Archive 2 (from newsletter email)

This week I want to speak with you a bit further in depth about God’s calling on our lives, and working through the struggles that bind us. For the past 3 months, I feel we have been under attack. I can personally say this, as well as regarding the work to be done at the Tabernacle. Through the last 3 months, God specifically speaks the same phrase to me over and over when I come to Him. At the times He speaks this to me, I am at the point of giving up, regarding work, home, church, and so on. God tells me “Continue the good work I have begun in you.” I reach a point where I feel that, again, I cannot go on. God again tells me “Continue the good work I have begun in you.” So wanting to become better and further the ministry I have been called to do, I began researching worship leading/team building and so on. God directed me to Phillipians. This is not where I had been reading, as I told you last week God has been speaking through the trials of David and his entry into His Kingdom’s work. However, I believe this is directly related to what God has been showing me.

                Phillipians 1:6 says: “⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Cool, huh? The funny thing is, the worship workshop video talked about the second chapter, but I thought, read the first, I mean why not? It’s relatively short. And then…WHAMO! God’s Word directly confirms what He has been pressing on my heart for nearly 3 months. Confirmation is a beautiful thing, and builds mountains of faith. I feel strengthened even as I write this. So I continued…and in verse 15 I learned that people taught the Gospel, just to “spite” Paul. Paul goes on to say no matter, the Gospel is still being preached! I believe this is an amazing attitude, and this continues in chapter 2. Please read Phillipians 2:1-18. I believe this directly parallels the story of David playing for Saul to soothe his spirit. David had nothing to gain from this action, quite contrary; David nearly lost his life several times in doing so. David did this in direct reflection of Phillipians 2:4 “⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” -willingness to serve others regardless the cost, for the Glory of the Lord. Make these 18 verses a prayer to Him. He will be the one to exalt you to the highest place when you serve. David had no ambitions that the Bible speaks of regarding taking Saul’s place as king. Even as he was chosen from his family, David was not boastful, and took on a servant’s duty even after this, taking food to his brothers who were fighting a war. David arrives on the battlefield, and is angered righteously by Goliath. He had no intentions of self service or glory as a result of the altercation. It was to better God’s people and silence the voice of evil speaking against the One, True, God. Let us remember, through every song and every moment as worshipers of Christ, this is for Him, and Him alone; He gave His life selflessly for us. That is why we praise and worship Him.

Tyler