Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 119

April 29;   Philippians 1:6;   175/260(I);   ‘It’s Up to You’

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is writing that the desire of God the Father is that every Christian mature and grow, becoming everything they were created to be.  Mature Christians do the work of the ministry, fulfilling the Lord’s perfect will for their lives.  There is nothing in life more rewarding than to lead someone to Jesus Christ, helping someone receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit or laying hands on someone in need of healing and feeling the power of the Holy Spirit flow out of you and into the person in need.  This is what Paul has written about in this verse, the Lord completing the good work He began in you.  Jesus began this good work in you the moment you were born again.  Salvation is the beginning of your walk with the Lord.  The reality of this verse is not automatic.  The Father can and will fulfill His end of the bargain.  Again, our value in the kingdom of God appreciates more and more as we grow in things of God.  We must desire to mature and then do the things that are required to grow and mature.  Diligent, daily time reading the Bible.  Diligent, daily time in prayer.  Sincerely telling the Lord that it is your desire and intent to become all you have been created to be.  Attending church faithfully.  Worshipping the Lord unashamedly.  Being involved in ministry in the church.  Always seeking to bless others, not just receive a blessing.  The list could go on and on.  Do not let this intimidate you or cause resentment.  Once you decide to mature and begin, nothing else will ever satisfy.  Intially the world was all we knew, that’s over, real life begins.