Archive for Philippians 4

Blind, But Now I See… Christine McDonald

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Christine "Clarity" McDonald with tags , , , , , on November 7, 2020 by paulthepoke

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost
But now am found
Was blind but now I see.
—John Newton, “Amazing Grace”

Are you a glass half full or a glass half empty person? Do you look at that glass and feel panic and awareness that it’s nearly empty, or do you look at the glass and celebrate that you still have half of it left? Perspective is everything.

When we consider the battles we face in life, our victories can often be attributed to our attitude even more than the outcome of the situation. It is normal for some crises to initially overwhelm us, but we don’t have to stay there in that place.

Jesus gave us a perfect example when He faced the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He called out to the Father in anguish, knowing His time was nearly over. He says, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me.…”(Luke 22:42, NIV) He shows us that it isn’t a sin to wish away our circumstances for a moment. However, He doesn’t leave it there. He goes on in the same verse to say, “Yet not my will, but yours be done.” He reconciles Himself to God’s great will for His life, for the sake of all of humanity.

The same is true for you. We may not always understand why something happens, but we can be assured that God has a plan for our lives that includes every circumstance we encounter.

Photo by Simon Matzinger on Pexels.com

Paul found God’s perfect peace by loosening his grip on every fleshly aspect of life and holding on tightly to Christ alone. In Philippians 4:12–13, he writes, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (NLT)

At the end of the day, our personal relationship to the One who made us is truly all that matters. God loves us so much that He will allow a shift in our comfort zones so that we might find Him and draw nearer to Him. What will it take for Him to fully and completely win your heart?

Contact Information:
Christine C. McDonald
636-487-8986
Christine.CryPurple@gmail.com

“Love your neighbor, all of ’em.” -Christine Clarity McDonald

Through The Eyes of Grace – Christine C McDonald 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEj5RbFpuzjx_CuksAqgyXA/featured

https://crypurplemovie.com/

Happy New Year!!! 2019

Posted in Paul Beverly with tags , , , , , , , on December 31, 2018 by paulthepoke

Featuring Paul Beverly

My wish for my family & friends this new year is for happiness. For having a mindset of positivity & thinking good thoughts. That we can all separate ourselves from anything negative & not give negativity space in our head. May your year be filled with joy!

Happy New Year

What a beautiful world we’d be living in if we wanted the best for each other. Instead of only being all about ourselves, we took the time to help others & to build others up. Let’s make each other feel important & worthy.

Romans 15:2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live…

Philippians 4:8 If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.

Have a happy & positive New Year my friends!!!

Our Daily Bread, Patience… Paul Beverly

Posted in Paul Beverly with tags , , , , on October 21, 2018 by paulthepoke

Everyone will go through struggles in life, it’s just a fact. Nobody is immune to it. With faith & patience, everything always works out just as it’s supposed to. God has a way of bringing us out of these dark times when we trust Him. So focus on the good & wait for the great!

corks-bobbers-floats-teaser

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Have a faithful & patient week my friends!!!

Jude: Peace

Posted in Jude with tags , , , , , , , on October 21, 2018 by paulthepoke

Jude 1:2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Peace or εἰρήνη/eiréné in the original Greek…

Strong’s Concordance defines the word as: a state of national tranquility; exemption from the rage and havoc of war.

peace between individuals, that is harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity, felicity.

of the Messiah’s peace; the way that leads to peace through salvation; of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot; the blessed state of devout and upright men after death.

The term εἰρήνη/eiréné is used 92 times in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul frequently introduced readers of his epistles with a greeting of peace. Below are a couple of examples.

Romans 1:7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The same greeting of peace is noted in the letters of 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, twice to the Thessalonians, Titus, Philemon, and both books of Timothy. Paul makes this point repeatedly as an introduction in his epistles. God (Father, Son, and Spirit) is the source of our peace.

As believers in Christ, we are called to be at peace with others. Seek peace with your fellow man. Do your part. There is nothing one can do about another’s attitudes, beliefs, lifestyle, words, and actions. We are not going to get along with everyone. But as for the individual believer, pursue peace in relationships.

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

 

Jewish people will use “peace” as a greeting or farewell to others. The term is “shalom” in the Hebrew.

Per Strong’s, shalom is defined as: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, safety, health, prosperity, quiet, tranquility, contentment, friendship; of human relationships and with God especially in covenant relationship.

Shalom is used 237 times in the Old Testament.

The first time “peace” or “shalom” is used in the Bible is in Genesis 15:15. God was revealing His covenant to Abram regarding his descendants and their future. Part of God’s promise is peace. Abram was in a deep slumber. God was communicating to him in what many might consider a nightmare. The specific reference to Abram was with his future death and burial. God, the author of peace, revealed the concept to humanity in darkness, slavery, oppression, terror, death, and fear. This is how God chose to introduce “peace”.

Genesis 15:15 As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age.

 

dove gracePeace is like a military guard. Peace crushes rebellions and it protects hearts and minds. Jesus is the answer, embodiment, and fulfillment of peace. In the end, peace wins.

Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Our Daily Bread, Content… Paul Beverly

Posted in Paul Beverly with tags , , , , , on October 14, 2018 by paulthepoke

It’s okay to want more out of life, but don’t want out of envy. There’s happiness in being content. Faith in God & doing what he puts in your heart will bring you what you need & more. Those that live life striving for more out of envy will find nothing but gloom in the end. Find happiness where you are to get more from life.

Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Have a content week my friends!!!

content

Our Daily Bread, Stress Management… Paul Beverly

Posted in Paul Beverly, Uncategorized with tags , , , , , , , , , on August 19, 2018 by paulthepoke

Are you tired & mentally drained? Are you exhausted from worry & stress? Give it to God & have faith in His plans for you. Step back & wait for His clear answer & know He has your back, if you let Him.

When doubt & worry start eating away at you, go to God. Give it all to Him & never doubt His love for you. Have faith that He will bring you through it. Nothing is too big or too small for Him!

Stress

Matthew 11:28. Come to me, all who are weary & burdened, and I will give you rest.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

Have a restful and doubt free week my friends!!!

Our Daily Bread, Positive Thoughts… Featuring Paul Beverly

Posted in Paul Beverly with tags , , , on July 8, 2018 by paulthepoke

Can doYour thoughts set the tone for your day. Positive thoughts lead to a happier day. Each positive day makes it easier to have happy days. Your thoughts turn into words which turn into actions. This all affects those around you. Make sure you’re affecting them in a positive way.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Have a positive week my friends!!!

Straight Talk…Perfect Peace, Rodna Epley

Posted in Rodna Epley with tags , , , on April 4, 2018 by paulthepoke

RodnaThe indicator of truly having our hopes in Jesus is this: Do we have “perfect peace” or have we lost it somewhere along the way? I can be so hard on myself at times. While in one way, I really do want to continue maturing in Christ every day. I also want to get from point A to point B in the fastest car on the Autobahn. However, God wants me to learn to be patient in the process of getting to point B. So He puts me in a “Slug Bug” or “economy car” instead, and probably laughs. Because in “the process” of getting there is where we learn to know Him, to know who we really are in Christ, and to know which path He is lighting for us to walk in. The process (if we submit to it) is also where our strength comes from. It’s a training module to teach us to have “peace in a storm”.

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

perfect peace

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

 

Our Daily Bread…Featuring Paul Beverly

Posted in Paul Beverly with tags , , , , , , , on December 17, 2017 by paulthepoke

prayerI’ve always believed in God, but for a long period in my life I hardly ever prayed. I may go to our Father in Heaven when I wanted something, but that was about it. Now I pray every day, sometimes several times a day. I go to God to give thanks. I go to Him to pray for others. I go to Him seeking continued happiness. I go to Him for pretty much everything. I believe He wants that kind of relationship with all of us. You don’t have to be eloquent with words to have a conversation with God. Talk to Him like you do with anyone. He wants to hear what’s in your heart. Give it all to Him & have faith that He is listening. He will give you exactly what you need.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer & supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.

Matthew 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Have a praying week my friends!!!

The Evils of Five Nights at Freddy’s…Featuring Bryant Lehr, Halloween 2017

Posted in Culture, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 31, 2017 by paulthepoke

pumpkin

The  game Five Nights at Freddy’s is a horror game that was released on August 8th, 2014. No, this game is not based off of Freddy’s Steakburgers and Custard. And no, it is not based off of Freddy Krueger. Five Nights at Freddy’s takes place at Freddy Fazebear’s Pizzeria. This is a spinoff of Chuck E. Chesse’s but you’re not there during the day. You’re there at night. Why? Because there have been alleged reports of the animatronic characters wandering around at night and killing the guards in the game.

Hang on! The Bible tells us to not kill people.

Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder.

The goal of the game is to survive the night from the animatronics who are closing in and wanting to kill you.

Ever since this game was released, five more versions of this game have been launched. The game has become increasingly popular.

How was this concept conceived? Well, the creator Scott Cawthon, had been creating more kid-friendly games such as Chipper & Sons Lumber Co. when he saw a rating that said one of the characters looked like a “scary animatronic animal”. He (Cawthon) then thought that he could create an even scarier, more demonic concept. And, the crazier thing is, he claims to be a Christian! What sort of Christian makes horror games?!

The Bible tells us to stay away from evil!

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.

 

Now to explain the evil, in the first game, the man on the phone talks about an incident called the “Bite of ‘87”. This is where an animatronic murders a child. In the fourth game, it is revealed that a child is shoved into the animatronic’s mouth by bullies.

Woah! God tells us the punishment for child sacrifice is death!

Leviticus 20:2 Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones.

 

The “Purple Guy” in the game goes on a child killing spree. The souls of the children possess the animatronic characters.  They get their revenge on the “Purple Guy” by locking him in a suit. “Purple Guy” turns out to be the antagonist, Springtrap, in the third game. Springtrap is kept away with a tempting child’s recorded voice.

 

I could go on and on about these evils. But God wants us to think of better things than these evils.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

God bless.

 

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