By Ruth Ferraz
Philippians 4:13 is one of the Bible verses that I love most, especially in the English, whose meaning is more profound for me: "I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ has given me." Already in Portuguese: " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. " It is interest the subtle difference between translations, just the same Spirit to tell us the real and correct meaning of the Scriptures.
In the moments of tribulation and distress, I could praise the Lord with all his strength and hope, with the grace, miracles happened and conflicted situation was resolved. I can say that today I'm giving my testimony here, because in the worst and most difficult moments the Lord strengthened me, His grace has made me strong and in my weakness with His strength I won! The Lord is shaping us as a vessel in the hands of the potter, we become the purest gold for His glory and not our own.
When the tribulation comes the grace and strength of the Lord also comes up to us. What has happened, we can not go back, we can only look forward to the Lord's salvation." Watch and pray without ceasing"!
As Jesus said: "If someone asks you something, give you more of what he calls" No matter the temporary things, what matters is eternal life, that if we are in Christ and in his words, nobody can we take what we have and the more valuable that only the Lord can control.
But we read and meditate on every verse of this wonderful chapter of the Letter of the Apostle Paul to the Philippians.
"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your equity be known unto all men. Perto está o Senhor."(Fil. 4.4) The Lord is near. "(Phil. 4.4)
Yes, the joy of the Lord is our strength! Make him happy is our greatest pleasure, is our greatest joy, despite all the difficulties we can smile and help those suffering perhaps more than us.The world is not only restricted to our yard or "belly", but there are people and countries that have not yet been reached by the gospel and the salvation He brings. May the Lord help us to have fairness, which means equality. It is even difficult to treat everyone the same, only with the same grace and the Lord, who gives the sun also all we can to help, because if the love He's close to us, we can search it while we can find it. Only He can teach us to love our enemies and forgive those who have wronged us.
Be anxious for nothing, but your requests be made known unto God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
"Do not you anxious for nothing," "I Come ye that are weary and I will ease you, my burden is easy and my yoke is light!" What concerns instead we praise the Lord with psalms and chants , bless his name. What's the point if we can not be anxious for anything ourselves. Jesus always said, "the works that I perform and the power of the Father in me", and most of us who are mere mortals, without the grace of God we are nothing. For one millimeter can increase our stature or contralar the hairs of our head, but without the Father has counted them all, because not a wire falls without his permission! Praise the Lord!
Surely all the evil that wants to put the evil will fall apart that we bless the name of the Lord until the sadness is replaced by the joy of the Lord! Loving God with all our heart, soul and power, this is the primary point, but important. It's easy to praise him when all is well, but when things estam dificieis even just gonna love it.
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
All that is true, pure and comes from the Lord, we can think. We love enjoying nature, that the best way to show the love of God. People think, mostly, it's all good, all religões saved, but not quite. There are has "Christian religions", or rather call themselves Christian, but are actually sects, cults, do not grounded in the Word of God, but the pervert.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Yet much I rejoiced in the Lord finally revive your memory of me: for ye have you had remembered, but not you had had the opportunity. do not say this as a need, for I have learned to be content with what I have.
Here is the key point for those who think only in material wealth and not knowing settle for what you have. May we be happy in any circumstance.
I know to be abased, and I know how to abound: in any way, and in all things I am instructed both to be filled, such as being hungry, both to abound, and to suffer need.
For richer, for poorer, in abundance, hunger, health, disease ... it's beautiful, it seems that statement that makes the wedding ceremony! We also have a covenant with the Lord yes, our love is unconditional, no matter the external conditions, because we are in our intimate with him always, "the kingdom of God is within us!" Because he rules all!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
We have the strength to face any situation in the power of Christ gives us every moment, for He is life abundant and eternal in us, when we receive him as our one and only Lord and Savior. It is that strength in weakness is revealed!
Nevertheless you have done well in taking part in my affliction.
May we share the grief of Christ on the cross who suffered for us, but also won this and sitting on the right of the Father where He If we believe this, for He is with us!
And well ye know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only; Because also time and again you sent me the need to Thessalonica.
The Apostle says to the Philippians took part of his suffering and yet they were the ones who took part. May we also we communicate with Christ, giving and receiving grace to have it always at our side as a witness. May we give away what by the grace of Jesus we receive! Yes God's grace is sufficient for us every day, necessary that we should not be anxious about tomorrow, for just every day their own concerns.
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Let us also bear fruit as Paul did. Os frutos são as almas que ganhamos para o Senhor. The fruits are the souls we won for the Lord. Not for our vain glory but to shine the Light of Jesus in the world and for our own salvation and that of many because "the tree that does not bear fruit is cut down and thrown away." While it is our bedroom doors closed, praying for the nations and people in need.
But I have, and I have plenty. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus what your part was sent to me as the smell of sweetness and pleasing sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. My God, according to his riches shall supply all your needs in glory by Christ Jesus.
Clearly, the Apostle received "the riches of the Lord" and they supplied the needs in glory by Christ Jesus. Here collapses Prosperity Theology, which says that only those who have wealth and blessed.
Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
Bibliografia: http://www.bibliaonline.com.br/acf/fp/1
