Posted on

Memorize Scripture: Philippians 2:21-22

The end of Philippians 2 contains a section of personal remarks from Paul about his coworkers, especially Timothy and Epaphroditus.In this week’s passage, he commends the work of Timothy.

You can see this encouraging passage in Philippians 2:21-22:

Philippians 2:21-22

As Paul writes to the Philippians, he expresses his hope and desire to send Timothy to them in the near future. And while the Philippian church needs no introduction to Timothy, Paul still expresses his love and care for this staunch coworker for the sake of the gospel.

He has already expressed to them that Timothy genuinely cares for the church and people in Philippi, and that he longs to send Timothy to them, so he can return with news for Paul’s ears.

Timothy stands out in a world that is typically self-seeking. We must not read this first statement as a bitter complaint Paul makes about those around him, who have failed in displaying the commitment level needed for faith in Christ. That is not what Paul is doing here. Nor is he stating that of all the people around him, none but Timothy fit the qualities of this particular task.

Rather, Paul is making a blanket statement, it seems, concerning the times he lives in, and claims that Timothy is different, that he stands out from his culture because of his faith in Christ.

In this, Paul seems to be describing our own culture as well. In a world, where we each look out for “number one,” Timothy considers the needs of others ahead of his own. This is exemplary behavior, and Paul points it out to the Philippians.

Posted on

Coffee Break – 09.07.2015

Your Monday Dose Of Inspiration

Today is Labor Day. The first Monday in September, Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Coffee Break

Other items of interest on this day in history: In 1813, the nickname “Uncle Sam” was first used as a symbolic reference to the United States. The reference appeared in an editorial in the New York’s Troy Post. In 1880, George Ligowsky was granted a patent for his device that threw clay pigeons for trapshooters. And in 1930, the cartoon “Blondie” made its first appearance in the comic strips.

Tobacco Free Coffee Chew – I have a very hard time understanding why this is a real thing. But since it is tobacco-free, and apparently tastes good, I ordered one. And guess what? It does taste good. But I can’t imagine a tobacco chewer substituting this for their usual chew.

15 Magic Tricks You Didn’t Know You Could Do – These are the kinds of tricks that will help you be the cool uncle or aunt. Many of these are simple, but with a bit of practice, look very convincing. Have fun!

Breathtaking Photos From Around America – Some of the most beautiful parts of the US are maintained and managed by the US Department of the Interior. And, naturally, they have some pretty impressive photos of these sites. You will be inspired!

Debunking OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a very real thing. But we often throw that term around for a lot of behaviors that are not OCD. Here are some of the myths surrounding OCD, and the truth about them. This is a very enlightening video.

Posted on

Memorize Scripture: Philippians 2:19-20

Paul moves into one of the longest personal passages in Philippians, and yet he still uses this personal information to exhort the Philippian believers.

You can see the beginning of these personal remarks in Philippians 2:19-20:

Philippians 2:19-20

Paul loves the Philippian church. They were instrumental in supporting his ministry, and maintaining him while he was imprisoned. This church sent financial gifts, and even sent people to assist Paul, Epaphroditus, who delivered the financial gifts they sent (4:18).

As a result, he shares a lot of personal information with them, interspersed throughout the letter. Typically, he would wait until the end of the letter to do so, as he does in most of his other letters to churches. But here, there are several sections within the body of the letter that show his heart more fully.

First of all, Paul expects to send Timothy to the church in Philippi soon. Timothy was his son in the faith, and was a steady help to Paul throughout his life and ministry. Paul also commissioned Timothy to serve the church, and wrote two letter instructing him, 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. Paul relies on Timothy heavily, especially now that he cannot visit the church in Philippi himself, at the moment. Yet he does expect to be released, as we can see in verse 24.

Timothy’s task for now is to gather information and news about the church in Philippi and bring it back to Paul. Paul was very likely concerned about how his instruction was taken by the church, and how the problems were being resolved. And, by sending Timothy, he had a competent person in place to help instruct the church in such areas.

Posted on

Top Posts For August 2015

It is crazy to think that summer has come and gone. School has started, and we are moving back into the routine that we find ourselves in for most of the year.

Top Posts: August 2015

August was a month that was very different than most of the year for me. There was a lot going on that is outside of the norm, both personally and professionally.

This summer, I was diagnosed as having sleep apnea. As a result, I was given a CPAP machine, and I am having a difficult time getting used to it. I wonder if it is causing me more problems than giving help, and have been tempted to stop using it at times. Add to that the soft summer we have experienced, and the fact that my allergies are still responding to something, and my sleep has still been suffering.

On top of that, my oldest daughter has experienced a busier schedule this year, as a Junior in high school. She has been selected by her peers as a part of the Homecoming Court, and as a co-captain of her cheerleading squad. She has also elected to take some very hard courses this year, and is doing well with them so far. I am very proud of her efforts and involvement in the school and the community.

The rest of my kids are much the same, busy, involved, and loving it.

On the professional side of things, our newly hired worship minister has not been able to make ends meet on the part time basis that we can offer. As a result, he has submitted his resignation, and we are searching for someone to fulfill that role again.

Posted on

Coffee Break – 08.31.2015

Your Monday Dose Of Inspiration

Coffee Break Banner

On this day in history: In 1852, the first pre-stamped envelopes were created with legislation of the U.S. Congress. In 1887, the kinetoscope was patented by Thomas Edison. The device was used to produce moving pictures. And in 1920, John Lloyd Wright was issued a patent for “Toy-Cabin Construction,” which are known as Lincoln Logs. These are important events!

Leaf Paintings Made With Coffee Leftovers – It is becoming something of a fad to create art with coffee. I find this both intriguing and disappointing. Intriguing because of people and their creativity. Disappointing because it seems some are just jumping on bandwagons. This artist, however, is especially creative.

Being The Best Dressed Man – I enjoy looking my best. I love looking as good as I possibly can. Sometimes, though, it can be intimidating, and I’m not sure why, really. But at least I know I’m not alone in this. This article acknowledges that fear and gives some encouragement in that regard.

Bizarre Objects Owned By Henry VIII – This famous British king held an eccentric collection of some of the strangest things. Purple velvet bagpipes? Really?

Industrial Light And Magic Celebrated 40 Years! – Earlier this year, ILM celebrated their anniversary. This video shows 40 years of special effects in about a minute. Pretty impressing how cutting edge ILM has always been. And I’m sure they will continue to be.