on His terms – faith and repentance – we are reconciled to a holy God and gloriously saved. Our conversion ushers us into a process known as sanctification. Sanctification involves our cooperation in order for it to produce a holy life pleasing to God. This is the slow process accomplished as we renew our minds with the Word of God and surrender ourselves to Holy Spirit, but we are progressively conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote about three benchmarks that identify our forward progress in the process of sanctification.

I. Walk Blamelessly-Philippians 2:14-16

Sin moved God out of man. Salvation gets God back in man. Deity is once again clothed in humanity. We become His ambassadors. Our representation of God is marred at best, but as the body of Christ is conformed to the image of Christ we show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:7).The church, having been built on the Chief Cornerstone, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (Eph. 2:21-22). Christians are to strive to maintain a living testimony above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15).We are to renew our minds with the Word of God in order to transform our behavior. Paul wrote, Appear as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life (Phil. 2:15-16). As we saturate our souls with the Word of God and surrender our wills to the Spirit of God, we appear as lights in the world. Paul saw the Philippians as a living sacrifice being consumed on the altar of sacrifice and service. In Old Testament times, when a person brought an animal sacrifice to God, he also brought wine to be poured out as a libation. Since wine is symbolic of joy and exhilaration, the message implied was the way of sacrifice is the way of joy. Paul considered his life to be an accompanying drink offering on the burnt offering of the Philippians’ consecration. Would you like to experience Joy in the Journey? Live sacrificially. Walk blamelessly.

II. Work Faithfully-Philippians 2:17-24

Sacrifice leads to joy. Service leads to joy. Paul referred to his beloved true child in the faith, Timothy, as an example of a servant. Paul was hoping to send Timothy to Philippi so he could bring the apostle news of that flock. Timothy’s reputation of care and concern for the apostle, as well of the fledging church, was well known. Timothy was a faithful companion, a compassionate servant, and a devoted co-laborer in the gospel ministry. Timothy had the heart of a servant and the love a son towards Paul. He was a faithful worker. Timothy was heavily invested in kingdom work – edifying those within the body and evangelizing those without a personal relationship with Christ. Paul’s use of Timothy’s example as a kingdom worker illustrated the presence of the joy of Jesus, which bubbled up and overflowed from the heart of Timothy. Would you like to have Joy in the Journey? Develop the heart of a servant. Work faithfully for the kingdom of God.

III. War Tirelessly-Philippians 2:25-30

Timothy was a worker; Epaphroditus was a warrior. If Paul considered Timothy to be his true son in the faith, he saw Epaphroditus as his true brother in the family of God. Paul called him my brother, and fellow worker and fellow soldier (Phil. 2:25). Epaphroditus had brought a love gift from the congregation at Philippi to invest in Paul’s ministry and support him during his time of incarceration. Paul intended to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians to deliver his letter and give a report of the apostle’s well-being. Shortly after arriving Epaphroditus become seriously ill, close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life (Phil. 2:30) to serve the Lord and minister to Paul. Epaphroditus put himself in harm’s way in order to minister to Paul. Travel was difficult and could be quite hazardous. Associating with a prisoner considered an enemy of the state could potentially label Epaphroditus as a traitor to the Roman government. Of Epaphroditus Paul wrote, Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard (Phil. 2:30). Indeed. Men of the caliper of Epaphroditus and Timothy are rare and worthy of honor and respect.

Servants. Soldiers. Workers. Warriors. Benchmarks in maturity. Blessings in the kingdom of God. Do you want to know outrageous Joy in the Jorunery? Saturate your soul with the Word of God. Surrender yourself to the Spirit of God. Walk blamelessly. Work faithfully. War tirelessly. Live for the glory of God!

To watch the live video stream on Thursday morning at 10:45 CT, click here. Then chose today's date from the drop down menu (Moms Spring 2009 Joy in the Journey) The message will be archived afterwards at the same location.