Pastor Paul’s Blog

I’ve always been drawn to study the apostle Paul in the Bible, maybe because he is my namesake. Recently, it’s been his humility that has stood out to me. Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. In chapter three of that book the apostle Paul begins by telling us of all the reasons that he could put confidence in himself. He lists his pedigree and his accomplishments in verses 4b-6. In verses 7-11 he tells us that all those accomplishments are considered as rubbish to him, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” Then in verses 12-14 he tells us that not only does he consider his churchy pedigree to be a loss, but he is in pursuit of Christ just as an athlete pursues a prize at the end of a race. Did you know that the apostle Paul was in his early to mid 60’s when he wrote this book? He’d already been on numerous missionary journeys. What more was there to pursue? If there was anyone who knew Christ and what the whole “Christian” thing was all about, it was the apostle Paul.

Lately I’ve begun to understand more and more of what the apostle Paul was experiencing and feeling. I think one of the main contributing factors is that Kim and I now have two teens living in our house. If anyone knows who they belong to please call . . . . (just kidding, we love all of our children).

I used to think that I had a pretty good handle on what being a Christian was all about, but more and more in my journey I’m realizing that I really know very little. Fortunately, I’ve also realized that it’s not about what I know, but it’s all about Who I know (Philippians 3:10-11). When I think back over my journey with Christ, it’s been in those moments when I felt completely lacking and had no confidence in my abilities that, through my obedience, Christ was able to use me, and through His grace, he made something beautiful out of what I thought would be a train wreck. I’m learning more and more to see the circumstances of life through the lenses of Christ’s love and grace and the possibilities of what He can do. My prayer for you today is that you would be able to relax from the worry and stress of feeling like you need to have all the answers or possess all the ability to fix the problems you face. I pray that you would rest in the knowledge that your simple obedience is all that is required and you will be able to “. . . do everything through (Christ) who gives (you) strength.” Philippians 4:13.

Pastor Paul