Doing All Things…
Have you ever been in a place where you had to give your everything? Like a marathon, a presentation at work, or being there for sick family members. What was that like? Did you doubt yourself halfway through? Did you ever feel like or even say the words, “this is impossible” or “I can’t do this” I am here to tell you that even when the next big thing comes your way, you CAN do this! It is NOT impossible. And you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
When Paul wrote those words he had already been in prison and in shackles before. So he had experienced hardship and yet he was strengthened in Christ. He wasn’t dependent on the gifts or just high level care that the Philippians were giving him, he was dependent on the Lord. He appreciated their hearts and focused on that instead of money or things they gave to support the spread of the gospel.
Remember that Paul was well taken care of as a Pharisee, and was doing what many at the time would have thought was the best thing possible. He was a Roman citizen, meaning his parents most likely had money. He gave that up to serve Jesus so well. He left the comfort for the chance to be imprisoned, lied about and eventually martyred. And yet he stuck with it. Knowing it was absolutely the right thing to do.
How can we help one another if we are so stuck on who we were? We need to be able to lean into who God calls us to be. Know that when you gut through it, that isn’t enough. We have to cast all our burdens on Him, we have lean into what He has rather than what we want. God is good and he believes that we are able to help move the ball forward on His mission.
So, like Paul, we need to be the kind that don’t hesitate to serve people with 0 expectations and a heart focused on Him. Let’s serve as a Guest Services team with fervor and excitement in our hearts. On 9-14-25 we had a woman come up to us and tell us that the sign “You belong here” just wrecked her. She was crying as she hugged Cheryl on our B team greeter squad. It was her first time at the church and it was such a beautiful sight to see. Love them where they are. When you serve, do it with all you have, even if you were in the prison cell with shackles on just a few days before. Do it all as unto the Lord. Love you guys.
Let’s remember to always, “Serve Like Jesus!”
Be Blessed,
James Cooper
Pastor Craig really did a fantastic job with this book. You will love it!
