Have you ever uttered those words? I can remember playing in the backyard with my brother when I was a kid. You see, my brother is 5 years older than I am, so we would be outside playing some game and eventually he would use his size and age advantage to try and blow me out. Before he could get to whatever score we were playing to, I’d yell, “I QUIT!” and go into the house before he could beat me.

I QUIT are some of the most depressing words in the English language. Why do I say this, you ask? Because too often we shout these words and quit on things when we shouldn’t. For instance, I know people who have quit on their families, their relationships, their jobs, their health and overall well-being and some have even quit on God.

If you are a person who has ever spoken the words “I Quit” in reference to the things listed above, I want to challenge you to reconsider quitting. You’re right, I don’t know why you chose to quit, but I know with God’s help, we can overcome anything. God never gives us more than we are able to bear (I Corinthians 10:13). He will help us in our relationships with our family and friends, He will give us patience and strength in our jobs, He will help us in our efforts to be more healthy and He will walk beside us in our relationship with Him.

Friends, don’t quit, trust God to help you in all areas of your life when you feel like quitting.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Now that’s Something to Think About!

In Philippians 2 Paul writes about some incredible men who shined as lights in the world. The greatest example was Jesus. However, Paul mentions two other ordinary men by name, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Most of you may be familiar with Timothy, but what about Epaphroditus? Let’s consider a couple qualities which made Epaphroditus one of the men the Apostle Paul chose to write about concerning his example.

Epaphroditus Impacted Others:

Paul loved and respected Epaphroditus. Paul calls him, “my brother,” “fellow worker,” and “fellow soldier” (v. 25). The word “brother” is a term of endearment. This word indicates Paul’s love for him. The terms “fellow worker”  “fellow soldier” show Paul thought of him as one who was equal to him and worthy of respect. Epaphroditus was a partner in Paul’s ministry for the cause of Christ and apparently made a huge impact on the Apostle.

The church at Philippi loved and respected Epaphroditus. Out of everyone they could have chosen, they chose Epaphroditus to be the one who delivered a financial gift to Paul on their behalf (Phil. 4:18). We wouldn’t trust just anyone to pass on a financial gift for us, would we? Yet, the church at Philippi had such deep admiration, respect and love for Epaphroditus, they chose him. When the church received word he was ill, they must have been concerned because Epaphroditus was longing to go back to them (v. 26). So much so, Paul was sending him back so the church could rejoice (v. 28). Why would the church be so concerned about his illness to the point it distressed Epaphroditus, unless he was a man who had made an impact on their lives.

Epaphroditus Served Others:

Epaphroditus was a servant. The fact Epaphroditus was chosen to make the trip indicates how the church felt about him, but the fact that he chose to make the 700 mile trip from Philippi to Rome says even more about him. He was a servant. Paul, when addressing the church at Philippi concerning him, even said, Epaphroditus ministered to my needs (v. 25). He risked his life to serve and ended up paying a heavy price for his devotion by becoming ill to the point of death (v. 30). He was an unselfish individual who cared more for others than he did himself.

Paul even told the church at Philippi to hold men like him in high regard (v. 29). In other words, honor men like Epaphroditus. Paul wanted the church to give him a welcome home second to none. Why? Perhaps for two reasons: 1) He was a faithful servant of God’s who Paul felt deserved to be honored, 2) It appears even though Epaphroditus was in distress over the church at Philippi, he still wanted to stay and serve/minister to the needs of the Apostle Paul. Paul made sure to point out that it was him who was sending Epaphroditus home and not Epaphroditus who was necessarily making this choice (vs. 28-29). Thus, Paul wanted him honored.

The church needs more people like Epaphroditus. We need men and women who are loved and respected because they are faithful servants of God whose lives impact those around them. If you know people who are always consumed with serving God, why not take a minute and write them a note, shoot them an email or give them a call and tell them how much you admire and respect them. Honor those who deserve honor (Rom. 13:7). The church truly needs more people like Epaphroditus.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Yesterday marked the 11 year anniversary of perhaps the most tragic day in U.S. history. Throughout the day I reflected back to that fateful day 11 years ago. I thought about what I was doing, what I was feeling and what I was hoping. Just like most of you, I will never forget the events that unfold early that September morning. They will forever be etched in my mind.

I know many of you did the same thing yesterday. You thought about what you were doing and thinking when you learned of the attacks on the World Trade Center. Many of you posted via social media outlets how you would not forget, how you were praying, how you wanted God to bless the United States of America. I wanted to “like” everything I saw on Facebook and Twitter that dealt with memories of that tragic day and prayers for the victims who lost their lives.

Yesterday was truly a day of rememberance and prayer, but what about today? What are we praying? Are we praying? I remember the days following the attacks, our nation stood up proudly as Americans, we cried out God bless the U.S.A., we prayed heartfelt prayers, we asked God to comfort and bless the families who were directly affected and we asked God to turn our hearts and eyes towards Him. Unfortunately, weeks and months after doing all these, we fell back into our “routine” ways of life. We stopped reflecting and remembering, we stopped praying and asking God to bless and heal our country, we seem to have forgotten all the things we once hoped and prayed.

Today is September 12, 2012. It’s been 11 years and 1 day since our country was rocked by terrorists. My question for you is…what are you doing, remembering and praying today? The prayers we offered yesterday, the pledges we made publicly should continue on today. Let us never stop remembering, reflecting and praying for our great nation. God bless America!!!

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this palce.” (2 Chronicles 7:14-15)

Now that’s Something to Thnk About!