Just DO it!

No, this is not about Nike…  J

Recently, I was reading one of my favorites--Philippians 4.  Something new jumped out at me.  I love it when that happens!  It was verse 9:  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, DO:  and the God of peace shall be with you. 

One simple word.  Just two letters.  Do.

What are we supposed to do?

Those things that we have learned, and received, and heard from Paul

 For the believers at Philippi, this would have included their personal experiences with Paul’s ministry.  We, too, are benefitting from Paul’s earthly ministry through his writing.  (That’s kinda cool to think about, isn’t it?  As a matter of fact, I never really thought about it like that until just now.  Gives me chills!)

There is so much to learn from just this book alone!  I just want to focus on Chapter 4 for a minute.

I tend to skim over these first three verses because they deal with specific people at the church of Philippi; however, we should use these as a pattern for our own relationships now.

Verse 1 – He encouraged believers to stand fast in the Lord.

Verse 2 – He encouraged unity in the Lord.

Verse 3 – Help fellowlaborers in the gospel.

Here is where we tend to start paying attention:

Verse 4 – Rejoice in the Lord….always.

Verse 5 – Let your moderation be known unto all men….in other words, Be reasonable!

Verse 6 – Be anxious for nothing.  Make your requests known unto God by prayer and supplication.

Verse 8 – Think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report.

Then we come to verse 9…..

Do these things!  And when you do, the God of peace will be with you. 

Verse 7 details more about this peace from God – And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Now let’s face it.  That’s a pretty overwhelming To Do list, isn’t it?

I love a good To Do list…especially when I can check off lots of stuff!  (Shhh….Sometimes, I even put things I’ve already done on my list just so that I can check it off.   Admit it. Some of you have, too! )

I had to ask myself.  How many of these things can I check off?  Honestly?

In reality, most of my stress or anxiousness in life comes when my heart and mind are not focused on Christ.  Verse 7 tells me that if I will DO these things, a peace that defies understanding will keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.  How wonderful is that?!

The results sound wonderful, but how in the world can I accomplish such a To Do list?

The answer is waiting in verse 13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

What a promise!

I am constantly trying to DO.  The lists are endless!  As much accomplishment as I feel when I complete my lists, I will only experience true peace when I work on my spiritual To Do list.

Don’t be overwhelmed.  Start on this list….all your others may just fall into place.

Go ahead.  Just Do it!

Back to the Blog!

....for the summer, at least! 

Wow!  When I posted about my new teaching job, I knew that I probably wouldn't have much time to update the blog.  Boy, was I right!! 

I just wanted to give a quick update on my school year.  I am still rejoicing at the opportunity God has given me to minister to high school students.  There were many days that I would just look around and have to pinch myself.  :)  I love teaching!  Yes, I am exhausted.  I am so sleep deprived that I compare it to when my kids were 5, 2, and newborn.  Figuratively, I feel like that I have been barely treading water while gasping for air since August.  I am so ready for a chance to actually plan a little bit before school begins again.  While I welcome my first summer at home EVER (as a wife/mom), I am looking forward to beginning again.

Words can't really describe all that I have learned and experienced during this school year.  My heart is even more burdened for my students.  I pray for them.  I desperately want them to see and know God in a very real and personal way.

My "race" has taken a really sharp turn in the past few months.  We went from part-time working mom and police officer dad working 12 hour swing shifts to full-time teacher mom, and dad with a new job and normal schedule.  These changes have all been gracious answers to prayer.  Each new situation brings new people for us to impact for Christ.  We are so thankful for God's leading and provision in our lives. 

I look forward to sharing more thoughts throughout the summer.  The next post is already "brewing".  I treasure the extra time to read/meditate/study God's Word.