The Things of Others

 Philip 2:4
 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

We all have our own things to do. Some of those things are vital to our survival and well-being. But the things that Paul is referring to are those things that bring us pleasure and ease of life. The attraction of the things of this world has a way of taking our eyes off the things that are more important to keep us faithful to Christ. Jesus said not to worry about the things of tomorrow, for the Father is sufficient to provide for things today. Instead, we have to consider the needs of others, and be more concerned that the things of others are attended to. We have to look out for each other as the body of Christ. There are those in our community of believers that need a helping hand. It is good to remember them in prayer, but the community of the local church should put action to their prayers and reach out to help those who are suffering emotionally, financially, and socially.  We are admonished to “Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor, preferring one another” (Roman 10:12).  God’s word not only teaches us to reach out to others who do not know Christ, but we also demonstrate Christian grace to others who are part of the family of God. The world looks at the church and needs to see that they are united in love. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have loved one to another.” (John 13:35). The trademark of a healthy church is seen in the way they treat each other. Yes, we should not neglect our own health and well-being in all ways, but in doing so, let us not forget the things of others.

What Do We Really Need?

 Philip 4:19
But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
What do we really need? Human survival is dependent on food, water, and shelter, the basic needs to stay alive. Going without for any stretch of time will eventually lead to death. Good people who are Christians have died from lack of food and water. Lack of proper shelter from the elements of nature and casualty of war have brought death to many good people who have known God. So, did God not supply their needs during these times? We also know that all things work together for good for us according to His purpose. What do we really need? We need God’s grace, God’s help during hard times, times when all seems to be going wrong. We need His strength, His love and peace. Peace that passes all understanding. We may not receive what we think we need to stay alive on this earth, but our lives are according to the will of God and His purpose. Grace to live, and grace to die. Jesus, He is all that I need.

He Supples All Our Needs

 Philippians 4:19
 But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
What is it that you need? We are three dimensional beings, we have physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. We need food to keep our bodies functional and healthy, shelter to keep up safe from the elements of nature. Emotionally, we have needs of belonging and connecting with others. But our greatest need is our spiritual needs. We all were born with a void in our heart that desires to be one with our Creator. This need was provided to us by Christ. He is our all in all. He is all we need. Our physical and emotional needs can be found when we make Him first in our lives. Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things (needs) shall be added unto you.” According to His will, for He knows what is best for us. He did not say that He would grant our every wish or desire. Set our affections on things above, and not on things below. The things below are corruptible, they are temporary and fade away. But the things above are eternal, lasting forever. Examine our needs in light of His will, submitting our lives daily to the one who created us.

The Rest of God

Hebrew. 4:9,16 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God…Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

God is not blind to our needs. His word reveals the very motives of our heart and the desires to enter into His rest. Rest from the struggles of the flesh, rest from the condemnation and guilt of sin. We can come without fear into the presences of God, knowing that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father. He who has experience the struggle of life on earth and know our weakness, makes our petitions in our behalf to the Father. We can lay all our cares and burdens at the throne of God, and rest in His grace. Our works to please God must go beyond the works of righteousness. God is pleased with our good deeds, but it is not the works of the flesh that give us rest.  It is faith in His mercy and grace given to us through Christ that we can enter into His rest. Let us not stop short of this promise. Let us cast away our fears and trust of God who knows all things and desires to help us in time of need.

He Will Meet Our Needs

Matt. 6:32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.

Eating, drinking, and shelter are natural instincts of human nature. Yet, Jesus says, not to worry about such things. I believe there is a deeper truth here than what is implied. Our spiritual needs should supersede our temporal needs. This body will die and pass away, but the spirit of this body will live for eternity. It is a step of faith to believe what you cannot see. Eternal life is beyond understanding. We live each day for food and shelter. We work each day to provide for the needs of the flesh and its comforts. We worry how we are going to make ends meet. There is a responsibility on our part to work. God has given us strength, talents, and a brain to accomplish many things, but our love and affections should be to first seek the Kingdom of God. We must do our best, and trust God to do the rest. At the end of our resources, He give us what we need when we need it. 

Ask, Seek, Knock

Mat. 7: 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Ask, seek, and knock is the formula that Jesus gave to those who were concern about having their needs provided. As we commit our will to God, asking becomes more God center and less self center. Our needs are more about asking God to help others. That does not mean we don’t ask Him for personal needs. Food, shelter, and safety are things that allows us to feel secure and cared for. God cares about our well being, and wants us to look to Him during our time of need. 

Chariots and Horses

Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”-

In the society we live, we depend on “chariots and horses” to make a living. It is a challenge for a society that is prosperous and seemly having little need to rely on God to supply their needs. We have plenty and have need of nothing. Obviously, not everyone in our society is wealthy and secure. There are many who have little and survive to make ends meet. But, as a culture, we trust that our jobs will be there tomorrow and that we will not go hungry. It is hard for people to see that they need God. It is not until the chariots and horses and taken away that people realize that there is more to life than things. It is important that those who serve God keep things in prospective. It is God that supplies our needs. I’m thankful for the material things that God has provided and the many blessing that they bring, but Jesus is really all we need. Someday, we all may be tested. I admit, if that day ever comes, it will not be easy. But I pray that God will help me to hold loosely to the things of this world and cling to Him for the things that really matter in life. Jesus, family, friendship are what make life worth living. No time to stress out over things. May I learn to trust in the name of the Lord and hold on to those things that matter to Him. 

Angels of God

Psalm 91:11 “For He shall give His angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.”-

I have never seen an angel, but it does not mean they are not present. Angels are sent from God to protect those who love Him and desire to serve Him. An angel may also be sent to someone to show them the error of their ways. As the Angel of the Lord was sent to Balam to keep him from making a wrong decision. God created angels to worship Him as we read in Isaiah where angel bowed before the throne of God, crying out “holy, holy, holy”.  Angels also execute His charges to watch and keep us in the way we should walk. Angels are not human, even though they often take on human form. There are countless stories from those who received assistance from someone who then quickly vanished from their sight. Wether theses being were actually human or not, can always be speculated, but none the less, God sends “angels” to us in time of need. I don’t know if I will ever seen an angel in my life time, but I believe that God has an angel that watches over me, and will come to my aid in the time my need.