June 11: Song of Solomon 5-8; Philippians 1

Joy and Fruit

Scripture: Philippians 1:12 ¶ Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

Observation: With Paul’s attitude, everyone assigned to guard prisoners, came to understand that Paul was not an evil doer; he was in chains for the sake of Christ. There were advantages in being Rome’s prisoner. First, the government of Rome provided transportation for Paul to continue his ministry in Rome as the Lord had previously shown him. Second, through the guards assigned to keep Paul from escaping custody, Rome provided Paul with a captive audience! Third, while in prison Paul had opportunity to write the letter I am reading today.

Paul was not one to miss an opportunity to minister. Did Paul miss his freedom while being a prisoner? Probably, but from reading his letters, I cannot recall him ever mentioning it. There were far too many opportunities to serve the Lord to allow self-pity to sidetrack him!

Application: I have been asked if I miss being a senior pastor. I have to say, “No.” I used to seek God and study His word for one or two messages a week. Now I draw upon Him for a short message every day. I do not feel my ministry has been limited, but expanded! I now better understand that the greatest ministry of a church is not what takes place as people gather on special days, but what takes place every day as people scatter. A church’s greatest ministry is when the people of the congregation are in their neighborhoods and at their jobs.

Prayer: Lord, help me excel in serving you. May my service bring joy to you and fruit to your kingdom. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!