The same holds true for my Bible. Even though one of the apps on my iPhone is the Bible, nothing beats my navy, leather bound, gold-engraved, marked up, Bible that I have had for years. And let me tell you the “apps” in this book are just as amazing. One of my favorite books in the Bible is Philippians. The four short chapters are packed with nuggets of truth for everyday living. I hope you will join us the rest of this year as we journey through Philippians and unpack some amazing truths that will apply to our everyday lives.

Philippians is one of many books in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul. Paul and his companions established the church in Philippi on his second missionary journey, which is recorded in Acts 16. This letter to the church in Philippi is believed to have been written in 61 A.D. At this point in Paul’s life he is imprisoned in Rome for spreading the gospel message to the Gentiles.

Let me stop right here. He is in prison. Please keep this in mind as you read through the book of Philippians. I’m often in awe when I read Paul’s words about joy, unity, Christian living, and humility, and the circumstances in which he is writing—imprisonment.

Paul begins his letter like this: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6

There are times in my life when I feel shackled to my circumstances. I feel in bondage to the past, but here is a man who is physically in prison and writing a letter of thanksgiving to his friends in Philippi. Not only that, he tells them he is praying for them with joy. Say what?

I can honestly say that thanksgiving and joy are the furthest things from my mind when I face difficult times. But what if they weren’t? What if I focused less on me and more on God and others? What would that even look like? What if I held onto the confidence that Paul talks about and truly believed that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion?

How’s that for a free app?

Ugggh. Can you imagine? Talk about hopes rising and falling. It reminds a little of the story we see unfold in Luke 24. Devastated by the death of Jesus, three women approached the tomb on the third day, only to find it empty. I can only imagine what they must have thought and felt in that moment. I’m sure they were taken back to the last days they had spent with Christ when He had clearly told His followers that He would raise from the dead on the third day. But in the tragic moment of His death many thought it was just too good to be true, and soon dismissed the idea all together.

“When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.” Luke 24:9, 11

Friends, the hope that is available to us who believe in Christ is unimaginable at times. We get caught up in our earthly trials and circumstances and the very thought of eternity in Heaven with our Lord seems like nonsense. Do you suppose if we tried with all our might to focus heavenward, rather than on the earthly, that hope might be more realistic? Not just too good to be true, but true!?!

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14

As the week came to a close, many rumors were confirmed about the future of this teacher. It was announced that her contract would not be renewed for next year. This announcement to the school community was met with many different emotions; for some tears, for others relief, for some anger, but for many, surprise.

I quietly observed, not saying much, and honestly wanting to stay out of all the drama. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly had my opinions on the situation, but my thoughts were challenged by the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit, and this particular scripture in Luke.

“All men will hate you because of Me.” Luke 21:17

Hate is a strong word, but it’s not a mistake that it has appeared in this particular passage of Luke. The disciples asked Jesus about the end of the age, and how they would know the signs of the times. Jesus responded by giving them several illustrations of what the end times would look like for those who believe in Him. Think about His response. All men will hate those who believe in Jesus.

The scenario that played out at our small school this week reminded me a little of this chapter in Luke. I watched as parents and staff took sides. I watched as strong emotions turned into flared tempers and parents started to lash out at one another. I saw finger pointing and blame casting. I saw pockets of people whispering and speculating about the fate of this teacher. I watched this teacher quietly retreat into her classroom as her spark for teaching slowly burned out.

“But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.” Luke 21: 18-19

Ahh, the sweet promise of our Lord. God has called us to stand firm in Him, and in return we won’t perish, but be rewarded with eternal life. What I failed to do this week was stand firm. It’s not important what side I took in this particular situation, what matters is that I didn’t stand for anything. I was just a bystander, watching events unfold.

A day is drawing near where our faith will be challenged in unimaginable ways. What happened at this school last week will pale in comparison to what is in store for us in the future. So I ask you, are you prepared for your faith to be tested? Are you living out your faith and standing for truth, or are you a bystander watching on the sidelines?

Isabelle: (sigh) “I just want to go to heaven right now and see Jesus.”

Madeline: (with a scolding tone) “Izzy, it’s too soon. There is so much work left on earth before we can go to heaven.”

Isabelle: (puzzled) “Huh? What? No one ever told me anything about work.”

Isabelle: (heavy sigh, frown on face, and arms folded) “Whatever Maddie, I still want to see Jesus now.”

Okay, I will admit it’s a little funny. I was trying to hold in my giggles as I broke up this argument. But it got me thinking about my children’s faith. Isabelle showed no fear as she declared her desire to go to heaven. I don’t think I could utter such words in fear that it might come true. I’m not ready quite yet. Of course in a moment of sickness, pain or weakness, I might wish the end was near, but on a daily basis, when all is well, I’m not thinking so much about seeing Jesus.

I became more convicted as I thought about Madeline’s comment. Though she didn’t agree with her sister, she realized that there are many who still need to come into a relationship with our Savior. Do I feel that kind of urgency when it comes to sharing my faith? Do I feel the magnitude of the work like Madeline?

It reminds me of the disciples in Luke 18, when they critically question Jesus about the children coming to Him. I wonder if the disciples had young children? Did their children ask tough spiritual questions? Did their children make bold spiritual statements causing their parents to fluster?

I don’t know for sure, but one thing I do know is the importance Jesus places on this particular lesson.

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’” Luke 18:16-17

Could it be that it’s easier for children to receive the blessings of Jesus because they’re not trying to be worthy? Or pretending they don’t need it? Or are they just humble beings freely accepting God’s grace?

These are tough questions for me to ponder as an adult. But what’s amazing to me is that I might never have thought about these questions had it not been for the words that came out of the mouths of my babes.

The walls felt as though they were closing in.  I climbed under the covers to get warm, but nothing would warm the chill in my body.  I felt my eyes grow heavy.

I must have slept for several hours because when I woke the hunger was unbearable.  I reached for my purse only to find a dollar and some change.  But there was a granola bar that I had managed to slip in my purse unnoticed at the neighboring convenience store.  I ate that and drank some water from the tap.   I can’t say a steak dinner with all the fixings would have cured the pain of emptiness inside me.

I slowly pulled on the grey sweatpants and baggy black sweatshirt.  They had certainly seen better days.  I glanced in the bathroom mirror and splashed some cold water on my face.  How hideous, I thought.  To think I used to not leave the house without make-up.  Now make-up seemed like a luxury, but certainly not the cure for the broken face staring back at me.

I don’t know what caused me to do it, but I suddenly felt drawn to the small night table by the bed.  I opened the drawer and there it was—a Bible.  I chuckled at the thought of the last time I’d picked up one of those books.  It must have been over a year.

A year ago I was happily married, working the job of my dreams, and you couldn’t have kept me away from church.  I sang in the choir, organized church events, and sat in the front row every Sunday, pouring over the pastor’s sermons.  The tears started to fall again.  This time sobs followed—heavy sobs.

I curled up on the bed again and started reading through one of the Gospels.  It talked about repentance and how the lost are found.  It spoke of heaven rejoicing at one sinner’s repentance.  Was this me the scriptures were describing?

Pulling the covers off, I slowly climbed out of bed.  I knelt down, folded my hands and dropped my head to the floor.  I felt shame—so much shame.  I cried out to God, “I’m sorry Lord.  I’m sorry for all the horrible things I’ve done and the people that I’ve hurt.  I’m sorry I was so selfish and sought the pleasures of this sinful world rather than seeking you.  Show me what to do, Lord.  Show me.”

A loud truck horn broke through my thoughts.  I went and peered through the window and found one massive traffic jam.  And then I saw it, right in front of the motel was a semi-truck with the words, “Come Home” plastered in red ink on the dirty white background.  I couldn’t tell you what company was advertising, but I knew those words were for me.  Was this the answer the Lord was giving me?  Would God really take me back?

“I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your (daughter); So (she) got up and went to (her) father. ”But while (she) was still a long way off, (her) father saw (her) and was filled with compassion for (her); he ran to his (daughter), threw his arms around (her) and kissed (her).” Luke 15: 18-20

When God ran.

It was late afternoon on Tuesday as the clouds rolled in and the temperature began to drop. I refused to believe we were in for yet another snowstorm in Colorado. It had been a beautiful spring day on Monday with temperatures near 70 degrees. Now the thermometer was dropping quickly and a chill was running down my spine. It wasn’t that I was so cold, but I could feel the cloud of worry settling in over me.

We had enjoyed a wonderful spring break visit from my mom who lives in Arizona. It was hard to see such a great time come to an end. As we dropped her off at the airport I silently prayed for God to keep the storm at bay until my mom’s flight safely took off. But that was not to be.

As is so typical here in Colorado, this storm came in with a vengeance. At 5:30 it was 42 degrees and lightly snowing and by 6:30 it was 31 degrees and we had three inches on the ground. Then the phone call came. I could sense the uneasiness in my mom’s voice. Her flight was delayed an hour.

As the heavy snow piled up outside, and the crawl came across the television announcing flights were being canceled at the airport, I sent up more prayers: safety for the passengers, Godly wisdom for the pilot, and God’s favor over this situation. I gathered my family and we prayed for Mom/Grandma and recited what I like to call the “worry” scriptures.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:25 – 26

Good point.

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” Luke 12:27 – 28

Are you saying I have no faith, God?

If He had spoken audibly to me in that moment, I believe He would have said, “Yes Child, that is exactly what I’m saying.” Here I was wallowing in my own fears, doubting the very one who holds the universe in His hands.

Upon that conviction from the Holy Spirit, my prayers changed. I confessed my sin of worry. I started praising God for who He was and thanking Him for His protection over my mom and her flight. Almost at peace about the situation, I read a little further in Luke chapter 12.

“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:31

You see I was laboring and spinning in my mind. I was trying to fix the situation, but all God called me to do was seek Him, rest in Him, and have faith in Him. Once I did, the worry lessened and my thoughts became clear again.

Four and one-half hours later, five de-icing attempts, and many phone calls back and forth, my mom was safely en-route to Phoenix.

Thank you God for giving our family this precious gift of protection over my mom. And thank you for giving me this much needed lesson on the foolishness of worry!