Philippians 1:9-11

Paul inspires me. Right now, I am going through a study of Philippians, and just reading about Paul's unbreakable faith in God is amazing. Paul is a prisoner awaiting his sentence. However, instead of becoming discouraged or thinking of how awful his life is, He praises God and prays everyday. Thinking of the situation, I would've probably had a negative perspective on it. I'd probably only think of myself, think of my problems and my trouble. When there are others out there who need help just as much as I do, if not more. What we really need to do is Praise God for his love and grace for us, and pray for fellow believers and people who are struggling or suffering. That exactly what Paul does, He is my example.. Here's a prayer that Paul prays for the believers in Philippi; "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" ( Philippians 1:9-11)

Paul's first request on behalf of the Philippians is that their love maybe abound and the two qualities he desires for them in this area is knowledge and all discernment. Also, the two ways that the approval of things that are excellent will affect us here and now is that we may be sincere and without offense. The source of the fruits of righteousness in verse 11 is Jesus Christ and the end result of these fruits is that we glorify and praise Him for who he is and what he has done for us. Paul prays for his friends in Philippi with Love, he implores God to lift them up in love and that they would approve things that are excellent so that they would be sincere and blameless So that they would bring praise and glory to God. Paul cares for the Philippians, he wants them to grow in Christ, to love Him and praise Him. Just like we want our friends to grow and develop a love and passion for Christ. Paul's love for the Philippians is clearly shown in these few verses.

Paul's prayer not only apply to our prayers for others, but also to the prayers we say for ourselves. With the example of Paul's prayer for his friends, we can start to make adjustments in the content of our prayers on behalf of those we know and love. We can be considerate and thoughtful of what they are going through and pray that they will continue to trust Him, talk with them and let them know that we care. Paul's statement about excellence in spiritual things makes me want continue to study God's word and to concentrate on greater growth in my own life as a christian. Also, praying for knowledge and discernment, praying always for those two qualities in my life and also in others'. We must take this to heart, to really apply this principle to our lives, Pray for others. Be in prayer always, Pray for knowledge, pray for discernment.. and pray that we won't forget the example Paul is in these chapters. Here is a quote by Paul Rees; "If we are willing to spend hours on end to learn to play the piano, operate a computer, or fly an airplane, it is sheer nonsense for us to imagine that we can learn the high art of getting guidance through communion with the Lord without being willing to set aside time for it. It is no accident that the Bible speaks of prayer as a form of waiting on God."

When will you pray?

Most of what is written above is from the book "Experiencing God's Peace" by Elizabeth George. A study in Philippians. I might periodically share what I am learning in this book with you here.
Praise God for his word and opportunity to talk with him through prayer. To Him be the glory forever and and ever Amen.

I Can Only Imagine.

I can only imagine,
what it will be like
When I walk
by your side.

I can only imagine,
what my eyes will see
when you face
is before me.
I can only imagine.

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I
fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
When I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I
fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you

I can only imagine

This song really spoke to me heart today.
How awesome that day will be, when I get to see
my savior face to face. I can only imagine.

Thank you, Jesus
For your faithfulness and love

Who do you Think you are?

Who do you think you are?
What exactly do you think you'll accomplish?
Is it just me, or have you become completely bizarre?
I once thought you were cool, how foolish.

Excuse me for being the way I am.
Tired of you looking at me, like I've got issues.
What makes you think you're so superior?
You're up and down, you give me reason to be confused.

Do you even know what has been happening around you?
Or were you too wrapped up in that thing that won't last?
Do you know what you want? Because it looks like you're comin' unglued.
I think it might be time to grow up, your chances slowly pass.

Excuse me for being the way I am.
Tired of you looking at me, like I've got issues.
What makes you think you're so superior?
You're up and down, you give me reason to be confused

Won't you, oh won't you
Why can't you be mature?
Won't you,, oh why won't you?

Excuse me for being the way I am.
Tired of you looking at me, like I've got issues.
What makes you think you're so superior?
You're up and down, you give me reason to be confused

Who do you think you are?


A song I wrote in partial rage. :P
This is one of the first songs I've written, soo... its sloppy.
But I don't really care..

Counting it all Joy

There are times in your life when you feel completely satisfied, Like nothing could go wrong, happy. Whenever I feel this way I wish that I could just hold onto it forever. But if everything were perfectly right, if everyone perfectly happy and content, how would we grow? How would we learn? I find this a fascinating subject. How true it is, that the trials and sorrows we face, fashion and mold us into mature Christ-like individuals. I often forget this, though, and think that nothing could get worse when I am going through something hard and difficult. It is then, I am reminded in James 1:2; Count it all joy, my brethren, when you face various trials.. We are told in this verse to count it all joy. Because it is the trials and temptations that make us grow in Him. I make it a goal to trust in God, allow Him to lead me, give Him control of my life when I am facing sorrow and heart-ache, Because I desire to become more and more like my Lord and Savior.

Psalm 84

How lovely is your tabernacle,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, even faints
for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living
God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself.
Where she may lay her young
Even your alters, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
They will still be praising You.

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
They make it a spring.
The rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob!
O God, behold our shield,
And look upon the face of your anointed.

For a day in your courts is better than a
Thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house
of my God,
Then dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 84

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

I'm the kind of person, where I care a lot about what people think of me. I'm afraid that I might offend someone, or annoy somebody ... and its kind of hindered me of just being myself. I've kind of trained myself to not do this or that.. even if that certain thing isn't wrong. Because I'm afraid somebody might not like what I'm doing, or... just become really annoyed. So, the more I think about this.. the more I realize... This is just messed up. Why would I try and be someone I'm not, just so that people approve of me. Seriously.. its stupid. So, I made a promise to myself.. that I wouldn't care! I just won't care what other people say or do. I'll be my own person, I'll do what I like, I'll say what I want to ... now, now, don't get this mixed up with something, like... rebellion. I'm not saying that I won't respect my parents, or just go out and rebel and get tattoos over every inch of my body, and Peirce my body in every possible place. No, that's not what my point is. What I'm saying is... God made me just the way he wants me to be. I'm a crazy person, that's that. I get hyper.. I laugh at everything... I punch people when I laugh... and, on occasion .. I do the voice. (haha, only certain people would know what that is. :P) .. That's who I am, and honestly.. I love who I am. My truest friends, are the people who really know who I am. But I never really open up to the other people. .. y'know? haha, but no! I'm not gonna care. I'm going to be who God made me. If you have a problem with it, I'm okay with it. Talk to me, tell me why. I am perfectly okay with talking to you about something. And I will listen and put it into account. I'm not perfect, I mess up.. so, tell me if what I'm doing is wrong, because I want to learn, and I will never stop learning!! That's what's so wonderful about this life, there is so much stuff to know about God, and his incredible creation. And I praise Him everyday. Yesterday, I chopped my hair off, and dyed it all blonde. ( My hair was below my shoulders and dark brown) And I understand that there will be those people who won't like it, or won't "approve" if you will. But, That's my personality, and I don't believe that I've really gone against any rule or law by doing so, I'm just expressing myself. haha, And I quite like it. :D So, I think this might be the starting point, of just being myself.. not being afraid of people. and just live my life, that God gave me to live.

Psalm 139:14
I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.