I AM SECOND: WHEN I CARE MORE ABOUT OTHERS THAN MYSELF

I plan (according to Jesus’ plan) to send Timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. Oh, how that will do my heart good! I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you. Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus. But you know yourselves that Timothy’s the real thing. He’s been a devoted son to me as together we’ve delivered the Message.   Phil. 2:19-21 MSG

So yesterday I asked the question ARE  YOU REALLY CONCERNED?  Simply because the people of LIGHT, Disciples of Christ, followers of Christ should be concerned.  There's so much to be concerned about, but the question is what are you going to do about those things that concern you?  Will you politic and rally signatures for your cause or will you look to the WORD and see what CHRIST CALL's, TELL's COMMANDS us to do when...............................  While Paul was sitting in a prison, chained to someone...you know what he did?  You know what the GOD in him, inspired him to do?   Write letters of encouragement and instructions.  Not letters railing the authorities, the Roman gov't, or whoever it was that ratted him out and got him there.....he wrote letters of encouragement.  In this particular letter he writes about Timothy, his protégé' and he said that "he's genuinely concerned for you! While others are focused on themselves, he's concerned about the things of GOD and he's the real thing!"  Just reading that makes me wish Timothy was on his way to see me.

Which is where I want to take this blog.  Lifeguards don't make a lot of money, oops....many of them are actually volunteers.  So let me get this right, they go through hours upon hours of training  to get certified, to watch people who are having FUN, sometimes reckless FUN in the event their lives need to be saved????????   I want a few of these people around the church.   People who are willing to go through some training, and are willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of saving another....even though the person who need saving thought at one moment they were actually having the TIME OF THEIR LIVES doing what they wanted to do. 

JESUS tells his disciples to keep watch and pray, as He goes off to pray.  We know the story that they fell asleep, and this was the night they came to get Jesus.    Jesus is now at the right hand of the Father, and I wonder are we like the disciples are like lifeguards?   Are we falling asleep on the job of doing the VERY THINGS CHRIST instructs us to do?  Are we LIFEGUARDS, like Timothy's that are SO GENUINELY CONCERNED about the welfare of others, that we keep watch, and we DIVE INTO LIFE HEAD FIRST with the purpose of loving someone enough to GIVE THEM ANOTHER CHANCE at life! 





THANKS FOR READING....back to my post!   LGLP247

I AM SECOND: ARE YOU GENUINELY CONCERNED

If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. ²⁰ I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. (Phil. 2:19-20 NLT)

I plan (according to Jesus’ plan) to send Timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. Oh, how that will do my heart good! I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you.  MSG

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. ²⁰ For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  ESV

As we look at this picture you can't help but deduce that whomever this darling baby is, it's totally unaware of who it is that is kissing upon it.   It's not even aware of the sacrifice that this person is about to make on it's behalf.   And if you are tenderhearted this picture can tug at something in you, that no matter your stance on .......................you realize that this is beautiful that this man is prepared to risk it all, because he's concerned for this child, or his children, or his family, or his nation to the extent that he's pledged his life to go off, and defend the freedoms he desires this child to enjoy.

Paul like this man, was concerned.  He was concerned for the people of Philippi.  He knew that they were in tough times, and that it was going to get tougher, but instead of writing them from prison asking for financial donations, or a pack of cigarettes, or why haven't you all been to visit me....he writes them informing them that he would be sending someone to them.   Because GOD IS FIRST in Paul's life, he's looking to the needs of others before his own.   Now Paul being a connected man, didn't send just anyone....he sent his young protege', his like minded brother, Timothy.  

WHY TIMOTHY of all people, look to the text, he " is genuinely concerned for you, he's concerned about your welfare......"   At some point the soldiers in these pictures were so concerned that it moved them to do something.   Now, I don't know if they every protested, posted on facebook their frustrations, led marches, rallied for signatures.....but what I do know they did....they put their name & life on the line by pledging it away for you and I.   Timothy too, could've ended up in jail, but because of his deep love for GOD, and the mission of spreading the Gospel he partnered with Paul and went, why, because he too was concerned.

So simply put, where have your concerns led you to DO? If it didn't cost you your name, your blood, or your life....did it really cost you?  Christ calls each of His Disciples to DIE TO THEMSELVES, meaning forget your agenda, and pursue His will for your life.   It means forsaking your will/way, and be willing to suffer for righteousness sake.   It means surrendering your style and preferences simply so the SPIRIT, HIS SPIRIT is free to express itself in and through you.   So I ask again......where have you concerns led you?  Or are you not that concerned, which is a clear sign of selfishness? LGLP

HE IS FIRST: We Shine when we Don't Complain!

Do everything without complaining and arguing, ¹⁵ so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. ¹⁶ Hold firmly to the word of life;  Philippians 2:14-16a


In a world, in a country, and culture where we see & hear complaints as regularly as we inhale and exhale.  We see it in the professional sports world, and unless your kids are in Upward, you see it in even children's sports.

But at risk of complaining, I will keep this devotional extremely short.  Paul, under the unction of the Holy Spirit says DO EVERYTHING WITHOUT COMPLAINING and ARGUING, and simply put....that includes your spouse, your children, your job, your boss, your church (family) y(our) Gov't, Obamacare, taxes, and anything else that brings shame to the CROSS of CHRIST.

If we are to truly be like Christ, then let's try to imitate Him, since He didn't make it a practice to complain either, neither should we.   I believe, me RAY, that GOD provides a space for us to come to Him with our complaints, and since that is an intimate space, there is no shame brought upon us or Him.  But when we share those complaints on FB, TWITTER, or just in open air that sends an eternal message that only confuses those looking for something different....we are to be that difference, the actual difference makers, shining bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.  So what will you do?  Complain or Shine...?  You can't do both.  LGLP247

HE IS FIRST (SHINE): YOU ALWAYS...what?

¹² Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. ¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.  Phil. 2:11-13



Believe it or not, we are all builders. Whether it's putting together bikes, cabinets, repairing busted pipes, tree houses, or just building something cool with a box of legos...we are all builders to some degree.    We are builders of relationships.  The questions though is whether you are following the blueprints, the instructions on how they should be done?  I mean think about it.....as kids we are taught what it means to share.  We learn from our parent, parents, teachers, and others how to relate to other people, and depending upon whether we follow those instructions will show in the finished product our relationships.

Paul is writing this letter to some dear friends in Philippi from a prison and he opens up saying " you always followed my instructions when I was with you...." So what is it that you always do?   As a builder the hope is that you would always follow the instructions, the blueprints because the minute we think we got this and deviate from the instructions, is the moment Satan has us.  Following the blueprints/instructions is work, because we have to read, we have to study, we have to make sure things are in their proper order so we can then execute.  Paul instructs us to work out our salvation...and like building we have to clear things out in order to have an environment conducive to building.  

Now the foundation has been laid for those that have chosen Jesus...next is working to build upon that very foundation with the WORD.   Getting the WORD inside of you is not solely for the purpose of being able to spit off scriptures to impress folks....it's to get those words to excavate your heart so that the WORD would bring the change necessary so that you'd become the CHURCH that Christ is returning to rescue.   

The blessing is that you're NEVER left alone in this building process.   Christ, His Spirit partners with you, in you to bring this process to completion but it doesn't happen without your partnership, your buy in.   This means you HAVE TO BE AT CHURCH.  This means YOU HAVE TO BE READING/STUDYING SCRIPTURE.   This means you HAVE TO BE WORSHIPPING HIM outside "WORSHIP SERVICES".   This means you HAVE TO BE PURPOSEFUL IN SURRENDERING YOUR WILL and PURSUING HIS.  Because one day you'll be done building on this side of eternity, and GOD will look to see if you were a CHURCH or a WRECKING BALL!  LGLP247 

HE IS FIRST: WHEN MY GOAL IS TO MAKE HIM HAPPY!

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? ² Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Phil. 2:1-4

Growing up with two younger siblings made life quite interesting.   For one half of our life we lived under supervision of my grandmother, and then by the time I was entering jr high we moved and had our own, home, and I was in charge while mom was at work.  Which gave my younger siblings ample time to give me grief seeking their own way.   I mean at the heart of EVERY argument James tells us is just that, selfishness, we desire to have things our way (James 4:1).  Now I don't want to come off as being the "good son" cause I too got into my share of fisticuffs with the dynamic duo.  But nothing broke my mother's heart more while she was at work, to find out that we were or had been fighting.

GOD is no different!  Paul expresses this in verse 2 of this letter by simply stating " make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose."  There have been too many wars, crusades, and church splits to count in our history all at the expense NOT:

 Agreeing Wholeheartedly...we struggle here, because we simply believe that our way is the right way.  Whether you are a mule or elephant, or whatever additional "man-made" label you affiliate your self with.   I remember a passionate discussion I had with someone who when the discussion was complete totally in love, we realized we both wanted the same thing for our country, we just disagreed on how it would happen, and who would be the best candidate.  Nonetheless we both conceded to submit to God, and pray for our country & our elected officials.

 Loving one another...yeah right!   We tend to love those who look like us, act like us, talk like, shop where we shop, and believe what we believe.   THIS IS NOT THE WAY of a TRUE DISCIPLE.  We are to reach out to those that are vastly different from us.  THOSE that are far from GOD, with the tool of LOVE.  Do you go out of your way to show, love or they have to come to you?  LOVING ONE ANOTHER means you have to DO SOMETHING and doing something is not avoiding them.  CHRIST came from heaven, and HE didn't seek to AVOID the sick, HE went to them.    

Working together ....what are you currently working on and with who.  If it's only to your benefit, or for your pleasure....then you aren't working in flux with the Spirit. 

TODAY is the DAY that the LORD HAS MADE, and I simply want to know, do you desire to make Him happy?  If so....begin agreeing wholeheartedly (not half-butt) , loving one another, and working together for the cause of UNITY & promoting GOD's KINGDOM agenda!  Enjoy your holiday, and I gotta go do these things not just in my home, but outside the walls of 1444. UP UP & A RAY!!!! LGLP

HE IS FIRST: CONFIDENT BECAUSE I KNOW WHO I AM

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.³ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,  Phil.1:1-3


While in a prison Paul began to remember when he was with a group of people in Macedonia and although he had a rough time there, he didn't choose to focus on that.   He didn't focus on how he had been wrongly imprisoned, of lied on....nope.   He remembered, chose to focus on what good came of that visit.   He thanked God for them.  (When was the last time you thanked God for your _____________________?)

He was only able to do this because he knew WHO HE WAS, and WHOSE HE WAS.  How do I know this....because Paul didn't start of his letter saying I, Paul the great orator, church planter, reverend, doctor, elder, bishop of all the churches I STARTED.....  He introduced himself as BOND-SERVANTS meaning they chose to serve JESUS.   They weren't enslaved, but rather they new they would be a slave to something as they had previously been slaves to themselves, or the pop-culture of their time.....they chose to BOND themselves to Jesus Christ.  Which means He's their LORD.  They choose to do their Master's will    They choose to live to please Him, not people.   

In assuming this position this means that if JESUS is their LORD, that He, JESUS has a responsibility to His servants.   This is why he could sit in a cell, and reflect off of the opportunities His gracious and good Master had afforded him.   Notice I said opportunities and not challenges.  If you truly realize that He's GOD and you're not and have surrendered to His will for your life, while you sit in/at _____________________________________ you should be able to reflect off of the opportunities while you are/were there that you got to meet, cross paths with, share/show love towards....etc.

Last night instead of going home retreating after the day's joys/concerns I went to a new member program we have called ENGAGE.  It's an event where people gather to learn about what it means to be a member of Calvary, as well as hear stories of other people that have been attending there, and reflect on do I, should step up my game to commit to being an ambassador of what Calvary represents (changing lives, and transforming communities).  I must admit this is like my 4-5th engage that I've attended; 1) to show support of anyone I personally know that is taking that step, and 2) because it's always good to meet new people, hear their stories and encourage them in Christ! 

 I've been called a Barnabas; an encourager, a giver, and maybe that's true.  But I do it because CHRIST did it for me.  As His BOND SERVANT, I desire to please Him, because on my own my life is out of control, my marriage is out of control, the ministries I've been entrusted with are out of control, just everything is out of control.   So I desire to surrender my life and the very things I care most about into the capable nail-pierced, all powerful, healing, creator of the universe hands of  JESUS CHRIST so I can trust the outcomes to my good, and His Glory as Paul did.   I pray you do the same.....LGLP

LOVE DOES......ALWAYS TRUST

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
⁸ Love never fails.  1Cor. 13:4-8a

If you google the word "Trust" this is one of the many images that comes up.  We've all played this game before where we close our eyes, cross our arms, and (hopefully) someone that loves you is going to trust you as you fall backwards.   In many cases the person is there and there's this sight of relief and all is well in the world.   But there are times when you best friend is so preoccupied with their life that they aren't there to catch you when you're falling.   There are times when you've left the home only to return and your children have breached your trust.   There are times when you've loaned someone money, the car, etc. only to discover they have disrespected what it is you've trusted them with.  There are times when you've given someone your heart in a relationship, only to discover they actually hold pieces of many other people's hearts.

When these things happen we want to withdraw away.  We struggle to love again, trust again, and for some even live again, but Christ shows us how to respond when family betrays us, when friends aren't there to support us, and when life is just down right unforgiving.  We are never in scripture encouraged to put all of our trust in anything BUT the LORD (Proverbs 3:5-6).

So then what are we to do?  God has trusted us with friends, children, family, communities, money, resources, etc....and trust we've blown one, a combination of the above listed, or all of them.....and He hasn't withdrawn all of His blessings to us.  NOPE!  He gives us the Benefit of Doubt, the Benefit of Grace, and the Benefit of Love/Another Chance.

THE BENEFIT OF DOUBT
This GOD-LIKE benefit sees the best in people no matter what.   It's looking past their present and seeing that they are better than that and choosing to believe in that.   I know this all too well.  It's knowing your child has God-given talents, but until they recognize it....you have to understand they are a child.   Which means they will make decisions and involve themselves ignorantly in things that will hurt them.   So what do you do?  Give them (I'm talking about adult & young adult children of course) the space of place and time to make their boo-boos where you still protect the family.

THE BENEFIT OF GRACE
This is where you choose to do something positive with the hurt of another.  Jesus didn't get offended when Thomas said " I won't believe unless........."  He offered Thomas the opportunity of a lifetime.   He had given Thomas the benefit of doubt, in knowing the limitations of his faith & understanding, and meted out grace.   When we do this....we act in kind with the Spirit of God, who has given us grace to come to the understanding of who God is as well.   We all have struggled in believing without fully seeing, but GOD's grace provided opportunities to experience the TRUTH of His Character.

THE BENEFIT OF LOVE/ANOTHER CHANCE
Thank GOD, HE is a GOD of many chances, not just A SECOND CHANCE.  Peter shot off at the mouth many times, and the one time he could've made his mark he refused even knowing JESUS.  But when Jesus came back on the scene did he remove Peter.  Did He DIS(owning) Peter?  Nope....He challenged him to live out His faith.   Maybe you need to challenge someone to be who they say they are, and live in light of what they say they believe.

We can all close ourselves off, from ever being hurt again...building walls that make relationships difficult, and closing our hearts off from even loving, but at the end of the day we'll end up lonely, and loveless.  I encourage you to TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART....so that you don't have to lean on your limited understanding, and allow Him to guide you into and through relationships.  He did say, LOVE HIM (with all your heart, mind, and strength), and LOVE PEOPLE!  If you really want to do what Jesus did......then it begins with TRUSTING THE FATHER & LOVING!  LGLP