pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: transformed


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Finding Contentment and Peace

Reading: Philippians 4:10-14

Philippians 4:12b – “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

Today’s words from Paul speak of a topic that many find elusive today. This is especially true when we are younger or are not yet mature in our faith. At these stages we are still very much concerned with or even infatuated with the things of this world. When in love with the things of this world, almost all of us live on the “treadmill” – better jobs, more money, newer and bigger houses, boats… – seeking the next “success” over and over again.

As our passage for today begins, Paul expresses his thanks for the collection that the church in Philippi took up for him. It is a way that they can show their concern for Paul. While he appreciates the gift and the thought, it wasn’t necessarily needed. Since coming to faith in Jesus, Paul’s life has been transformed. In his “old life” Paul had doggedly pursued success and recognition in his chosen field: Pharisee. In his “new life in Christ” these things do not matter. Through times of need and abundance, through times of blessing and poverty, Paul has not tried to rely on his own gifts and talents. He has learned to trust in God to provide.

Because of this humble trust in God, Paul can write, “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.” No matter what this world gives or takes, no matter what this world throws at him or against him, Paul has come to believe that all will be well through “the power of the one who gives me strength.” In Christ, Paul has found the source of peace and contentment. That’s the secret! May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, as we consider how to find contentment and peace, we recognize first that we all battle envy or jealousy or pride now and then. So we all ask for your power and presence in our lives. Second, Lord, we all ask that you would mature our faith, building up our trust, our humility, and our belief in your love, care, and provision. Relying not on our own strength but on yours, we can be children of your kingdom, O God. Amen.


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Pursuing God

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:5-12

1st Timothy 6:12 – “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.”

As Paul closes his first letter to Timothy he lays out the difference between being faithful and wanting to look faithful. We see this today in our world as people claim to follow Jesus and then say and do things that Jesus would’ve never ever said or done. There is “constant bickering” in these circles and there is a constant desire for “more money” and for more power, more control, more… Paul’s words in verse 5 still ring true today.

Paul reminds Timothy that there is great profit in our faith. It is just not profit as the world defines this idea. Paul invites Timothy (and us) to be happy or content with what God has provided, whether food or clothing or whatever. This frame of mind helps to guard our hearts against loving and pursuing the things of this world. This contrasts sharply with those trying to “get rich” or to accumulate others things of this world. There folks easily “fall into temptation” as they become trapped in the endless cycle of “more!” Some of these have even “impaled themselves with a lot of pain” in their pursuit of earthly things.

Timothy is encouraged to “run away from these things.” Paul encourages him to pursue the things of God: “righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, gentleness.” These are the things we too are to pursue. Paul then implores Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To deny self, to not pursue the things of this world, it is a fight, a battle. In my study Bible the commentary notes, “In the end we will become not what we own but what we do.” Pursuing God, may we be transformed more and more into God’s image and character, day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, fix our eyes and hearts on you. By this same power, guard our eyes and hearts against those things that our culture values. Lead us to find peace and contentment, joy and pleasure in all that you provide. Amen.


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Heaven-focused

Reading: Philippians 3:17-21

Philippians 3:19 – “Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in… earthly things.”

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Paul, in much of his writing, is pretty black and white. There is some gray, but not a lot. For Paul, you are a follower of Jesus or you are not. You love God and neighbor or you do not. You live out grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness or you do not. Paul is arriving to paint a picture of faithful living that is 24/7. While we know this is the goal and we strive daily to reach the goal, we also must acknowledge that we are not perfect. We sometimes fail to always live out the example set by Christ.

In today’s passage Paul invites the Philippians to “use us as models.” Paul and companions strive to follow Jesus’ example. He then draws a contrast with those who “live as enemies of the cross.” Of these people Paul writes, “Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in… earthly things.” Do you know folks who live for pleasure and/or simply to fulfill their own desires and wants? Do you see people like this on social media and on other media? Were you once there?

Paul contrasts the life of a Christ-follower with those focused on earthly things. A Christ-follower is focused towards heaven and towards Jesus Christ, the one who will one day “transform our humble bodies” to be like his heavenly body. While Paul definitely encourages living the faith out in this present world, he also longed to be transformed. This is the “now and then” of our faith. Day by day may we live as Christ, each day growing closer to what we will be when we too are transformed.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to walk the walk of faith all of the time. Our spirit is willing but the temptations are real too. By the power of your Holy Spirit, build us up, strengthen and encourage us to faithful living. And, Lord, when we stumble, draw us quickly back to you. Amen.