Stuck Like Glue

In Philippians 4 vs. 2 & 3 we read of two Christian women who had been quite energetic and effective in the work of the gospel.  Unfortunately, there were some differences between these two - they could not agree.  Maybe they couldn't sit beside each other in worship, maybe they couldn't speak kindly to each other, and maybe they were causing some real problems.  We're just not told.

What hinders us from "agreeing with each other in the Lord" and how can we overcome these hindrances?  Sometimes it's opinions.  Sometimes, personalities.  Other times though, there are doctrinal issues that must be dealt with. 

There is a special bond between Christians.  Do you think it would be possible to have a successful marriage and live in 2 separate states?  Of course not!  For any relationship to work, there must be proximity! 

Romans 12:15 & 16 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  be of the same mind toward one another."  Are we able to do that if we aren't involved in one another's lives?  Consider the "one" passages in Ephesians 4.  When I was experiencing a particularly difficult problem with a sister Christian, I found I Corinthians 12:21 - "And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' "  We are to be one with each other. 

If we consider the example of a wagon wheel where God/Christ are at the hub and Christians are the spokes - as we draw closer to God, the closer we must get to each other.  We cannot get closer to God without being close with our fellow Christians - it is impossible!

We must gain the intimacy of Christian fellowship - and oftentimes that means we must step outside of our comfort zones.  If we have a problem, we should contact our Christian family.  We need to be involved in fellowship daily with them.  Are we glued together?  Jesus said in Matthew 10:37 that "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me."  Remember, in order to get closer to God, we must get closer to our Christian family. 

Look again at Philippians 4:2 "I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord."  The word implore is a strong word.  I also like that he said the same thing to both women - didn't show partiality to either.  Paul was begging these women to be of the same mind - to be glued to one another in the Lord. 

Has your glue to your fellow Christians become unstuck?  Make the effort today to be stuck like glue.  When we are, our journey to heaven will become a little easier. 

Opportunities

I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach the young teenage girls class for the past several months.  We've had an amazing study on our worship.  Wednesdays are a day I really look forward to every week!  The girl's insight, maturity and thoughts amaze me!  It's always my hope & prayer that they've gained a little, as I have gained a lot!

This weekend I have another opportunity to speak to a small group of women at a devotional breakfast.  I worked on my lesson today while waiting on a friend.  After Saturday, I'll type it up and put it on here, but I don't want any spoilers! 

Today I had another opportunity.  A young lady was complaining about not getting to go out for dinner on her birthday because she had to work.  She said she was angry with her boyfriend.  She proceeded to go on and on about it.  I finally caught her eye and said - the Bible tells us to not let the sun go down on our anger.  She went on to say that she can't help it.  When she gets angry (mad) she holds a grudge.  I told her that she can help it and needs to work on it every day. 

Not sure if my butting into her public conversation would make her pause to think or not.  Opportunities are all around us, and I hope you grab hold of the next one you have. 

He is Able

One of my favorite devotional-type songs is "He is Able".  I have the words printed out and they are on the wall of my office.  The words and melody are simple.

"He is able, more than able
To accomplish what concerns me today.
He is able, more than able
To handle anything that comes my way.
He is able, more than able
To do much more than I could ever dream.
He is able, more than able
To make me what He wants me to be."

Jesus is able to calm our concerns, help us handle whatever comes our way, accomplish our goals and be more like Him, which is what he wants for us. 

Jude 1:24-25
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.

I'm so very thankful.