Stand Firm in the Lord

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Prepare for Leadership


Philippians 3:17-4:1 (The Message)
 ^17-19Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
 ^20-21But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.

Philippians 4

 ¹ My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.

For Reflection

There are so many versions of Christianity and so many competing religious traditions.  The question that we face is similar to the question assumed in this letter to the Philippians.  The way of the cross is not easy.  It involves personal sacrifice, a sacrifice once given brings great joy, comfort and peace in the midst of conflict and chaos.  It is easy to loose one's way.  Stay on track.. Focus on the Lord, Jesus Christ, read the scriptures, and above all, pray.

Pray
to keep a keen eye steady on the way of the Lord.  Pray for trust in the face of challenges.  Pray that you will avoid being sucked into the easy life as a substitute for the truth.