This morning, in my sunday school class before church, we began a study in Plilippians. I've read through chapter 1 before, but this is the first time I actually thought about and reflected on what I read.
In case you don't remember it or if you've never read it, Philippians is a letter written by Paul, who happened to be in jail when he wrote it. He wrote it speaking to all of the Christians at Philippi.

He explains that he loves us because we are all part of the body of Jesus Christ, and we all (Christians) share God's grace with him. He prays for us and that we may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, and that we may be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God. (verse 10-11)

(And if you haven't, you should really read that chapter or book, cause it's some great, encouraging stuff! )


But anyways, you might be wondering why this is a prayer request.
Well, I think we all know that we should pray for each other. How many times have you prayed for your church, the Christians at your school, the people you meet on forums, ect? But, how many times do we do it with the attitude that Paul had? Maybe it's just me, but when I pray for other Christians, I sometimes do it partly because I know I should, and because it's just a "Christian" thing to do.
Rather, we should treat the body of Christ like one, and when one of us wins a battle against satan, we all win, because we are all on the same side.
That is my prayer "challenge/request" for Christians (including myself); We should pray and preach not out of selfish ambition, but out of pure love.

_________________
It's hard to stumble. when you're on your knees.

Fabulous thoughts!!!!!!! Another twist on this is to remember that none of us are what we appear to be on the surface, and Christians are the worst of the lot when it comes to hiding who we really are. So many Christians are broken, no, distroyed on the inside but mask it with Christian words, smiles, piety.. It becomes a source of pride, a source of sin, and a stumbling block in their walk.

So the next time you see someone who seems to have it all together, remember, there's a good chance that there is broken china in that Christian box, just like the rest of us. It helps us to remember this when we pray for 'those who hurt you, who despise you, who use you....' [my paraphrase] as well as those we feel are the 'perfect people' and are envious of.

Remember, there is a frightened and broken hearted little child inside of all of us, the only difference is what we are frightened of or broken hearted over.

BoosMa

_________________
Heaven Help Me!! I'm Boo's Ma!

Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 11:22
As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion