If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say— (Psalm 124:1 ESV)

Day one of our 2nd Quarter prayer and fasting* and my first message is this: “If it had not been the Lord, who was on our side.”

A great start – because so many wonderful things happened in the last three months that truly was only because of the Lord. Our family is stronger, my marriage sweeter (I think ^^), and our circumstances – yes they are better – but more than that, it’s how we were able to experience trusting God through uncertainty that has made our faith stronger. I can’t remember a time like this. Therefore, a great reminder! None of these would have happened, if it had not been the Lord who was on our side.

I do not want this to be just a fad. Greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done. And it will still be through, and only because of, the Lord who is on our side.

*a specified period of time when we would give up some activities and replace them with time spent with God through prayer and reading the Bible. It was impressed in our hearts (and was reminded by the Holy Spirit) to do this quarterly, to remind us of what’s important and to keep us steady on the path where God wants us to be.

After God says through Isaiah, “Comfort, comfort my people… that her sins are forgiven”, a voice cries out, “Prepare the way for the Lord.” This was the Messiah – the Savior – that the people of God were waiting for. Since this proclamation, there were many kings and leaders, but they were all just men, none were able to display the “glory of the Lord”.

Then came Jesus. The voice Isaiah heard calling in the desert was John the Baptist preparing the people’s hearts. It is only in Jesus that complete comfort, complete forgiveness can be received. None before Him, none after Him.

Isaiah was then told to cry out that just as grass withers and flowers fade, so do people. But God’s Word will stand forever. What does that say? It says that this promise of the Messiah, as well as all of God’s promises, are true. They might not come in our lifetime, just as it was for Isaiah, but God will fulfill his promises. He has, He is, and He will.

This is great news! Go, tell it on the mountain! Share – herald – this loudly, do not fear! The great and mighty God comes – bringing with him his justice, grace, and love.

Thoughts on Philippians 1

How do you know if you are living a life that is a blessing to others? Ask yourself, “Do people thank God and are filled with joy, when they think about me?”

And what will make people thank God, whatever their circumstance? The Gospel!

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:14 ESV)

How did Paul’s imprisonment bring about confidence in the disciples? Because they saw that even imprisonment has a greater purpose – yes, that God allowed it – for the advancement of the Gospel. Paul’s momentary trials resulted in more people hearing about the Good News of God’s love through Jesus, restoring them back to God. One person in a temporal earthly prison in exchange for a multitude of people set free from an eternal prison.

But not everyone who was proclaiming Christ in the early Church was doing so with good motives. Sadly that has continued even 2000 years later. Human nature, we struggle against envy, pride and selfish ambition. Paul’s attitude? “They think this will make me jealous or envious? Not really, I’m glad that they are spreading the Good News!”

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me… to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, (Philippians 1:21-22a, 24-25 ESV)

When it comes to the life, and earthly death, of a true follower of Christ, there are no accidents. When God says it is time to go, it is time to go. Until then we have our marching orders, we have our purposes to fulfill.

It won’t be easy – there will be trouble from the outside, and trouble within. We need to stand firm and be united in God’s Spirit.

To know Him and to make Him known.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11 ESV)

Amen.

The chapter starts with a command. Comfort – then it repeats, almost like to emphasize on an emotional level – comfort my people, says your God.

Why Lord? And How? The “why” is explained in the next verse. I find that the The Message version is easier to understand.

“Speak softly and tenderly to Jerusalem, but also make it very clear. That she has served her sentence, that her sin is taken care of—forgiven! She’s been punished enough and more than enough, and now it’s over and done with.” (Isaiah 40:2 MSG)

I hesitated to post that verse. The idea that God punishes us for our sins is not very appealing. “I thought God is love? I thought God forgives?”, we protest. The fact is God IS love, but He is also Just. His laws are clear: “I am the Lord your God, you should have no other gods besides me”, “Be holy for I am Holy”, “Love your neighbor”, and so on.

There are consequences to disobedience to His laws – which to us looks like punishment. But, God is also love. For those who understand God’s nature, this punishment is actually less than what we deserve. We deserve death and separation, but He gives life and redemption. For His children, this punishment is discipline – yes, because of our stubbornness we need it, because of His love he allows it. When we protest, it probably is because we have double standards. We are quick to agree that God should punish those who we think are wrong, but when it is about us we disagree. Man’s standard is subjective, God’s standard is clear. In the presence of a Great and Holy God, no man can stand. The comfort is this: in spite of our sin, God loves us.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the full armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:10-23 ESV)

His strength is great, boundless. His armor, perfect and all sufficient. Why the reminder?

“…that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:11b-12a ESV)

There will be trials and temptations – schemes. Our enemy is not men – though it might seem like it many times on the outset. This reminder will help us understand how God sees people, and will help us to be channels of His grace.

Let’s look at this armor:
• belt of TRUTH (holds it all together)
• breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS (for close ranged attacks)
• shoes of readiness of the GOSPEL of peace (for speed, urgency)
• shield of FAITH (for long ranged attacks)
• helmet of SALVATION (for head, mental attacks)
• sword of the Spirit, the WORD of God (for fighting back!)
• PRAYING in the Spirit (our source of strength!)

“…making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:18b-19 ESV)

We are not in this battle alone. Our brothers and sisters are also with us, and we need to strengthen one another by praying for one another and encouraging one another.