Heralds Digest

  “and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The common metrics of confidence in the world are mostly recognized as collateral by the banks. They speak the language of cash currencies, monetary net worth, etc. Although they are usually a replica of the chest confidence that are capable of commanding respect at home, among friends, and within the society, they are easy targets for satanic invasion. Those who build their confidence on the reinforcement of the chest are easily intimidated by fear, and broken by compromise, in the days of strategic confrontations. Whereas, those whose hope or confidence is built on Christ the solid rock are always fearless and bold, even in the shackles of chains and hurtful intimidation. Paul and the brethren in Philippi have this type of chain confidence, because their confidence has now been completely removed from the chest to Christ....

  “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;” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ In human understanding, good work is obvious and not rocket science. Particularly, it will be the opposite of the experiences of the brethren at the Philippians region. And Apostle Paul would have a hard time justifying the basis of his confidence and perspective of good work. Needless to mention here that it is absolutely impossible to understand the context of this type of good work without a perfect knowledge of the good God. Whereas, many of us are quick to stake a claim on the knowledge of God with reference to pleasant material experiences, comfortable lifestyle, and accumulation of material riches. And, the foundation of real good work is the personal encounter with the grace of God. Jesus gave Himself for us to initiate this good work… redeeming us to become a peculiar people, zealous of good work (Titus 2:14). Sustain...

  “always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Those who longed for relief from pain and emotional depression would often patronize comedy shows, watch comedy entertainment, and attend events with motivational speakers; rather than making holy requests to the throne of grace. Little wonders, the knowledge of God and power of His grace have often failed to bring a sustainable joy in the hearts of those who are called by God’s name, especially in moments with grave uncertainties. Whereas, the fellowship of Apostle Paul while in bonds and the suffering or persecuted church in Phillipi provides a unique evidence of the Source of an unsearchable joy. Each member within this amazing fellowship could have focussed on making a request for his personal relief from physical pain, suffering, and inconvenience; but Paul chose to be more concerned about making a request for more grace for each of the brethren to enjoy his fellowship with God...

  “ and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear .” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/php.1.14.nkjv The reason why most of us are skeptics of the game of buying God’s recommendation, mostly in the matters of life, is understandable. God’s goods are often packaged with uncommon wraps. When pain, persecution and peril follow the paths at the centre of God’s will, it is always difficult for many to see beyond the chains, confusions, and the crisis of faith. But seeing beyond the battered wrap of his personal convenience, Paul saw the resulting wrap of confidence to preach the gospel with boldness in the lives of the brethren in the Lord. Even today, God’s wrap delivers different goods to people, depending on the focus of their faith. Those whose faith is absolutely in God, and not necessarily in the packaged goods, are always confident to share the power of the gospel. Unfortunately,...

  “ 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” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/php.1.6.nkjv While it is not right for anyone to underestimate the devices of the Devil, it is equally wrong for believers to disown or ignore the goodness of God in action at anytime. The Devil is undisturbed by believers’ attraction to the slogan ‘God is good, all the time ’, as long as the use of the slogan do not remove their focus on his evil work, wickedness, and the activities of the enemies. Whereas, Paul had to remind the suffering Church in Macedonia that focus on God’s works is more profitable. The riches of God’s grace and the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit are mostly profound in believer’s moments of difficulty, disappointment, and disaster. Therefore, wise children of God would rather ignore the temporary pain in suffering in order to embrace the fellowship with God and the man...

“ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy ,” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/php.1.4.nkjv Just as human needs in life are insatiable, request for assistance from an abundantly rich source for supply is expected to be inexhaustible. Knowing fully well that God is abundantly rich to supply all our needs, it becomes difficult for anyone to prioritize the order and the coverage for desirable needs in anyone’s personal life. However, when Paul presented the concept of “ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy ”, anyone would be curious to know what constituted this exhaustive request. Obviously, it was nothing material; but rather more grace to abide in the fellowship of suffering with joy. In every thought of the suffering Church and the similarities of his gracious fellowship in the ministry, believers’ prayer for more grace to live for Christ daily is always the only rich request in life. A request for more grac...