Those of you on Facebook may have already seen Troy Woodard’s post that once all of this is over we may find that we need less things and appreciate more what we have.  And to that I give a hearty AMEN brother!  Times such as these are hard and uncertain but God hasn’t changed.  He’s still on his throne and still in charge.  It’s actually easy to forget that when we are so blessed.  Most of us aren’t worried about the roof over our head or the food on the table most the time, and to be honest we don’t give much thought to it either.  It is in times of uncertainty that we count our blessings and look to God to sustain us, not our pocket book.
   The apostle Paul knew this all too well.  He writes to the Christians in Philippi while sitting under house arrest in Rome, not sure whether he will live or die.  To make matters worse he even has to provide for himself while under arrest.  So Paul has seen not only the threat of his life from Caesar but just being able to feed himself and keep a roof over his head.  The church at Philippi had sent an offering to him and one reason for his letter is to say, “Thank you”.  Yet just after his thank you he gives this lesson on faith and contentment:
   “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:11b-13.
   Paul’s not minimizing the situation, but he is putting it into perspective.  He didn’t say it was fun to be hungry, but his contentment didn’t depend on it.  His faith and trust were in Jesus and in him all things are possible.  Wherever you find yourself right now, out of work, afraid of getting sick, feeling alone and isolated, Christ is with you and will give you strength.  So know that you aren’t alone.  Paul also knew the power of friendship and personal connections.  Even in this time of social distancing we are here.  Call, text, or communicate however you can to the church, family, and neighbors.  Even in this time we are in this together.  Be well and be safe!
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Don
 

 
           Kyle Idleman in his book, Not A Fan, talks about how often scripture talks about being disciples compared to being believers.  Time and time again the word disciple is used far more often than the word believer.  It is important to note the difference in the terms.  A believer may believe certain things but a disciple lives what he believes.  James tells us that we show our faith by what we do, not just what we say.  Francis Chan in his book, Multiply, says that we are to be disciples, but that we are also to make disciples.  A disciple was someone willing to follow,  and to become like their teacher.  He makes the observation that many today feel like they can be a Christian without being like Christ.
 
We are in a series (which may be a long one) of looking at Jesus’ teaching and asking why it matters.  If we are to be more than just believers in Christ, if we are to follow him, we need to know what he taught and how he lived.  But then we must add to that the follow part, we must desire in our lives to be like Jesus.  In a few weeks we will spend three evenings on this topic as Paul Cocklin shares with us this idea of being disciples, not just believers.  My prayer is that you will mark your calendar, set aside time and most of all bring open ears and open hearts to those three days.
 
Don