A Grateful Heart
Have you ever received a care package while away from home? Maybe during those college years, or while on a military deployment, or as a young camper swatting mosquitos and missing the comforts of home. Unwrapping the package is like getting a warm hug from afar. Each item thoughtfully chosen holds a big impact.
My most impactful care package came while serving in the Air Force and deployed out of the country. The box was full of items that I needed, but also ones that simply were meant to bring me joy. They reminded me that though I was out of sight, I was still seen, loved, and cared for. This was important as the tangible support gave me a little bit of courage in a time when things were unpredictable. I imagine the same was true for Paul.
As Paul’s needs were provided for “in full payment and more” (Philippians 4:18) his praise for the God who connected them through their love for Christ overflows from his lips. God’s provision became manifest through their acts of obedience. This feeling of security while the security team of Caesar’s palace watched his every move wasn’t based upon ignoring or stifling negative emotions, but instead about focusing on the reasons to be thankful. Gratitude offers us a wider lens to see the good and since God is indeed good, Paul could see Him at work in his life.
The journey through the book of Philippians has opened our eyes to see there can be joy amid hardship that can inspire us to remember the “hope that will not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). The care package of Jesus led to the gift of the Spirit, and that ultimately leads to eternal life at home in the Father’s house. There all needs are fulfilled by His presence.
Jessica Klootwyk
Discipleship Director
BFF’s
Philippians 4:15-17
Garth Brooks once said, “I got friends in low places” and while that might suggest they are not the best friends to have in life, the song seems to say how in various ups and downs in our journeys we need friends who give us life. Paul had those types of friends. He needed friends when he traveled, he needed friends when he was imprisoned, and he needed friends after he took a beating. He just needed people in his life he could count on. So think for a moment, who are those friends for you?
Paul explains that friendships that are based in Christ are special, they are partners, (v.15), they last over time (v.16), and they produce fruit or build up (v.17). Paul didn’t want friends in low places, he wanted friends who he could pour into and then know they would be friends for an eternity. He wanted friends he could help grow! Life-giving friendships are valuable, they were for Paul and they are for us. A life-giving friendship should at times give joy, encouragement, help, guidance, and many other things that fill our souls. Those types of relationships are ones we want to keep healthy and hold onto.
One unique aspect I want to talk about is in verse 17. Paul appreciated the support and gifts, but he had a different purpose. He says, “...but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” He wanted them to grow in faith, grow as disciples, and have eternal significance. In friendships, discipleship should be a vital part of the process. Our friendships should give us comfort, encouragement, and fun, but they should also make us more Christlike. Paul wanted his friends to have that opportunity in their support of him, which is so intentional and a really good model for us to follow. Where you can today, be a friend to someone. Be there in the low and high places, be there when you are needed and when you're not, and help them live in the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus. Praying God blesses you as you do!
Pastor Jeremy
The Secret to Contentment
I’m stoked I get to write for you all again. If you take a look at Philippians 4:11-14, we might paraphrase, “I am to be content, through Christ who strengthens me.” This is a little tricky because it sounds like we can bring about our own contentment by using Jesus’ power.
This analogy came to mind to illustrate what Paul is really trying to say. There’s a little boy who’s upset over misplacing his favorite toy truck. But his Dad calls him over to console him; he says put your hands on this saw and help me cut this board in two. So the boy places his hands on the saw’s handle, and then his Dad places his hands over the boy’s. Together, they start the work of sawing. The boy feels the saw biting into the wood, guided by his Dad’s strength. Just like that, the boy no longer cares about the truck.
In the analogy, Christ is powering the saw, and Paul is the little boy. The little boy might go on to say he cut that board with his Dad’s strength. He might even be emboldened, and boast, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Hopefully, the boy won’t then try to saw a branch in half at school by himself to impress his friends. The point is the little boy’s focus was lifted off himself and set on his father.
The secret to contentment is to be thoroughly preoccupied with Christ’s business. He’s calling each of us to “help” him build his kingdom. Obviously, he needs nothing from us, just like the boy’s dad really didn’t need his help, but Christ planned out ways we could play genuinely fulfilling roles. Now, we get to do his work with him, and that is truly awesome. So let’s forget about the misplaced toy truck and go saw some lumber with Christ!
Jonathan Duncan
EFCC Member
Content in All Things
Contentment. What even is contentment? Does our current culture “identify” with contentment in any way? We have words and phrases in use today like “tolerant” or “my truth.” Another focus is “our rights” or “being offended.” Yet I don’t see a “spirit of contentment” as a popular topic. How can we become content?
Maybe we view contentment as “settling” for something versus a complete filling of our spirit. Filling our “wants” does not fill the contentment bucket like “happiness” doesn’t fill the joy bucket. Is contentment thought of as just being ok? NO! Not according to Scripture. What is it to be content?
From a jail cell in the book of Philippians, Paul writes, “I have learned to be content in all circumstances in any and every situation.” He then adds a variety of circumstances between needful and plentiful, well-fed or hungry. Then he adds, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
This week I watched a podcast with amazing Bible teacher, Megan Fate Marshman, who was casting the possibility of walking into a room and not worrying or being consumed by what people think of you. She went on to say that it's possible when you KNOW you are already loved so and KNOWN so much so that it fills you up to overflowing. She wasn’t speaking on contentment, but her description caused me to reflect on this passage. I believe THIS is contentment, I think this is what Paul was saying too, don’t you?
So here is the key. She went on to say that from the overflowing of that love from God, you can walk into any room for the rest of your life and ask the Lord, “Who needs to be seen?” instead of “Who sees me?” Can you imagine?
The holy focus of contentment consistently goes back to our relationship with Him. To be seen and loved by Him, and believing that this is so. How many days and years have I wrestled with this truth based on the circumstances I'm going through? Then justifying or shaming myself based on my “performance.” These thoughts -- lies or truths -- have the power to consume and create discontent. Striving and perfecting, or walking away in defeat, being angry at God or myself based on the circumstance or outcome. Does this happen to you?
There is freedom in contentment! It is possible and offered. Contentment without the choices of others, circumstances, needs, or the blessings of the day can be ours.
Tammy De Armas
EFCC Member
Trust Without Borders
Almost every day as I take my morning walk with my dog, Boise, I listen to Christian music. Often the music prepares my heart for the upcoming quiet time with God. On this particular morning, a phrase in a song caught my attention, “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.” It stopped me in my tracks as I had not thought about the concept that I have borders to my trust in God. “LORD, please show me where I have put up these borders and why,” I cried out to Him. And He gently began to answer me.
A much-loved granddaughter is going 3,000 miles away for her first year of university in New York and fear comes knocking to tear down trust. Will she be safe? Will she stay strong in You? Then later God gave me a “zapper” in “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). That border was zapped! God will always know where she is and will be with her.
As the pervasive deterioration of our culture and the sharp division in our country seems to be intensifying, fear arises about what will happen in the next few months and years. But He reminds me, in Psalm 46, that though the nations are in an uproar and that kingdoms fall, He is still our fortress and is with us. Regardless of what happens, I will trust in You, LORD! Another border gone.
My dear Savior is still revealing borders and lovingly guiding me to trust Him. And like Paul indicated in Philippians 4, we learn to be content in whatever the circumstance so it is part of the journey.
Here is the chorus of the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior.
Prayer:
Lord, please show me where I have placed borders to my trust in You. Help me see the source of those borders and lead me to a deeper faith in You. May I indeed have trust without borders and live in the freedom that brings. In Jesus' name, we ask, Amen.
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member
The Secret of Contentment
Series: On Philippians: A Colony of Heaven in a Dissatisfied World
Text: Philippians 4:10-23
Speakers: Pastors Ryan Paulson and Esteban Tapia
August 25, 2024: On Sunday, Lead Pastor Ryan Paulson and Teaching Pastor Esteban Tapia completed our summer series on the book of Philippians. The title of this sermon is "The Secret of Contentment." We hope you enjoyed this study of the Scriptures.
Meditate on the Good
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things… And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8, 9b (TNIV)
It was a hot, muggy summer afternoon. Our small, inadequately insulated house didn’t have air conditioning, and our preschooler had way more energy than I did. I don’t remember what I said when my husband got home from a stressful job in an air-conditioned office, but to this day, I remember his response. We managed to smooth over the ripples I caused by whatever short-sighted thing I said, and he later pointed out that it seemed like what I spent time thinking about before he came home affected our initial interaction, which set the tone for the entire evening. I’m grateful for that wisdom and since then I have seen the same principle play out many times in different situations.
Who of us has not, after a difficult interaction, thought up a witty come-back or retort only to feel surprised when, days or weeks later, in a similar situation, we actually said it aloud? Those words weren’t intended to see the light of day; it was “just a thought.”
According to Lao Tsu, a 3rd-century Chinese philosopher…
Watch your thoughts, they become your words;
Watch your words, they become your actions;
Watch your actions, they become your habits;
Watch your habits, they become your character;
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
In today’s passage, Paul talks about how our thoughts shape who we become. James weighs in on this theme as well (James 3:3-5), pointing out the disproportionate importance of our words in determining our destiny by comparing the tongue to a horse’s bit, a ship’s rudder, and a spark that sets off a forest fire.
How do we become men and women of character? By focusing on the beginning of the progression from thoughts, words, and actions to destiny. By shaping and controlling our thoughts — what we choose to dwell on — we change the trajectory of our lives.
The next time you find yourself ruminating (or purposefully meditating), consider your train of thought.
~ Is it true, accurate, appropriate, and honest?
~ Is it honorable? Would this thought stand up to bright light and close inspection?
~ Is it just and reputable? Would I feel good about my kids thinking, saying, or doing the same thing?
~Does this thought represent who I want to be?
~ Is it admirable, commendable, courteous, and gracious?
If “yes,” then think about such things!
EFCC Staff
Leave Your Concerns With Him
Worry is a thief of joy and presence. How many of you have lost sleep worrying? How many have missed a special moment because a wave of anxiety washed over you? How many of you try to figure out a problem, clean up a mess, or just try to tackle all the worries in the world that take up space in your mind? Paul probably spent some time worrying over things in his life, so he offers some advice to help people — “do not be anxious about anything.”
I used to get frustrated at that statement sometimes because I did not know how to leave my concerns with Jesus. I would share them, and I would ask for help, but they didn’t always stay with Jesus, they would just stick with me. Maybe you can relate a little? I had to learn how to leave my concerns with my Sustainer and not take them right back.
Here is how Paul’s words and the Holy Spirit’s inspiration helped me. I would write out all the things that were concerns, worries and fears, that I could think of, and as verse 6 says I would pray through each thing I wrote down individually (yes, this can take a while if you're an overthinker like me). Next, write down everything that you're thankful for. Think of what God has done that day, week, month, or even just people in your life. This list is so life-giving. Then pray through the thankful list individually. You’ll be surprised at what God gives you during this time. Finally, release the worries and concerns to Jesus and allow him to protect your heart and mind.
That is how I started leaving my concerns with Him instead of carrying them with me. It has been a helpful tool for me, to organize my thoughts and hand them over in faith, trusting the Lord to provide in ways I need. I also have sat with people for years doing this simple exercise and witnessed the peace that passes understanding, lifts the worries and concerns, and replaces them with peace and protection. If you’re having trouble with some concerns, go to the Lord and go to others. We have our Care and Counseling department and prayer teams, all of which are available should you need any help.
Jeremy Johnson
Executive Pastor
Ask God for Help
Raise your hand if you’re a worrier. My arm would be high up in the air now, too, if I weren’t using it to type this message. I worry way too much and quite honestly, I frustrate myself! Anxiety, worry, and fear — the unwanted houseguests that just won't leave! They don’t get the hint that they are complicating circumstances and it’s time for them to go! Paul has some advice for us in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Notice he doesn't say, “Just calm down and get over it!” No, Paul tells us to bring our worries to God. All of them. Why? Because God wants us to hear about every single one of our desires, struggles, worries, and needs. When we ask for what we need our relationship with Him grows. It’s an opportunity for the divine to interact with the every day of our lives and show how much He cares about us. This interaction stops the escalation of our worries painting a picture in our minds of the worst possible things that could happen. Instead, we are gifted the opportunity to imagine (and experience) a good Father listening, drawing near, and answering our prayers in His wisdom. And for that, we can be thankful! Which is Paul’s next instruction.
Thankfulness for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Because in His sovereignty, He can turn even the most tangled mess into something beautiful. Inviting God into the situation turns our worries into worship, our irrational thoughts into relationship, and our neediness into a reminder of our belovedness. So, let's make a deal. Next time anxiety comes knocking, let's invite Jesus in. He’s the perfect houseguest that we’ll never grow weary of.
Pray this with me: “God, thank You that I can ask You for all that I need. Help me to quickly bring my worries to You and trust Your goodness. Thank You for being my peace amid chaos and bringing my spirit a sense of calm.”
Jessica Klootwyk
Discipleship Director
Choose Joy
How can it be suggested to someone who just lost their job or home, received a terminal diagnosis, or even suffered the loss of a loved one — to choose joy? These horrible circumstances do not bring joy to our minds. I felt compelled to address this and certainly don’t want to be insensitive to those who might be suffering right now. As I write, I admit I wrestle too. Thinking back to a memory of when I was 17, learning that my dad had just died in an accidental death. Life changing … with no joy but overwhelming fear, anger, and confusion.
As we look at many of the verses about joy in the Bible they often include suffering or a trial. James 1:2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Or Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction faithful in prayer.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reads: “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Do you think He knew we would struggle with choosing joy? Joy is not happiness, and we know it is not something that just happens. It is a choice that we must submit to. Perhaps it is then we’re filled with His joy, as in “the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Can you think of a time when you’ve seen someone walking through a very difficult trial, yet they have a sense of “peace” about them? Their demeanor might even be characterized as joyful. It is unexplainable, yet profoundly evident. They might share that they know the Lord is with them in this, and they feel His great and mighty presence. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, THAT is JOY.
Paul is in jail he writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4-5). He continues to speak of not being anxious and praying for everything that leads to peace and the guarding of hearts and minds. If we can pause and take the focus off the trial through our prayers, we, too, can move forward. Slowly.
Here is a favorite of mine, Habakkuk 3:17-19: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to tread on the heights.”
What stands out most to me in this passage is this: “I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
By Tammy De Armas
EFCC Member