Posted in Anger, Choice, Christ, Fear, Feelings, tagged Phil 04 on September 20, 2012| Leave a Comment »
The way a day turns out is often different than the way it feels facing it.
And that’s a good thing!
“Instead of worrying, pray… It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” — Philippians 4:6-7 (Message)
– fritz
Posted in Giving, Sacrifice, tagged Leviticus 01, Leviticus 02, Phil 04 on July 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:17-19
Philippians was actually a thank you letter from the apostle Paul to a Church for their financial aid.
He said their gift was a “sweet smelling sacrifice”. Not just a complement, this referenced a specific kind of sacrifice. You can read about it in Leviticus chapters 1 and 2.
Most sacrifices were mandatory but the “sweet savour” sacrifice was different — it was completely voluntary. A small part was burned for the smell and the rest given to a priest. Giving from a heart of gratitude gets God’s attention, like the smell of breakfast in the morning — bacon frying and coffee brewing — does to us. It warms his heart.
Priests, in the Old Testament, are symbolical for followers of Christ (Rev 1:6).
The Bible tells us that as we voluntarily give to Christ’s followers — fellow christians — God is pleased and returns a blessing.
— fritz@langgang.com
Related Post: Getting More – July 13, 2011
Posted in Dallas Willard, Feelings, Quotes, Thoughts, tagged Phil 04 on November 10, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Dallas Willard surfaces an interesting fact.
“We cannot just choose our feelings”1
But, he says,
“you can evoke and to some degree control feelings by directing your thoughts.
Our power over our thoughts is of great and indispensable assistance in directing and controlling our feelings, which themselves are not directly under the guidance of our will.”1
Perhaps this is why the bible says
“whatsoever things are true, … honest, … just, … pure, … lovely, … of good report; … think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8
– fritz
1 – Renovation of the Heart, by Dallas Willard, page 104
Patrikin - Kinship through The Father 