Masks

     As a child, I dressed up in a costume that didn't require a mask. I didn't enjoy the smell of the inside of it or the way it blocked my breathing. I usually went as Cinderella, because deep within I wanted to be a beautiful princess discovered at the ball. The problem was my insecurities lived and breathed within my own belief system about myself.

     With time I discovered the reasons I'm not a fan of masks are because they cover up our true identity and keep people at arms length. If we pretend to be someone so others like us, eventually we blow our cover and are discovered.

     As painful as it may be, it is better to not be accepted from the beginning, then pretend, believe you're liked and accepted, and eventually be rejected. The best people in my life have been those who truly saw me and came along beside me on the journey to Christ healing and transforming me.

     My favorite people in the world are those who remove their masks and allow me to journey with them to the heart of Jesus. Together we discover that our redemption clothed us with the righteousness of Jesus and we are the beautiful princess at the ball.
   

Sweet Spirit

Life has loses. Disappointment stays away from no one. We can travel down the road of joy and peace, when a storm unexpectedly rolls in. When the clouds lift, and we assess the damage, we may suddenly find it hard to breathe.

In that moment, how we choose to respond reveals our place of trust. When we lift all the hurt and pain that comes with loss to Jesus, He uses our response to mold our inner character. Some of the sweetest people that live around us, have stories of deep loss.

Kindness, gentleness, humility, and meekness are fruit from the spirit of one who has learned to trust and rest in the truth of God's Word. Circumstances do not need to control our emotions. When laid into the loving arms of our Savior we can know a surpassing peace despite the difficulties of life.

May we lean harder today on the loving shoulders of Jesus, our Savior, and the King of Kings.

Five Daily Gifts

Therefore 

if there is 

any encouragement in Christ, 

if there is 

any consolation of love, 

if there is 

any fellowship of the Spirit, 

if any affection and compassion,   Philippians 2:1 | NASB

Five amazing gifts have been offered here:  encouragement, consolation, fellowship, affection, and compassion.

Consolation is defined in Webster as: something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.

So all five of these gifts, freely offered from the Lord, are ours for the taking, but we need recognize them and be willing to receive them from Him.

Do we truly recognize the way in which the Lord has given these to us on a regular basis? I think we get so caught up in our day that we miss these daily gifts. How do we begin to open our hearts to recognize them?

1) Decide to look for them every day

2) Keep a journal of them

3) Place sticky notes around reminding ourselves to look for them

Faithfulness

For it is only right 

for me 

to feel this way about you all, 

because I have you in my heart, 

since both in my imprisonment 

and in the defense 

and confirmation of the gospel, 

you all are partakers of grace with me.   Philippians 1:7 | NASB

     It makes sense to Paul to feel the way he feels about the Philippians, because they have proven themselves as brothers and sisters. They have been with him during his freedom, his imprisonment, and have worked in his defense.

     Who comes to mind that brings tenderness to the heart because of their faithfulness?

His Work in Us

For I am confident 

of this very thing, 

that He 

who began a good work in you 

will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.   Philippians 1:6 | NASB

     The work of Christ in us was sparked by the Heavenly Father. He created us, knew us, and when our hearts were ready to properly respond, He brought into our lives the flame that would ignite a desire for Him. We choose how to respond to the spark and when we say yes, the Lord runs with it! 

     On those days when we royally mess up, repentance opens the door for the Lord to flood His grace and mercy over us. His transformation in us breathes life into every part of our hearts and lives.

    We must never give up, when we sin. Our hatred of sin and surrender to the Lord are evidence of His work taking root in our lives. We cooperate with His work when we honestly face those sinful areas in our thoughts, words, and actions that dishonor others and our Savior and seek His forgiveness.

Doing?

in view 

of your participation 

in the gospel 

from the first day 

until now.   Philippians 1:5 | NASB

     Paul is grateful for the heart of the Philippians who participated in the gospel on a continual basis. We need to not only be known as people who know the Words of Jesus but those who put it to practice. All around us are people who are dying without ever meeting Jesus. 

     What would Paul say about our participation in the gospel if he met us?

Always??

always 

offering prayer 

with joy 

in my every prayer 

for you all,   Philippians 1:4 | NASB

     "Always" is a high expectation but something Paul encourages the Philippians about in regards to his goal for them in prayer. His heart desire is to always be offering a prayer for them. He wants them to know he prays for them.

     What does it do for your spirit when someone not only says they will pray for you, but you actually know they are doing it?