Have you ever seen an advertisement for a $10.00 psychic reading? The Lord wouldn’t want you to go to a psychic. And I can tell you that if you did, that psychic would try to get another ten, twenty, or thirty dollars out of you within a few minutes! The truth is that the Lord’s already revealed some of the most important things about your future, yet He hasn’t show you everything about tomorrow (see James 4:13-15). Here are “Three Keys for Christian Joy” from Paul’s words about life in heaven and on earth (Phil. 1:21-26) that will help you gain confidence in the Lord and the important things He’s called you to do for your blessing!

TRUST GOD WITH YOUR FUTURE

Trust God with your future (Phil. 1:21-22). Paul said that for him, “to live is Christ and to die is gain,” and said that he didn’t “know which to choose” between serving God in this life and dying to be with Him in the next (Phil. 1:21-22, NASB). Paul was content whether he lived or died. He knew heaven would be great! Yet, he trusted God with his future and knew that, whatever happened, that the Lord would be with him to bless him and to bless others through him.

Trust God with your future and know that He has good in store for you! God hasn’t revealed some things about your future. But based on what He has revealed in Scripture, you don’t have to be afraid. Jesus purchased you when He died for you on the cross. He’s guaranteed that you will be happy and healthy in the next life. Be courageous! Trust Jesus with your eternity! And in this life, don’t try to control those things that are outside of your control. Don’t feel threatened by the unknowns of the future but trust pray to God. Trust God with your tomorrow. Know that He’s your Shepherd. Know that He’s with you. Know that He will guide you every step of the way.

SERVE OTHERS AS LONG AS YOU'RE HERE

Serve others as long as you’re here (Phil. 1:23-24). Paul said that in one sense, he would rather be in heaven with his Savior — “to depart and be with Christ” as the “better” option — but said that his service to the Philippians was “more necessary for” their wellbeing (Phil. 1:23-24, NASB). He knew that the Lord put him here to bless others, and despite everything else happening around him, he enjoyed using his gifts of teaching and encouraging people in Jesus Christ to bless, to help, and to build them up deep in their souls.

Serve others as long as you’re here. Say kinds words to others. But them up in Jesus. Tell them about Jesus’ kindness and compassion. The Bible itself testifies to Jesus and His love (John 5:39-40). You might be the only person from whom your friend ever hears about Jesus. Be that person. Visit others. Enjoy the times you go out to lunch or for a walk with a friend, family member or neighbor. Think of how you can help and bless the people God’s brought into your life. Send a card, call someone on the phone, or share something God’s given you with someone else, whether it’s a physical item or a word of encouragement and blessing.

TAKE JOY IN OTHERS' SERVICE

Take joy in others’ service (Phil. 1:25-26). Paul said that he was “Convinced” that he would “remain and continue with” the Philippians for their “progress and joy,” which would well up in them to the praise and glory of Jesus (Phil. 1:25-26, esp. v. 25, NASB). Many say that after Paul got out of prison, he preached for 5 more years and was then murdered under Nero (Eyewitness Bible Series). Paul wanted to live because he took joy in their growth as Christians. He took joy in the good things they did to bless each other and glorify God. He knew that they would become more content and joyful as they followed the Lord in their lives, and he saw his own ministry as part of the process.

Take joy in others as they serve the Lord in their lives. We shouldn’t be content to just “tisk” or shake our heads at people who are going the wrong way. Point them in the right way and come alongside them to go with them. Say good words to them to bless them. Take joy in the good things that you see people do, the things that show Jesus’ work in and through them, the things that you know will result in great blessing for their lives.

HAVE JOY

Have joy in your service to the Lord! Trust God with your future and know that He has good in store for you. Serve others as long as you’re here and enjoy being with people and helping them see Jesus’ love. Take joy in others as they serve the Lord in their lives, knowing that it’s for their blessing. As you do, you’ll gain confidence in the Lord and His work in your life for your good and your blessing! #FCCBP

-- John Peters, Pastor

WORKS CITED

“Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE-R-, Copyright-C- 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”

Eyewitness Bible Series, “Beyond Acts” (https://eyewitnessbible.org/acts/18-theophilus/).