From Philippians 2:1
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ...
if any encouragement from belonging to Christ,
being united to Christ...
If there be any consolation in Christ???!!!
Psalm 94:19 says,
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
when anxiety was great within me,
when doubts filled my mind,
Your consolation brought joy to my soul,
Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Is there any consolation in Christ?
Every day of my life since I was saved a long time ago!
Friday night in prayer the thought came to me...
What do you know?
It wasn't "said" in a nice way. It was said rather snarkily.
The answer came quickly though...
It's not what you know, it's Who you know.
What you know is important.
But knowing Him...that trumps what you know, right?
Paul continues in Philippians 2:1,
if (there be) any comfort of love...
Have you ever been comforted by God's love?
Have you ever basked in it?
Jesus loves me, this I know!
Paul writes, If (there be) any fellowship of the Spirit...
Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit coming alongside to help you, to comfort you, to stengthen you?
Paul continues, If (there be) any bowels and mercies.
Bowels?! What's that mean?
Old King James language for tenderness.
Have you ever experienced God's compassion?
The Lord longs to be gracious to you,
And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. Isaiah 30:18
If all of this is true...all of the four things mentioned by Paul in Philippian 2:1,
if you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ,
if His love has made any difference in your life,
if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you,
if you have a heart, if you care -
then...
... to be continued.
(Lord willing.)