leftovers (pt.2)

                                           
In my real world this Joyous Journey is a trek with the church. It doesn’t always feel joyous but my joy is not found in how I am feeling, or in my circumstances. Paul says, "rejoice in the Lord always; and I say rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

The key words in that verse are “in the Lord”. When my thoughts are centered in “the Lord” especially as He is described in Philippians 2:5-10 it will not matter if partnering in ministry is testing my ability to abound in love. All that will matter is that Christ is exalted. My desire will be to see many bowing their knees before Jesus on that Great Day and confessing Him to be Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2 :10). I am learning that my love will abound more and more in knowledge and discernment as I study my Savior and His humble, suffering servant love.

I am so thankful for the women who model this in our church. I’m thinking of the many women who for the sake of the gospel surrender their desire to sit in on the worship of a Sunday morning to be in the nursery and/or children’s ministry. They give so that others can receive. I’m thinking of the women who come early to provide childcare so parents can go through membership classes. And I’m thinking of the women who give up their Thurs. evenings to provide meals and/or childcare for our Christianity Explored classes (Philippians 1:21).

I have women approaching me with eagerness to serve the church in any way they can. “Whatever you need” is their motto. I am blown away by their “standing firm in one (cheerful) spirit with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians1:27).

I will not forget the women who serve our dear sister Nancy. Nancy’s needs are many and women of all ages are making sure these needs are met. Young moms with young children, women with many children, singles, working women and women with their own physical weakness are humbly pouring themselves out for the cause of Christ. I am confident that God is being glorified where Nancy lives because of you (Philippians 3:17, 20, 21, 4:1).

How about the Lydia Ladies who once a month meet to do service projects for those in need? Blankets for nursing homes, caring for our missionaries, sending care packages to college students, and providing meals for a mother who is sick or a woman who just needs a helping hand is what these dear women do. Ladies you are placing others’ needs over your own. God sees and God is pleased (Philippians 4:14).

There are the mothers who stay home to be the primary influence in her children’s life. She has skills that could be used in the workplace to bring a second income into the home but she humbly chooses to “be a keeper at home”. She does not consider her equality a thing to be grasped (Philippians 2:5). Titus 2 says, that the word of God is not reviled when this is done for the Christ’s sake. Titus 2:3

I am in awe of the women who come to church prepared to worship enthusiastically even though they are almost old enough to be my grandmother. These dear women show me how to be “in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

There are a couple of women who release their husbands every Sunday morning at 6:30 so their men can drive an hour and be at the church in time to practice music for leading worship. Speaking of worship, how about the women who leave their families early so they can practice before the service? These women surrender a cozy, comfortable weekend breakfast with husband and family. I believe God receives your ministry as “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18)

I could go on. There are women who give up a Sat. to cut hair for the Kingdom. Women who volunteer in the office, women who mentor young women, visit the sick, provide for the needy, serve with their husbands as care group leaders, clean the kitchen, prepare meals, handle power-point, clean the building, welcome guests, weed gardens, decorate the building, wash cars, etc. And last but not least of which – women who pray for the Gospel advancement through TFC and elsewhere.

Ladies, Paul would be proud. I know your pastors are. I know I am. But let us not rest. Let our love abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment. Let us be careful to not be like Euodia and Syntyche who could not agree with each other.
Let us rejoice in the Lord. Let us be reasonable. Let us pray for one another and let us think on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. If there is anything worthy of praise (in a person) let us think about these things (Philippians 4:8,9).

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Philippians 4:23).