Mornings at home typically start around 4:30 am when the birds begin to sing familiar tunes. No matter how much I try to stay put, I rise, pray, and think of the day ahead. I then head to the kitchen for warm water and fresh lemon juice. Since I am finally starting to regain some form of healthy normalcy, I appreciate this simple concoction, which I believe helped with my nasal ailments accompanied by nighttime coughs. Although I rested more than ever, the last two weeks brought some setbacks concerning work and other things. As someone who believes that pacing myself in every decision is good, these slow steps were just too much for me. Yet, these same credits allowed me to write three reflections in August! Plus, one more on the way!
Most people who know me know that I march to the beat of a different drum. Instead of the sounds of a marching band, I’m more like the sounds of steel drums, some say. And I am good with that, for I know my pace, and honor it very much.Â
Paul tells us:
 “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us (Phil. 3 v 17).”
Paul speaks here about the importance of the example of Jesus, being faithful to the Cross (Gal. 6 v 14) and holding faith in Christ who is Glory (Phil. 3 v 21). So, my discovery and reflective side are fairly good if I keep on the understanding that I mess up, recognize the gaffes, pick myself up each morning, and try to be a better person than I was the day before. The value of choosing Christ is enormous and should always be the primary focus of our lives on this Christian path. Although contextually, I did not discuss the remaining few verses of Phil. 3, Paul also encourages us to pray for or with those who don’t believe and likewise pray for those who are proud of their wrongdoings.
Consider these—do you continuously run with the sounds of hasty drums, running toward popular fads and the need for more material goods? Do you pray for those who insult you? Is your heart heavy concerning the needs of your neighbors? Do you listen to the ideas of men concerning the Bible? Or do you seek truth like the Bereans did (Acts 17 vv. 10-11)? No matter our answers, bliss and keenness await us in Him. In setbacks, they await, and in consistent growth, they exist. In Luke 1 v 69, we read of Zechariah’s prophecy.
“…and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.”
Gosh, I want so much to go deeper into this God-ordained prophecy, but I also don’t want to create a reflection of 1200+ words today. Next week, I’ll dig deeper into this information—most I have already written. We’ll explore the general title of this expression a bit more. As you think about the questions above, I hope you’ll find caring responses of their importance in my discussion next week.
Until then, reader and friend, let’s continue to grow together, inside, and out!
Char
Source:
All written Bible verses are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Publishing
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