Quote from Forum Archives on November 29, 2000, 9:29 am

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

Today I'd like to share with you a set of scripture passages that
are among some of my favorites, because they remind me about who
I am, what is required of me, and what a healthy response is to
all of the issues of life. My friends, a humble recognition of
my state in life, a thankful heart, a forgiving attitude, a
recognition of the need of continual prayer, these are the things
that make the difference for me. These are the things that the
Bible has taught me.

I have read the Bible, on and off, throughout my life. As a 11
year old boy, I attended something called "Confirmation" at my
church. It was a year long program of study to learn about the
Bible, memorize verses, talk about their significance, and
confirm my faith in them. At that time, I did all of those
things. I did not question them; I believed them.

Even so, it took years before the depth of their truth really
sunk into the innermost parts of my being. I did not understand
it all. I STILL do not understand it all. But now, I DO
understand enough to recognize my need and respond to God.

These online messages are not any kind of magic. They are no
substitute for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I only
pray that they are useful to some of you as you pursue God. I
know in my own heart that God longs for time with me, just me,
alone with Him. I now long for that time, too. As you examine
your priorities and decide what is important, I pray that, more
than anything else, you will find time for God. Sometimes even
pastors and church workers find that the thing that interferes
most is being too busy, perhaps doing good things, but neglecting
their own personal relationship with God. My prayer, both for
you and for me, is that we recognize the things that interfere
and return our attention to the God who first loved us - or maybe
even recognize that love for the first time.

You are loved!

Brother Brian

VERSE: And whatever you do, whether in word or
deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17

VERSE: Through Jesus, therefore, let us
continually offer to God a sacrifice of
praise--the fruit of lips that confess
his name.
Hebrews 13:15

VERSE: ...give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

VERSE: He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk
humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

PASSAGE: Philippians 4

1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy
and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear
friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with
each other in the Lord.

3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, [1] help these women who
have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with
Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the
book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And
the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers,
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything
is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. 9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen
in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with
you.

10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed
your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had
no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am
in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know
what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being
content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything
through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover,
as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance
with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church
shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you
only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid
again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for
a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your
account.

18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply
supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts
you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice,
pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs
according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God
and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are
with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings,
especially those who belong to Caesar's household. 23 The grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

1. [3] Or loyal Syzygus 2. [23] Some manuscripts do not have
Amen.

The Bible Gateway bible.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/bible

=====
--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/
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