Reading from the inside out!

Tomorrow I’ll lead the devotional time in our local ministerial meeting.

We are moving towards spending more time in prayer and sharing.  The idea is to be open to others in our weaknesses as well as strengths.

The anchor for my discussion will be found in the book “Philippians”.  The fourth chapter of this book has a statement that “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  Most people that have reviewed this verse point out the fact that we can stand with Jesus alone. 

For some over the centuries this has meant extremes — being a hermit, not being open others, or perhaps worse — isolating yourself from everyone.  I was pleasantly surprised in my rereading of this chapter that the opposite is true. 

Paul, the author, talks about how the Philippians have been of help to him — when they heard what was happening in his life.  After explaining that God could take care of him, he states that it is good that the Philippians did care for him.

When we take our own preconceived notions into reading the Bible we rob this book of power.  And we rob others of ministry.  And we rob ourselves! 

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