What Determines Your Worth?

By Allen White

Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. Philippians 2:25-27

Men are competitive by nature. And, there is nothing wrong with goodhearted competition. Competition becomes a problem; however, when our wins determine our worth. If we are only as good as our last accomplishment, then we are just one failure away from worthlessness. God doesn’t see us that way.

Epaphroditus didn’t write any books of the Bible. In fact, he is only mentioned in two verses in the Bible: here and in Philippians 4:18. (Now, that’s two more verses than any of us—if you’re keeping score.) Epaphroditus’ role was to bring the Philippians’ gift to Paul and then update Paul on their situation. Paul regards him as a true brother, co-worker and fellow soldier. Epaphroditus nearly lost his life in the process.

A lot of people won’t even write down a message let alone risk life and limb for one. Commitment and cooperation far outrank competition. Focus on the first two C’s, then just compete for fun.

Support Galatians 419 Ministries with a Tax Deductible Donation through the Joy to the World Foundation: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/operating-projects/149-galations-419-ministries/backing

Leave a Comment or Subscribe: galatians419.blogspot.com

More from Allen White: allenwhite.org

Facebook: Galatians419 Group

Twitter: @galatians419 @allenwhite

Are You the Real Deal?

By Allen White

I plan (according to Jesus' plan) to send Timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. Oh, how that will do my heart good! I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal and genuinely concerned for you. Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus. But you know yourselves that Timothy's the real thing. He's been a devoted son to me as together we've delivered the Message. As soon as I see how things are going to fall out for me here, I plan to send him off. And then I'm hoping and praying to be right on his heels. Philippians 2:19-24 (MSG)

How can you tell who is the “real deal”? It’s certainly easier to tell who’s not. Ever had a call from a long lost friend who has a tremendous business opportunity for you? It might seem that your potential investment is more important than your relationship.

In fact, when we meet someone like Timothy, it’s a little hard to believe. In this day and age to find someone who is genuinely interested in the welfare of others without regard to his or her own well-being is unfortunately rare.

Now that we’ve talked about everyone else, how about you? Are you the same on the outside as you are on the inside? What do you feel you need to hide from other people? Secrecy is a dark trap for the soul. What needs to come to light in your life today? To be genuinely weak is more powerful than pretending to be superficially strong.

Support Galatians 419 Ministries with a Tax Deductible Donation through the Joy to the World Foundation: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/operating-projects/149-galations-419-ministries/backing

Leave a Comment or Subscribe: galatians419.blogspot.com

More from Allen White: allenwhite.org

Facebook: Galatians419 Group

Twitter: @galatians419 @allenwhite

Freedom in Captivity

By Allen White

A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Acts 16:22-25

Paul had an interesting relationship with the Philippians. His encounters with them involved an odd combination of imprisonment and rejoicing. The Acts account captures Paul’s initial introduction to the citizens of Philippi. God enabled Paul and Silas to perform a miracle that raised a riot. The end result of following God’s will for them was being thrown into a dungeon. Without the distraction of cable television, Paul and Silas took to praying and singing hymns to God. Once the gospel performance was over and everyone had heard about Jesus for the first time, God arranged for their release by means of an earthquake.

Years later, as Paul sat imprisoned, he wrote a letter to the same group of people who had him thrown into prison way back when to thank them for their support and to encourage them to rejoice. What are you rejoicing over today? Freedom?

Support Galatians 419 Ministries with a Tax Deductible Donation through the Joy to the World Foundation: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/operating-projects/149-galations-419-ministries/backing

Leave a Comment or Subscribe: galatians419.blogspot.com

More from Allen White: allenwhite.org

Facebook: Galatians419 Group

Twitter: @galatians419 @allenwhite

You Don't Have to Work for a Gift

By Allen White

God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us Romans 5:5 (GN).

Spiritual growth is hard to measure. Is it how much I know? Is it how much I do? Is it what I think about? Often, I’m left feeling like I just don’t measure up. Then, trouble comes. When the pressure is on, I become more convinced than ever that I must not be “right with God.”

But look at the verse again. Does the verse say that I need to work harder at loving people or that I need to try harder to have God’s Spirit in my life? No, “God has poured His love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift.” I don’t have to work for a gift.

Let’s get practical though: if all of this has already happened, then why don’t I feel more loving? God’s Spirit is present in my life, so can I just be open to the Spirit in order for God to work? If I am open, then the Spirit produces the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the Gifts of the Spirit (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12 & Ephesians 4) in my life. I don’t need to work harder at being self-controlled or at being more discerning. I just need to be open to God’s Spirit. It’s God’s gift to you and me.

What do you need to invite God to do in your life today? What character quality is lacking? What growth needs to happen? Ask God to work in one specific area starting today, then watch what happens.

Support Galatians 419 Ministries with a Tax Deductible Donation through the Joy to the World Foundation: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/operating-projects/149-galations-419-ministries/backing

Leave a Comment or Subscribe: galatians419.blogspot.com

More from Allen White: allenwhite.org

Facebook: Galatians419 Group

Twitter: @galatians419 @allenwhite

Lessons from Gilligan's Island

By Allen White

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:9-11

What really matters? My bundled services went out a couple of days ago. Without phone, internet and cable, we began to feel like the castaways on Gilligan’s Island. Of course, we did have cell phones, so we could identify more closely with the Howells, I suppose. (Did you ever wonder why Thurston and Lovey brought so much luggage for a three-hour tour? I sometimes digress.)

Major setbacks often clarify what is truly important. Victims of fire or flood usually appear on the news saying, “Well, at least we have each other and that’s what is truly important.” We would certainly agree.

Paul tells us that what matters most is “righteous character.” If your character truly matters most, then what are you holding on to that hinders your character development? What could someone blame you for? How can you make that right?

Support Galatians 419 Ministries with a Tax Deductible Donation through the Joy to the World Foundation: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/operating-projects/149-galations-419-ministries/backing

Leave a Comment or Subscribe: galatians419.blogspot.com

More from Allen White: allenwhite.org

Facebook: Galatians419 Group

Twitter: @galatians419 @allenwhite

Band of Brothers

By Allen White

So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:7-8

Years ago, when I worked as a desk clerk, the hotel hosted a group of men who had served together in World War II. The veterans came from all over the country. What’s more, they only saw each other once a year. But, you never would have guessed it. In fact, from their interactions, it would have been easy to assume that they saw each other every day. They had been through the “Big War” together. They were bonded for life as a true band of brothers.

Paul felt this way about the Philippians. This church had supported him through hardship and had celebrated with him in victory. Paul loved them nearly as much as Jesus did. They had fought the good fight standing side-by-side.

Who are you standing beside? Maybe there’s a leader in your life who needs you to step in like Aaron and Hur who literally supported Moses (Exodus 17:12). How can you encourage someone today?

Support Galatians 419 Ministries with a Tax Deductible Donation through the Joy to the World Foundation: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/operating-projects/149-galations-419-ministries/backing

Leave a Comment or Subscribe: galatians419.blogspot.com

More from Allen White: allenwhite.org

Facebook: Galatians419 Group

Twitter: @galatians419 @allenwhite

An Epidemic of Growth

By Allen White

This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders and deacons. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:1-6

Southerners have a love/hate relationship with kudzu. What was introduced as an exotic Japanese wonder in 1876 was deemed a weed in 1972. It can grow a foot per day! In our family, kudzu is called “the ouchy plant.” I’m not sure if my children run into it or whether the kudzu grows around them as they play. There’s no stopping it. One herbicide even causes it to thrive!

The Gospel is a love relationship, but it is just as tenacious as “the vine that ate the South.” Once the Good News takes root in our hearts, it grows. Even when we doubt or stumble, God’s work continues in us. God isn’t finished with you. You might even grow “a foot a night,” if you make yourself available to Him.

Support Galatians 419 Ministries with a Tax Deductible Donation through the Joy to the World Foundation: http://joytotheworldfoundation.org/operating-projects/149-galations-419-ministries/backing

Leave a Comment or Subscribe: galatians419.blogspot.com

More from Allen White: allenwhite.org

Facebook: Galatians419 Group

Twitter: @galatians419 @allenwhite