World View and Purpose

At LifePointe we are currently walking verse by verse through the letter to the church at Philippi. Though I have read it countless times in my journey with God, I have never really studied it. It is a book depth written by a deeply passionate man. God is using it to move me to a deeper place.
This week, I have seen in a real clear way what shaped Paul's world view and why he never strayed from the purpose he was entrusted with. 2 things primarily shaped his world view and show us why he saw the world in the way that he did. He saw everything through the lens of these 2 things. Here they are:

1. His life was not his own. He belonged to Christ, not Paul. So when something happened or did not go his way - he just accepted it. There was no pouting and feeling sorry for himself, but he embraced whatever it was that came his way.
   
2. His purpose was advancing the gospel. As long as that was taking place then he was good about whatever he was forced to go through.

Everything was literally seen through the lens of these two important things. They kept him focused and on task with his life. Here are 2 passages that bring confirmation concerning the "shapers" for him.

Philippians 1: 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
The gospel was advancing and it was clear that his imprisonment was for Christ. So in spite of being in a Roman prison, Paul embraced his circumstances as okay because his life was not his own and his primary purpose was the advancement of the gospel. That is why he rejoiced in a Roman prison. He trusted in the sovereignty of God leadership.

2 Corinthians 5: 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
He concluded that because Jesus died and Paul had believed that was the only way to live, then he would not orchestrate his life for his comfort and pleasure but his life would live for him who died. Whatever that might mean or bring.

These 2 are the only ways to get through the things we face. Our lives are to be for Him and as long as we are living as if our lives are not our own and that the gospel is advancing, then we are right in the middle of God's will and able to see clear in the midst of the chaos of this world.

Is this how you see the world? It is why Paul made an impact in his culture and handled his persecutions and struggles with rejoicing. I want this for me.

The Stirring of God

In my heart I am a writer, not necessarily a good one, but when I write I do feel alive. It seems that I write when God is stirring and when God is going to bring about change in my life. Change is needed, just not sure what that change will be, where it will lead, and what form it will take.

The stirring began a couple of weeks ago and I am being drawn deeper in my pursuit of God that I have not known in quite some time. I am tasting that He is good and drinking in the goodness of fellowship with Him.

Here are the ways God is moving:

• Hunger to read the word has greatly increased.
• Engaging in more spiritual conversations with people.
• Deeper insight as I read, study, and prepare for Sundays.
• Deeper hatred of sin and love of righteousness.

Change come on. God stir my love and passion for you to new places.

Here I am, send me! I will go.