Scripture Readings Leading to
Sunday August 27, 2006
Philippians 2:1-18, 3 Christian Living
Acts 16 Lydia Grows the Church
Some days are like jewels. They come and go with a brightness that offers hope and illumination. Some days we are comfortable with ourselves and we do not spin or toil in anxious worry. Some days we are sure of our destination and the knowledge of a solid path under our feet. Some days are like jewels offered as a gift from a king.
Paul the Apostle writes to the church in Philippi of the hope offered by the life offered in discipleship to Jesus. However Paul is not only hopeful, rather he is expectant of God’s transforming grace to do a great work among the people of the church. When God has started a good work, God will finish the work. We take Paul’s words as a promise for our lives today. We move through our days with this hopeful promise offering that same solid footing for our life trek. This good work made manifest makes such a difference in the lives of Jesus’ disciples that they are easily distinguished from the common population. The goodness and hopefulness offered by the life focused on the mercy of Jesus’ love changes everything it contacts. True faith needs no introduction; it is as distinguished and rare as it is attractive.
Fertile ground is everywhere. Paul knew this and offers his prayers to all who would listen. Our lives have the capacity to make change and add blessings into others. The Christian life is not about finding security in the things of this world. We do not accept the grace of Jesus Christ so that we may avoid pain or suffering. Following Christ is costly in the ways of this world. Our value is found in the love of Christ. In God’s kingdom the bright shinny penny carries the same value and worth as the penny dull from use, lost, and forgotten underfoot.
The Christian life is full of grace. The Christian life is practical and moves at a thoughtful pace. The Christian life maintains the rule of love as the distinguishing mark. The Christian life is a gift from the King and is more precious than any bit of stone found on this earth. The Christian life completes our life path in full circle and like a dream, moves us a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11
Sermon Title: “Clueless”
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