He Did So with Thanksgiving!

Dear friends, I would like to let you, the faithful followers of the CHBM blog, know that our ministry will be taking a few days off beginning this Thursday, November 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving (U.S.) holiday. Our blog will return on Monday, November 28th.

We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our warmest holiday greetings to you and wish you a blessed holiday with family and friends. We thank God for you, and the blessing of your fellowship and good works in His name! ~Eve

The first American Thanksgiving didn't occur in 1621 when a group of Pilgrims shared a feast with a group of friendly Indians. The first recorded thanksgiving took place in Virginia more than 11 years earlier, and it wasn't a feast. The winter of 1610 at Jamestown had reduced a group of 409 settlers to 60. The survivors prayed for help, without knowing when or how it might come. When help arrived, in the form of a ship filled with food and supplies from England, a prayer meeting was held to give thanks to God. -Today in the Word, July, 1990, p. 22

As Paul wrote Philippians he was imprisoned in chains in Rome (Philippians 1:13). He could have spent his time in self-pity and complaint, but he didn't. Instead, he spent his time encouraging others: "Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice" (Philipians 4:4). You and I may not be physically bound, but most of us wear "chain" of varying sizes and lengths. This "chain" might be:

1. Failing health or a serious medical problem;
2. An unhappy marriage or children who break our hearts;
3. Job-related stresses;
4. Financial struggles
So, how could the apostle Paul be happy in his chains? How can we be happy in ours?

Philippians 1:3-11 tells us to look at the past with thanksgiving to God (Philippians 1:3-5). Paul was able to be happy in chains because, when he looked at the past, he did so with thanksgiving. Paul had probably been associated with the church at Philippi for 10 years, and he only had fond memories of that association (Philippians 1:3-4). The double use of the "all" make these verses amazing. Paul looked for the good in all things, even though he had suffered mistreatment in Philippi (1 Thessalonians 2:2). Perhaps, when he looked back on the unpleasant events he saw the good that came from them (Romans 8:28).

Philippians 1:6-8 tells us to look at the present with confidence in God. As Paul thought about the Christians in Philippi, he was flooded with emotions: "Love" was one of these emotions (Philippians 1:7-8). Paul longs for them with all of his heart. Paul loved them with the love that characterized the Lord. As Paul remembered his brothers and sisters in Christ, he was also filled with "confidence" (Philippians 1:6). Paul was happy in chains because he was able to look at the present with confidence in God.

Paul also tells us to look to the future with prayer to God. Regarding what was ahead, he did not ignore the realities of life, he knew that the Philippians would continue to face challenges, as would he (Philippians 1:9-11). Paul prayed that they would grow in love (agaph) and that it would abound; that they would always seek the best of another. Paul prayed that they would grow in knowledge, particularly spiritual knowledge where study is the key. He prayed that they would grow in the ability to discern between right and wrong. This is closely connected to knowledge. It means perception and understanding.

Paul prayed that they would grow in Christian character, "sincere and void of offence." Sincere means "judged by the sunlight" (Latin = without wax). Paul prayed that they would grow in living fruitful lives ("fruits of righteousness"); in other words, to bear the fruit of good works. To face the future with confidence we must live closer to the Lord each day and glorify Him in all things and prayer is a main component in this. There is no better advice for those who are "in chains" than to take their eyes off themselves and fasten them on the Lord!

In conclusion, what will your reaction be to the "chains of life"? We can look at the past with misgiving or thanksgiving. We can look at the present with cowardice or confidence. We can look at the future with apprehension or prayer. We can rely on our strength, or we can rely on the strength of the Lord. Which will be true of you?

Prayer: (Psalm 100)

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness:
come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD he is God:
it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the LORD is good;
his mercy is everlasting;
and his truth endureth to all generations.

May God always bless you,

~Eve