THURSDAY, May 15th, 2008

GET A FREE CHICKEN SANDWICH AT MCDONALDS TODAY! (when you buy a drink)... another one of those "catches".
We had a great time last night! I hope you were there with us! If not then please make plans to attend next week when we have set a goal of 40 teenagers. Bring a friend as we try to build up our youth group over the summer.

ALSO, we made it our goal to have 30 devotions today, so call all your friends that have commented before, and remind them to do their devotions today.

A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Pastor Chip: Good to see you on here! Thanks for checking us out!
Jon: Great illustration man! It is good to know that you are listening!
Jill: You want to know if I will count THAT as your devotions???? Are you joking?? J/K!! YES! The point is to do them, not to get them posted right :) I counted it! Greate Job anyway :)
Kacey: Great to see you back! We all missed you very much!
Rachel: Copy your devos before you post them and that will help you out if they get deleted. :)


Philippians 4:10-23
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.
22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Once again there is a lot in these verses: If you dont understand it all, write your comments on something that you do understand the passage. Obviously the red writing in verse 11 is very important to the passage. Paul is sitting in Prison, and he tells the church of Phillipi that he has learned in whever state he is in, that he should be content. He has learned to be happy wherever God has planted him. It is easy for me to be content where I am now, BECAUSE I AM SO BLESSED! But it is hard for me to imagine being trapped in prison for doing something for God: being separated from my family, my firends, from my church. I don't know that It would be so easy to agree with Paul if my life was like his. What a great testimony.
It reminds me of the summer before I came to Suncoast. I was a counselor at the wilds and about half way through the summer I was ready to leave because I was so excited about coming here. I talked with pastor Chip and told him, I AM READY TO COME THERE. and I remember he said: "we are ready for you to come too, but remember God has you there for a reason, so BLOSSOM where you are PLANTED. In other words, be content where God has you right now.

Verse 13 is a very famous verse. If you dont have it memorized... You Should! It is pretty simple and it is a great reminder of what you have the ability to do with Christs strength. (like avoid sin, witness, love unconditionally, forgive) You can do all of those things and much more with Christ strength.

Then verse 14-15 are kind of funny because Paul tells the people, Thank you for giving me all of this stuff, but then Paul goes on to explain: Get this: I am glad that you gave me stuff, not for my own benefit, but I am glad because God will pour out even more blessings in your life because of how you bless others.

Once again: I would be like. Thank you!!!!! I am so glad that you gave this to me. I WOULD BE GLAD FOR MYSELF. NOT FOR YOU. Yet Paul was not focused on himself. He was content with whatever God did in His life!

Are you content with what God is doing in your life? I hope you are. If not, choose to be. Your attitude is your choice.