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Family

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Families with children understands sibling rivalry. Paul, as a father of spiritual children, experienced it within the family of God.

He repeatedly reiterates his love for these people. He calls them beloved. He yearns for them. He calls them his joy and crown. He also tells them to get along.

Paul implores Euodia. He implores Syntyche. Each is of value to him. “Be of one mind in the Lord,” he tells them. Pray, seek from the Lord how to think on the issue at hand.

He takes it further by asking his ‘true companion’ to help them. These women were valuable to Paul. They worked alongside him in sharing the gospel. Along with others, their names were in the Book of Life. It wasn’t a matter of their Christianity, nor of their work. They just needed to get their thinking beyond themselves and into the mind of Christ. They needed outside help.

Conflict is a nasty business, especially in the church. It can ruin our reputation to the world and block the work of Christ. It allows access to the enemy of our souls. If we in humility allow the work of Jesus in our lives, His Spirit will guide us through the maze of conflict. Euodia had to deal with Jesus on the issue. She needed to ensure her heart was right and Syntyche had to do the same. Like a triangle, two opposites growing toward the apex, become one. Jesus is the apex.

“Rejoice!” Paul continues. “Let your gentleness (graciousness, forbearance) be known to all men.” Don’t get stuck. Keep your heart and mind on the prize. Look to Jesus! Jesus is Love.

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Bible reflectionMankind

Sometimes

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Sometimes you just have to know. Paul wondered how the Philippians were doing. Were they standing firm in their faith? How were they doing amidst the severe trials and persecution they were experiencing? Paul had to know.

Sometimes you just need the right person. Paul needed Timothy. Timothy understood Paul and his mission. He knew how much Paul cared for these people. Timothy saw beyond his own needs and cared about the things of Christ. He had proved himself by helping Paul as a son would help his father. So he wants to send Timothy to find out how they are doing. Down deep, he wants to go himself.

Sometimes you need an envoy. Paul doesn’t send timothy. He sends Epaphroditus. He is a brother in Christ, not only working alongside Paul but also a soldier alongside Paul in the gospel’s work. He is also something else. Perhaps this is the real reason Paul sent him. He is the messenger the Philippians sent to minister to Paul’s need. He was one of them.

Epaphroditus was very lonesome for these people. Paul said he was longing for them. He had been very ill even to the point of death, and he wanted them to know he was alive and well. Paul understood, too. He knew that the Philippians needed to see Epaphroditus and see him well. He knew that the reverse was also true. He sent him along with a message: Receive him gladly. Hold men like him in high regard. This man who in his work for Christ nearly died. This man who was more concerned about their ministry to Paul than his own life completed the task.

Paul knew there was more at stake here than satisfying his own need to know they were well. The Philippians had needs as did Epaphroditus. It wasn’t just about Paul and his ministry. It was much bigger. God expanded Paul’s vision to the needs of all involved in the story. The ministry of Christ is a human endeavour, empowered by the love of Christ who knows, understands, and cares deeply for each of His children.

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Bible reflectionInspirationsMankindvictorious living

One Heart

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When we first meet the apostle Paul, he is a man steeped in traditions, high on himself and his agenda of wiping out the followers of Jesus. Throughout his writings, he talks about who he was as a high-ranking individual in his religious order. He was proud, arrogant, and full of ambition.

Paul meets Jesus. Jesus transforms Paul. A man once bent on killing not only men but women also, is redeemed.

When we look to the letters Paul wrote to his spiritual children, we see a very different man than we met at first. He pleads with them. Remember the times Jesus has encouraged or comforted you; the times He has shown you His mercy. Use these memories as lessons on how to treat others.

“Fulfill my joy.” he says, by being full of love for one another. Don’t just think about your own interests, think of, take part in the interests of others. Esteem others better than yourselves.

Jesus becomes the model of how we relate to others. It’s no longer about us. It is about being one in Him, following His model and admonitions. It isn’t about what we hear from religious leaders or from others motivated by conceit or selfish ambition. It comes from a heart that has felt and known the hand of Jesus and reaches others from that experience.

The apostle John also writes in this manner.

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also out to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

How we treat each other is a big deal in the Kingdom of God!

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Bible reflectionFamilyInspirationsMankind

First Child

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

There came a time in my newly married life when my husband said he wanted to start a family. I wasn’t quite so sure. I was caring for children in a Day Care Centre, which fulfilled my need for children. It wasn’t long, however, and both of us decided we wanted to increase our family. Once that was settled, and a bit more, we became aware of changes to my body. With each new change, we knew our little one was on the way. What excitement filled our hearts! We began to make plans and took pictures. I looked for a pattern, then chose a colour, so I could crochet a sweater, bonnet, and booties. We began to pull together the things we would need to provide for our bundle of joy. As my abdomen swelled and I began to sense his movements, we were excited and anticipated our first child’s arrival. We were making ready a place for our child to come into our lives. God indeed, blessed us with a healthy son, the first of three wonderful children that blessed and continue to bless our lives.

This morning I read again Genesis 1. I thought of it in this context. God, who is three in one, decided to increase his family, his circle of love. In order to do that, he needed to prepare a place for them. He knew they would need light, and water, beauty and companionship, a place to call home, and a place to have a purpose. With excitement and anticipation, each day he called forth something that would prepare for the ultimate arrival of his greatest creation, mankind. Then with great joy, he proclaims “Let us make man in our own image” and so it was, the creation and continuance of God’s loving family.

Looking at it with this new perspective realigns how I perceive mankind’s place in this world. God desired mankind. He wanted us! He provided for us. He brought us forth with excitement and anticipation, to enjoy his provision and his companionship. He created us with purpose and for a purpose. He was delighted and called us good. He loves us and is blessed by us. Now isn’t that marvelous and amazing! I think so.

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FamilyMankindMusic

Black History

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

I want to honour my brothers and sisters of African descent. In order to do so I have been listening to some old “Negro Spirituals”. The first day as I read some musical history and listened to some of the songs, the melancholy of the music, and knowing some of the history, evoked feelings of sadness in me. In a culture where mental health is in the fore front of media’s thinking, I want to say that there is a time to mourn. I felt I needed to mourn before God in my prayers, for not only what happened to these dear folk, but in all the places where oppression’s weight bears down on human kind. God himself as the man Jesus wept. He does not look on oppression lightly. In it he offers redemption and restoration and through us, he can make change.

These precious songs that come from this dark and heavy time remind me of diamonds. The treasure of diamonds are a result of extreme heat and pressure as are these songs deep from the burdened souls of our dear ancestors. Listen to some of these songs, hear the strength and hope that come from them and give thanks to God for the precious family of mankind and then take up courage, on behalf of all, who are oppressed.

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