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- Apr 25, 2006
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18 January 2008
Word on the Web
Philippians 4 v 10-13
I am very happy in the Lord that you have shown your care for me again. You continued to care about me, but there was no way for you to show it. I am not telling you this because I need anything. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
As someone said, "people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." And while it is pleasant enough when people express their support and offer words of encouragement, give me something more solid any day.
I live in one of the less desirable estates in Liverpool, and frankly I've heard enough sweet words and empty promises to last this lifetime and well into eternity. The alley used as an escape route from drug dealing youths is still ungated; the derelict houses and still unfit for human habitation; and the easily accessible grants remain out of our reach. If you are not going to be a man or woman of your word, then keep your mouth firmly shut!
Paul knew the Philippians cared about him - but the practical demonstration of that care still made all the difference in the world. Do we sometimes proclaim the message of a God who loves the world, but act in a way that suggests something quite different? How good and right that through programmes such as Hope08 we can show our care for our communities as well as talk about it.
God, I don't want my faith to be a matter of empty words, I want to live as I speak, and to act in a way that is consistent with your love. Please help me. Amen.
Written by Phil Clark
Word on the Web
Philippians 4 v 10-13
I am very happy in the Lord that you have shown your care for me again. You continued to care about me, but there was no way for you to show it. I am not telling you this because I need anything. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
As someone said, "people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." And while it is pleasant enough when people express their support and offer words of encouragement, give me something more solid any day.
I live in one of the less desirable estates in Liverpool, and frankly I've heard enough sweet words and empty promises to last this lifetime and well into eternity. The alley used as an escape route from drug dealing youths is still ungated; the derelict houses and still unfit for human habitation; and the easily accessible grants remain out of our reach. If you are not going to be a man or woman of your word, then keep your mouth firmly shut!
Paul knew the Philippians cared about him - but the practical demonstration of that care still made all the difference in the world. Do we sometimes proclaim the message of a God who loves the world, but act in a way that suggests something quite different? How good and right that through programmes such as Hope08 we can show our care for our communities as well as talk about it.
God, I don't want my faith to be a matter of empty words, I want to live as I speak, and to act in a way that is consistent with your love. Please help me. Amen.
Written by Phil Clark
