Love you all, praying for you…
I just love God’s Word – it not only gives truth, it gives it in context. Context is one of the most important skills in life, one of the most important characteristics of wisdom and maturity. In parenting for example, consistency is everything, but context is required. Context is not compromise… You don’t change the standard of holiness for your child. Your job is to train them in holiness, far more than it is to contribute to their happiness. Kids are happy when they get ice cream for breakfast, but that’s not what’s best for them. Context is to be considered. If they missed their nap, it may be time to redirect their attention, or shift schedules, rather than picking the wrong hill to die on. Context – the parts of a discourse which either precede or follow the sentence quoted. Like in a basketball game – a referee would be wise to consider context. It seems the one who retaliates always gets the foul, the initiator often gets away with the crime. Context is especially important in reading God’s Word. Perhaps the most famous out of context verse – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” How many ‘the most important thing is me’, self-centered, selfish ambitions, have been justified and pursued under that flag… Context is important, because it can reveal the true meaning, and inform the interpretation and the implementation. The scripture verse is correct, but the context, is who is saying it?(Paul) under what circumstance? (a variety) and what was said before or after? The verse is accurate – Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. But Paul said this not when he was pursuing Super Bowls, or Olympic Gold Medals… He was in need. He had just received a much needed gift from the church to help him. Philippians 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need (although clearly this was a time of need, that’s why he was thankful for the gift), for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need… I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me. Yet it was good of you to share with me. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you only. Here was the ultimate irony. It wasn’t the wealthy Christians living in Corinth that shared financially with Paul, it was a church of Macedonia – the ones who didn’t even have enough for themselves, but gave beyond their ability to share with the believers in Jerusalem, and now apparently, to share with Paul in His time of need. This – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” has I’m sure inspired many to win the big game, but the power of these words go far beyond the highs in life, it is power fully sufficient for the lows. Yes, if God has called you to go to the Olympics, go with His strength, prepare with diligence and faithfulness, in His strength that enables you to do all things... But if God has called you to something less impressive to men, but impressive to God, it doesn’t matter whether you have plenty, or just enough for today. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. He will give you your daily bread, in the Spirit, and in the natural. He will never let you down. His strength is all you need for any assignment, whether the crowds are cheering you on, or nobody even sees what you are doing. Your contentment in Him – it’s where the praise and joy come from, no matter what temporary situation you are in right now. Praying that your PRISM will always bring you His truth, and the context will bring you the full truth, the encouragement you need, at the perfect time that you need it. He is faithful, He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will finish what He started in you, He always brings you to good, and He will strengthen you for every task He has put before you. You can be content, fully trusting in His power and His authority, and His victory for you. Today. You can do all things through Christ – who strengthens you. Love you all, dad
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