...holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church at Philippi and makes a strange statement. Paul is saying, "Please make sure I don't spend my life in ministry by wasting it on people who are not growing in their faith and commitment to Jesus."
Did you ever hear the term "throwing money down a hole"? It is usually used when you are wasting resources on something. You know the experience. The car starts breaking down on a regular basis. It begins to not just be oil changes and tires, but transmissions, motors, air conditioner condensers and suddenly you have spent more in repairs in one year than it would have cost to buy a new car. That is "throwing money down a hole". Everyone who owns a swimming pool knows the feeling of throwing money in the big hole in your back yard.
Paul says in Philippians 4:1 "you are my joy and crown". He means that they are the product of his ministry. His prayer request to the Thessalonian church was: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2 and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. (NAS)
Don't let me waste my ministry. Don't let me throw money down a hole. Paul had experienced the waste. He mentions in Colossians 4:14 to greet Demas. He later mentions him again in: 2 Timothy 4:10 "for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica". (NAS)
Paul said to the Corinthian church: 2 Corinthians 6:1 "Do not receive the grace of God in vain". He indicates that what we receive from God needs attention. Paul has planted the church in Philippi and had heard of their struggles. He desires them to mature in their faith. He wants to see the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.
God desires you to not throw away what you have received from Him. Salvation is a gift; use it wisely. Growing in grace and in the likeness of Jesus is the desire of God for your life. Philippians 2:16 "Hold fast the word of life".
Greetings from Starbucks in Tempe, AZ.
Sandy and I had a wonderful time in Quartzsite. We were able to share Christ with many, teach h our morning devotionals and have a great time of fellowship with the folks from Campers on Mission as well as the Quartzsite Southern Baptist Church.
Henry Smart was the preacher for the revival. He did a grab job of sharing each night. It was good to have fellowship with him and his wife, Pat. We have known them for many years.
We celebrated our grandson, Burke's eleventh birthday on Monday night. We had a grab time with the f emily. Several of us have the bad cold that is going around so we shared that too.
Sandy was back teaching her BIble Study this morning. She so enjoys teaching. In my opinion she is a very wonderful teacher. I will be speaking at a Men's Breakfast at Grace Community Church on Saturday morning. I look forward to sharing with them. They are such a great group of men as well as a great church.
My mind went to memories this week. I think that is a perk of getting old. There are so many fond memories of the people God has put into our lives. To reminisce about them gives you a warm feeling. Sandy and I have lived in seven staters and been involved in many churches over the years which gives us many, many memories.
It does my heart good to remember people of the past and how God has worked in their lives. Makes me think that maybe the ministry God called me to so many years ago has not resulted in "money thrown down a hole".
Thanks for your love, concern, prayers and support. God bless you all. ~ DGW
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