When I see those famous words, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Phil 4:11) my mind most often goes to learning to be content in times of trouble. Don’t you? But, you know what? You know what I think so many of us miss when we read this familiar passage?Continue reading “And when LIFE IS GOOD!”
Tag Archives: live the Word
Say something about sin…before it’s too late.
I’m thinking of picking up this hammer and hitting my thumb. How many of you would just stand there, and watch, and say nothing? Yet, this is what so many of us do when we see others walking in and toward misery-making sin! We say nothing. We even tell others to not bring it up.Continue reading “Say something about sin…before it’s too late.”
so FULL and SATISFYING
One thing about those people, at the church of Philippi, those very real people, with families and jobs and worries of their own—they saw opportunities, and they acted on them. As Paul closes his letter, he writes, “your care for me has flourished again” (Phil 4:10). Paul recognized the effectiveness of the church being theContinue reading “so FULL and SATISFYING”
There is a PEACE that eludes so many who say they believe in God…
You can recognize it, you can agree with it, you can talk about it all day long; but if you fail to practice truth and follow the ways of God…. you will never have peace! Paul, is in essence, saying, “Don’t just observe the Christian life, LIVE IT! Live it, like I’ve lived it! That’sContinue reading “There is a PEACE that eludes so many who say they believe in God…”
Let’s ask the Lord THIS and protect ourselves and our families.
Used to, I knew people who printed out Philippians 4:8 and sat it on top of their televisions. This helped them test what they were viewing. But, I’m not so sure many do that today. I’m continually amazed at the garbage Christians mindlessly consume…The Bachelor, Yellowstone, Fifty Shades, (and before I came across verses likeContinue reading “Let’s ask the Lord THIS and protect ourselves and our families.”
THIS is the way we fight our battles and walk in peace.
Slow down, friend. Take note of this. This is some help-you stuff. The Apostle Paul doesn’t just say take a passing glance at good things, he says MEDITATE on them. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things areContinue reading “THIS is the way we fight our battles and walk in peace.”
What if we were known for this?
Those are my boys goofing around at our family photo session. But you know, in all seriousness , if we aren’t careful when we are dealing with others, things can get quickly out of hand! Somebody is probably living this right now! I know I have had situations quickly go south when that was neverContinue reading “What if we were known for this?”
What would it look like to just let it go and REJOICE?
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! (Phil 4:4) You know, there is much to celebrate because of Jesus! I absolutely love that CHRISTmas will be here soon, a time when many intently focus on celebrating Him, but we can always rejoice in Him no matter what else is going on! ChristiansContinue reading “What would it look like to just let it go and REJOICE?”
This disagreement was affecting the entire church!
Well, there you go. Two women. Two women who couldn’t get along. How would you like your name being forever remembered for your disagreement? Clearly, this disagreement was affecting the entire church and word of it had traveled to Paul in prison. Paul has been passionately preaching truth. The words of his letter to theContinue reading “This disagreement was affecting the entire church!”
Those who walk in sin, as a lifestyle, better beware!
Now, if I thought myself mature for one moment and not distracted by earthly things (see Friday’s post, Phil 3:19), I only have to read a bit further in Paul’s letter to realize I have a LONG way to go. For when Paul writes, (Jesus) “will transform our lowly body that it may be conformedContinue reading “Those who walk in sin, as a lifestyle, better beware!”
God’s Word doesn’t sugarcoat what it sometimes feels like to be a Christian.
Thousands of years ago, the children of Israel would lift the words of Psalm 143 to the Lord, a song begging for guidance and deliverance. The words were written by David, who first garnered attention in the courts of King Saul for the soothing songs he would play on his harp—but Saul’s adoration would soonContinue reading “God’s Word doesn’t sugarcoat what it sometimes feels like to be a Christian.”
What do enemies of the Cross have in common?
Paul had been beaten, ridiculed, and now imprisoned, but it was over this that he wept. Paul, who had tasted the goodness of living for the cause of Christ, passionately pled for fellow believers to do the same. (Phil 3:15-17). And then, others seem to come to his mind. You can almost feel the heartbreakContinue reading “What do enemies of the Cross have in common?”
Joe Biden, Holy Communion, the Pope (and a passage many like to ignore)
In our world, it is often tempting to skip past certain Scriptures. Especially this one I wrote about a few years ago. It’s controversial.Many churches refuse to do it. For those of you watching the news, this passage is at the heart of the controversy with Joe Biden, the Pope and some Catholics who sayContinue reading “Joe Biden, Holy Communion, the Pope (and a passage many like to ignore)”
If it’s true, tell it.
Paul says,”hold such men in esteem” (Phil 2:29) Hold such men in esteem. What kind of men? Well, men and women like Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus didn’t only have a strange name, he was a rare one. He’s only mentioned once in the Bible (Phil 2:25). But this much is clear from the text, Epaphroditus was rare,Continue reading “If it’s true, tell it.”
We have to understand our battle is not against flesh and blood.
Paul knew he could confidently send Timothy because Timothy had that rare trait of not just focusing on his own needs but looking to the interests of others and the things which are of Christ. (Phil 2:21-22) But this rare trait, Timothy possessed, is a trait we should all strive to have. Timothy saw theContinue reading “We have to understand our battle is not against flesh and blood.”
Don’t be a LONE RANGER!
I just need a Timothy sometimes.Paul did. (Phil 2:19) I love that God gives us a peek into Paul’s need to be encouraged. You know it’s okay, it’s even God-ordained for us to give and receive encouragement from others? God tells us to continue to meet together and to encourage one another (Heb 10:25). HeContinue reading “Don’t be a LONE RANGER!”
I wondered if they were all on Prozac!
They were going through hard things—cancer, abandonment by a spouse, job loss, and wayward children. There they sat in my Women’s Bible study, all those years ago, and each of them had a peace despite their circumstances, that caught my attention. Oh, I confess, I wondered if they were all on Prozac because I couldContinue reading “I wondered if they were all on Prozac!”
This passage confused me for years.
This passage confused me for years. Paul says, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you to will and to do for His good pleasure.”Continue reading “This passage confused me for years.”
Blessed to be the Coach’s daughter
My brother and I had the great honor of accepting a character award for my father at the Oak Ridge football game last night. My dad and his little brother had been football phenomenons there, going on to both play college ball and coach. I was always proud to mention my maiden name was “Pope”Continue reading “Blessed to be the Coach’s daughter”
Let’s do this hard thing and give Jesus some GLORY!
This passage, Phil 2:6-11, is a deep theological statement, foundational to the Christian faith, but also has practical application. This application is especially helpful as we seek to live out our faith as Christ followers around others. Let’s remember, this letter to the Philippians was initially sent to a young church Paul had started aboutContinue reading “Let’s do this hard thing and give Jesus some GLORY!”
Kim Jaggers Ministry 