To Be...Eternally Minded

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These two little spidermen are out of this world.

May 31
Those of you who know me well, know my quote when something gets broken or squabbles start...
"It's not of eternal value!"  If the occurrence isn't keeping someone out of heaven, just forgive and get on with eternal issues!
Our pastor is doing a verse by verse study of Philippians and it is excellent.  Sunday he pointed out that Paul lived his born again life with an eternal perspective.  
"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  Philippians 1:21

A passage that is a real show stopper for me...a meditate on this one, is...
"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel."  Philippians 1:12
So, how can shipwrecks, beatings and painful imprisonment advance the gospel?  By the guards watching and listening to how Paul handled hardship and worshipped the Lord these men came to know the Lord and spread the Word!  They in turn influenced thousands of other guards and supposedly even members of Caesar's household to turn their hearts toward Jesus.

Tuesday, I received an email prayer request for a young woman, Emma Bailey, who was in a wreck Monday and may be paralyzed. She was having spine surgery Tuesday.  This friend's granddaughter had posted on Facebook that she was amazed by Emma's faith. Emma's perspective was that if she can no longer walk it is part of God's plan and she will trust him.

Can we look at whatever hardship we are facing as having the potential to advance the gospel?

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