Words of Encouragement November - 16 - 2003
Do you have ultimate goals by which you live? Paul certainly had at least these two: "I don't want to be ashamed but courageous" and "I want Christ to be exalted in my body, by life or by death." What are yours? Could you join Paul in his ultimate goals? How are these ultimate goals good for all of us? What makes it hard to live with these ultimate goals?
Let's read Paul's writing in Philippians 1:20.
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Let us go to our Father in prayer.
Sacrificial and all-powerful God, forgive us for our sins, especially the sin of living with improper priorities. We want your grace and your loving kindness to be seen in the way we conduct our life. In addition, please give us the courage to say what needs to be said to exalt you and to bring you praise.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.