"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:8-11
I find myself praying as Paul prayed for those he loved as he saw the day of Christ approaching knowing his death was imminent. This is true in all our lives. We are all going to die. When you find yourself in your later years of life you prioritize differently from the younger population. Unfortunately when young we are focused on our future, not the end of life which has a way of sneaking upon us all.
I have adult children and nothing is more painful than when you feel what you have to say is of no value to them concerning the reality of eternity. I feel an urgency as never before to get people’s attention to read the Word of God to understand the times. Especially those nearest and dearest to our hearts which should be our families.
Paul prays that our love may continue to abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment. What is our love abounding for still more and more? Is it for real knowledge and all discernment? Can we say yes, we know how to approve things that are excellent? In your life what are you projecting to others that reflect real knowledge and all discernment? We have to determine in our hearts to make this happen in our families and within our circles of influence. Why? In order that we might be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ. How? By keeping ourselves filled with the fruit of righteousness. That means we must be focused on hearing and seeing righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was made flesh the Bible tells us. We must sow into our lives the truth of God’s Word daily. As we do so we expel His glory and praise to our God before others. It isn’t pretentious; it isn’t worked up emotionally. It comes from a heart filled with God’s love for you and for others.
I want to encourage your hearts by sharing Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:14-25:
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. Brethren, pray for us.
These verses I pray over your life and come into agreement with you as you pray in Jesus name. Let us continually pray for one another that we might be found without blame in our lives at the coming of our Lord.
In His love.
Teresa Roberts
Masterpiece Fitness
276-237-6680
Photos from an out and back bike ride this week from Foster Falls to Ivanhoe. Beautiful ride ending with a dip in the river. I love where I call home!
