Monday, October 15, 2012

Recognize Your Family


Scripture: Philippians 1:1-2
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Insights: The book of Philippians has a predominant theme of one finding joy in the Lord.  Over the next many weeks we are going to explore this subject of joy.  The reason I believe the Lord would have us examine such a topic is because on this side of eternity we face all kinds of situations.  Indulge me for a moment as I attempt to write an illustration.  Our lives resemble road signs.  Some of us are traveling through the dangerous curves of life.  Others are experiencing construction zones.  Still others are facing detours in their lives.  And some have a green light and are traveling seventy miles an hour down the road.  When we are in the midst of these different areas of life it is important for us to remember and recognize from where our joy comes.  The book of Philippians is like a spiritual road map to get us back on the right road to experience this journey in Christ and the joy that permeates such a life.  So, let’s buckle up and start merging back on to this spiritual road and ask the Lord to restore to us the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12).  The very first place we must start in this spiritual car is to crank the engine and that is done by receiving the gift of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord.  There is unspeakable joy knowing one is a member of the family of God.  In today’s verses Paul starts off with a typical greeting of his in which he acknowledges those who are his brothers and sisters.  So, one of the first things that helps restore joy in our lives is to recognize our family, our true family in God.  Our true home, for those born again, is heaven.  Our true family, again for those born again, is this spiritual family.  If you have lost biological family members, then those who are spiritual family members are more your real family than those whose relation is bond by blood.  Paul wants us to know this most important starting point in this journey in Christ and pursuit of joy.

Questions:
  1. Have you received Jesus as Your Lord and Savior?
  2. Are you enjoying the grace of the family of God?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the family You have given to me.  May more enter this family by the grace You provide.  Amen. 

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