Can I do anything through Christ?

nuggets of wisdom Voices of Wisdom 3 Comments

 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

 

Philippians 4:13 is one of the most popular verses in all of scripture.  People quote it all the time, and when they do, it is usually in the context of pushing through a difficult situation or as a means of motivating or inspiring individuals to greater achievement.

But is that what the verse really means? Is this verse about motivating a person to “be all they can be”?  Does this verse mean that if we really set our minds to it, we can do anything?  Is that what the Lord is telling us with this verse? Absolutely not!

Like all scripture in the Bible, context matters. In order to understand what Paul is saying here, you will  need to read the whole book.  However, to put this verse in context, we will need to read the two preceding verses – the means starting from verse 10.

 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Phillippians 4:10-13

Paul is thanking the Philippians for the gift they sent him. He then proceeds to the tell them the while he was thankful for their gift, he was not really in need because he had learned the secret of being content.  He is content when he has much or when he has little, he is able to maintain a heart of contentment through Christ’s strength that is at work in him.

Philippians 4:13 is not about you being able to achieve whatever you set your mind to do. Rather, it is about the power of Christ at work in the life of Paul enabling him to find contentment in Christ. Christ is the focus of the verse, not you.

 

Soli Deo Gloria!

Oh the Deep Love of Jesus!

nuggets of wisdom Voices of Wisdom No Comments

 

Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, I find no guilt in this man… Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us… but they kept shouting, Crucify, crucify him!.. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. – Luke 23:4,15a, 21,24

 

This is Easter weekend. Where would we be today without the cross?  Thank you Jesus!

 

Luke 24:1-8

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.

And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,

but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.

And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them,

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?

He is not here, but has risen.

Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

And they remembered his words

 

How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.

Soli Deo Gloria!

God Enjoyed

nuggets of wisdom Puritan Prayers Voices of Wisdom No Comments

 

Let my religion be more obvious to my conscience,
more perceptible to those around.
While Jesus is representing me in heaven,
may I reflect him on earth,
While he pleads my cause, may I show forth
his praise.

 

This prayer captured my heart as soon a I read it and I have prayed over and over again.  It can be found on page 18 of the “The Valley of Vision”.

 

THOU INCOMPREHENSIBLE BUT PRAYER-HEARING GOD,

Known, but beyond knowledge,
revealed, but unrevealed,
my wants and welfare draw me to thee,
for thou hast never said, ‘Seek ye me in vain’.

To thee I come in my difficulties, necessities,
distresses;
possess me with thyself,
with a spirit of grace and supplication,
with a prayerful attitude of mind,
with access into warmth of fellowship,
so that in the ordinary concerns of life
my thoughts and desires may rise to thee,
and in habitual devotion I may find a resource
that will soothe my sorrows,
sanctify my successes,
and qualify me in all ways for dealings
with my fellow men.

I bless thee that thou hast made me capable
of knowing thee, the author of all being,
of resembling thee, the perfection of all excellency,
of enjoying thee, the source of all happiness.

O God, attend me in every part of my arduous
and trying pilgrimage;
I need the same counsel, defence, comfort
I found at my beginning.

Let my religion be more obvious to my conscience,
more perceptible to those around.
While Jesus is representing me in heaven,
may I reflect him on earth,
While he pleads my cause, may I show forth
his praise.

Continue the gentleness of thy goodness
towards me,
And whether I wake or sleep, let thy presence
go with me,
thy blessing attend me.

Thou hast led me on and I have found thy
promises true,
I have been sorrowful, but thou hast been my help,
fearful, but thou hast delivered me,
despairing, but thou hast lifted me up.
Thy vows are ever upon me,
And I praise thee, O God.

 

Amen!

 

 

Soli Deo Gloria!