Leaders, Grace and Peace?

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my god in all my remembrance of you" Philippians 1:1-3, NASB.

 

This past weekend, it was my honor to again be with Ashley Allen and the wonderful women of North Carolina. As we looked at the lessons of evangelistic leadership from Philippians, I began with these verses. Paul wrote to overseers, so as you can imagine, the book is packed with truths to take to heart. I love that he begins with the simple words of grace and peace. "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." I asked these leaders if they were giving grace and peace to those under their leadership. So simple, so profound.

 

What is grace? It is the free and unmerited favor of God. As a leader, I have to ask myself the same

question. Am I extending grace to others? Grace is the gospel message. It is the reality that in God's grace, He has blessed us with the gift of salvation, the gift of Himself. I must always extend His grace to everyone by my words and my actions. As a Christian, it is the best place to start.

 

What about peace? Do I carry the peace of God in every situation all day long? When I continue to find editing errors in the resources, how am I responding? Regardless of what happens, I need to always look to God for His peace so that I can extend it to others.

 

Grace and peace to you, my friend. May He fill you with His salvation and His Spirit so that you can pour it out on everyone.

 

 

Priority of Gospel

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14, ESV)

Advancing the gospel means that the message of Christ must take priority in our lives. It is easier said than done. Start your day with Christ.

1. Take time to read the Word. Start anywhere! Read John. Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John are all written and tell about the life of Jesus while here on earth.) Read 1 John on the life of a believer. The important thing is to take time to read the Word of God.

2. Pray. Be still before the Lord. Read and speak Psalms or words of worship. Honor Him. Confess your sins and wrongdoings. Allow Him to cleanse you. Thank Him for the blessings in your life. Pray for yourself and others.

3. Ask God to give you a Truth for the day. Look for a Word of Truth from the Scriptures (The Bible). What stands out to you today? What is something that you need to remember all day long? Maybe it is a new truth, maybe on old one. Think on this truth and remember it today. For instance, because He is Risen, we have hope in Him! The Gospel is our priority. It is more important that anything.

4. Then, ask Him to give you an opportunity to share that Truth with someone. Tell somebody. Take five minutes and make an eternal difference in the life of another. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you! You will be changed. They will be changed.

The priority of the Gospel is the most important thing. Let's live that truth today! He is Risen!