Friday, November 08, 2013

Chad O on "Paying it Forward" - Part 1 of 2

"Paying It Forward - PART 1"

 Philippians 1:6-11 (STOP! Read this so we can discuss it.)

Through a letter he has written to friends, Paul the Apostle shares words of encouragement with others, in spite of the fact that he is in the midst of his own crisis. Due to unfair circumstances (bogus indictment and consequent imprisonment), Paul has somehow found the secret of contentment no matter what his situation is.

Observations:
1. He recalls the good times in spite of his current hardship.
2. He looks for something for which to be thankful.
3. He connects with God by praying.
4. He prays for others needs even though he has overwhelming needs of his own.
5. He focuses on helping others instead of waiting on someone to do something to lessen his plight.
6. He speaks/writes positive words such as grace, peace, thanks, joy, instead of bringing others down to a level of gloom and depression.

We need more "Pauls" in the world today. We whine, we complain, we sulk, we want others to feel sorry for us and many time our conversations tear others down so that their attitude will join us in our pity. Oh I want to be like Paul. Tomorrow, we will work on an assignment together that might just change our little corners of the world.

Enjoy your day. Part 2 is coming soon...

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