No Chuck Norris here........

Hello everyone! Well, Friday is finally here. I hope this finds you well. I have had some pretty weird and cool thoughts running through my head from last night and still going this morning. I watched a new series on TV last night called "Last Resort". It is a story of a submarine crew that gets attacked by their own people. Basically, another American submarine fires and almost destroys them. But, they get away and come together as a group. Together this group is strong, not to mention they have a nuclear power ballistic missile submarine. I laid in bed last night until wee hours of the morning thinking about this. Not American vs. American but, how many times are we attacked by people we are close to or work with. Maybe not physically, but mentally or emotionally. What do we do? How do we handle it? Let's dig into the good stuff and see what God has to say about the subject......

Bible Verse: Philippians 1:27-28  Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance, and this is from God.

Basically, what Paul is saying is that you will be attacked and to not be afraid of your opponents. We must band together. You know the cord of three strand scripture. Have you ever came to the defense of a Christian brother or sister? Or, do you just keep yourself out of it? Do you stand in the gap? Because if you see someone being attacked and you stand by and watch and do nothing. Aren't you a little guilty? Here is the thing, I promise this is going to happen to you also. You will be treated badly for your beliefs if people know what they are!

Now, Paul is writing to some cool friends of his, Christians in the town of Philippi. They were going through some really rough times, being treated awful because they believed in Jesus. Paul could totally relate with them. Heck, he was writing this letter from prison for the same reason. Now, his letter is full of encouragement for not just them but, for all believers. Paul is urging his friends to do better. It matters how we live, he said, because people are watching. They're looking to see if faith in Jesus makes any difference in the lives of those who trust Him. I mean really, what's your salvation worth to you? This is what he is asking. Guy's we must show its worth in how we live. And don't try to be Chuck Norris "The lone wolf" and make it a "personal thing." Stand for what you believe together. Stand firm. Fight for it together, so close that you seem like parts of the same person. That is why the Spartan warriors were so good. They would band together and be unbelievably strong together almost unbeatable. We must be fearless. You would be surprised how people will change how they talk or treat someone if someone else is standing by their side!

I guess the bottom line is. Does standing and fighting and sharing real life with other Christians make us stronger? How can it makes us fearless? I pray and ask God to help unbelievers see Jesus in me and in the people in my church. Let's pray this way and stand strong. Can you stand firm in one spirit with your brother and sisters? Let's do it! Have a great day and God bless!