Sending Grace

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Three Appearances
2008-03-27 09:51:00
Now that Easter week has passed by many will forget about the significance of the resurrection until next year. However Jesus continually offers his presence on our behalf. He has promised us (as he did Jacob in Genesis 28:15, the nation Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6-8 and Joshua in Joshua 1:5 ) that He "will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). We can count on the presence of Jesus at all times.In Hebrews 9:24-28 we read of three appearances of Jesus. First, "He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." That appearance we have just celebrated this past resurrection Sunday. However, we also read that He has entered into heaven "to appear in the presence of God for us." During every moment of every day we can be assured that Jesus represents us before his Father. When our enemy accuses us, Jesus is there to defend us. He is referred to in I John as our advocate or attorney. It is the payment of his blood at the first appearance that is the basis of that dail...
More About: Appearances

The Son Has Risen
2008-03-23 14:54:00
This weekend we have been traveling. On Friday we made our way from Springfield, Ohio to Utica, Michigan north of Detroit. The trip was totally exhausting. After 21 years of being away from snow and ice covered roads we encountered a snow storm for the last two hours of our journey. Those two hours turned into more like five hours. We crept along on ice-covered freeways at twenty miles per hour in heavy traffic. Thanks to God's answer to my continuous prayer we finally arrived safely. This morning was a wonderful blessing as we awoke to the brilliant sunshine melting away the snow and ice in time for the next leg of our trip.Reflecting on this experience I could see the comparison to life itself. All of life is like the snow and ice storms through which we passed. It is fraught with dangers and anxieties. Each day can be so exhausting that we don't want to face another. Then God enters into life and sends the brilliance of his Son's light to melt away the frigid conditions. As I ...

Star-Gazing
2008-03-21 12:14:00
When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness for forty years they "spoke against God and Moses." As a result Moses was instructed to set up a bronze serpent upon which they would gaze to be healed of snake bites God had sent as their consequence for complaining. In John 3:14-15 the significance of that event is seen in the words "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the So of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."As Jesus was crucified the Romans, the religious mob and all others who had gathered gazed upon Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star as he provided the healing payment for Satan's sin bite in their lives. In Matthew 27:36 the Bible says, "sitting down, they kept watch over Him there." While they were gazing upon Jesus they saw and heard evidences of who He was. The sayings of Jesus on the cross included "It is finished!" That, of course, referred to God's plan for the salvation of all...

The Three Crosses of Calvary
2008-03-20 10:10:00
As the plans for Friday's crucifixion were being laid, the Roman soldiers could not have imagined the significance of the three crosses that would stand on Golgotha, the 'Place of a Skull'. To them it was just another day and another crucifixion. Many will have the same thoughts regarding the events of the next few days. What is the foundation of their faith for some is nothing more than another holiday for others.However, those three crosses signify the entire gamut of choices for every person who walks the face of planet Earth. The middle cross was the cross of redemption. On it was Jesus dying like sinners, dying among sinners and dying for sinners. That cross manifested God's love, fulfilled God's law and secured God's liberty for man. To one side of Christ's cross was the cross of reception. From it comes the "brief biography of a blessed man." That morning the thief who was hung there was lost and condemned. By midday he was experiencing the grace of God and by midnight...
More About: Crosses

Don't Give Me the Facts, My Find Is Made Up
2008-03-19 10:19:00
We often allow ourselves to be so deluded that we become totally illogical. There are various factors that result in such a situation. Our anger may have taken over for normal reason. Our personal desires may overshadow the truth. Our emotions may fuel our passion and cloud our judgment. Sometimes our illogical thinking and actions are purely a matter of self-elevation. In Romans 1: 21-22 we read that "having suppressed the truth in unrighteousness" many "became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools...." It is amazing just how much foolishness our pride will generate in our lives.This problem is not new. It began with Adam and Eve who in pride chose to disobey God in the very beginning. In Matthew 27:15-26 we see the pride of man in action. Feeling their position and power threatened, the mob cried out for Barabbas to be released and Christ to be crucified. Barabbas was a murderer and Jesus had done no wrong. Pila...
More About: Facts , Find , Made , Give

The Extra Mile
2008-03-18 10:29:00
We have all heard of people who go the extra mile for someone else. Of course that refers to putting forth greater effort and more patience in waiting for a positive response from another person. On some occasions that response never comes and we wonder if all that effort was wasted. However, when the desired result does take place, the satisfaction causes us to forget all the difficulties we endured. Perhaps that is what Jesus felt when we read that he endured the cross for the joy that was set before him.Jesus certainly set the example in going the extra mile. In Mark 14:32-42 we read that while the disciples waited and even slept Jesus "went a little farther and fell on the ground and prayed...." As Jesus prayed we note that he went a little farther in responsiveness to the Father. He said to God, "Not what I will, but what You will." The experience that was before him was not humanly desirable but Jesus was willing to go through it in response to his Father's plan for our redem...
More About: Mile , Extra

Road Signs to Defeat
2008-03-17 10:39:00
Anyone who has traveled much knows that when directions are given they usually include road signs. One might be to turn left at the big barn. Another to watch for the intersection with a gas station on each corner. As long as the road signs are noted then arriving at the desired destination is certain. Spiritually there are also some signs to watch for in avoiding the wrong road.In Luke 22:54-60 Peter's road to the denial of Christ reveals some important warning signs for us. Notice that first Peter "followed at a distance" when Christ was arrested and led away. How often a believer's downfall begins by keeping a distance between himself and Christ. We must not let what people might say or do keep us from immediate identification with Jesus. Shortly after that Peter is found sitting among unbelievers warming himself by their fire. It doesn't take long when we are distanced from Jesus to be drawn to the comforts of the unbelieving world. Finally, Peter fulfilled the prophecy Jesus...
More About: Signs , Road

When the Stones Cry Out
2008-03-14 09:47:00
"I don't wear my religion on my sleeve" or "Religion is a personal thing" are comments we often hear today. Sometimes these words indicate that the person doesn't really have a relationship with God. At other times the underlying problem is fearfulness to speak up about God. Keeping believers silent is a strategy of the enemy. If he can't keep us from joining God's family, he will do everything possible to keep us from sharing our faith with others.In Luke 19:40 Jesus stated that if all other testimony was silenced "the stones would immediately cry out." The occasion was the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. At this point there was no silencing of any testimonies. The disciples and the people of Jerusalem openly declared Jesus as the "King who comes in the name of the Lord." Even the colt on which no one had ever sat willingly carried Jesus amidst all the excitement and noise. Seeing such support for Jesus, the Pharisees insisted that Jesus rebuke his disciples. At that p...
More About: Stones

Enough Is Not Enough
2008-03-13 10:12:00
Most of us are willing to forgive others when they wrong us, but how much is enough. Perhaps we hold to the baseball based adage, 'three strikes and you're out'! Has there been someone who just kept on offending you even though you had forgiven them once... twice... even three times? Should you keep on forgiving them?In New Testament days the standard man had set for forgiveness was a maximum of three times. After that no forgiveness was required. So when Peter asked Jesus in Matthew 18:21, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" he (Peter) thought he was being quite generous in his suggestion. He must have been quite surprised to hear Jesus answer, "I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Now some of us might do the math and conclude that 490 times would be the limit. However, Jesus was saying there should be no limit to our forgiveness.To illustrate the reasoning for such extravagant forgiveness Jes...

Father, Forgive Them
2008-03-12 10:09:00
When Jesus was dying on the cross he uttered words of forgiveness toward those who crucified him. Everyone likes to be forgiven. However, not everyone accepts offered forgiveness. To do so implies admittance of our error and requires humility within our heart. God is prepared to repeatedly offer us forgiveness but we do not experience it unless we accept it.Cain is an excellent example of God's grace unreceived. Having been asked to bring an offering to God, Abel brought the expected animal sacrifice which pointed toward the eventual sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. However, Cain wanted things his way and brought of the fruit of the ground. When God rejected Cain's sacrifice and Cain became angry God offered him forgiveness and an opportunity to repent. God said to him in Genesis 4:7 "If you do well, will you not be accepted?" But Cain did not received the offered forgiveness. Instead, he killed his brother. Then when God asked, "Where is Abel your brother?" Cain passed by another...
More About: Father , Forgive

Who Am I?
2008-03-11 10:43:00
I have always enjoyed science fiction. I read Tom Swift books as a boy and watched just about every Star Trek episode on TV. One of my favorite Star Trek shows featured the shape shifters. They were a species that could change themselves from one thing to another at will. I always thought how neat that ability would be.We actually do have that ability. According to Walter Anderson in his Confidence Course "You and I are not what we eat; we are what we think." More important than his opinion is the teaching of scripture. In Proverbs 23:7 we read "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he!" and in many places we read "According to your faith, so be it unto thee." Obviously it is extremely important for our thinking to be right so that we can be right.The path to right thinking begins with a heart change. Scripture tells us that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. By our nature we don't think right. So our nature must be changed. We must become a new creation in Christ Jesus...

Give One and Keep One
2008-03-10 10:18:00
With all the emphasis on getting exercise and staying healthy we might be surprised to hear a caution against exercise. But there is one exercise that we perform way to much and it has no benefit whatever. As a matter of fact it negatively affects us and all who are around us. That exercise is frowning. It actually takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown. So, in this case the fewer muscles that get exercised the better.Here is a little essay about smiling that I think you will find useful. "A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of y...

How Do I Love Thee?
2008-03-07 10:58:00
In her most famous poem Elizabeth Barrett Browning began, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. After asking the question her love poem recounts the many ways her love is felt. We too express our love in many ways, but not always with true passion behind it. One young suitor told his girlfriend over the phone, "I love you with all of my heart, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, I yearn to be with you and look upon your beautiful face and if it doesn't storm tonight I will come and see you." Obviously he was all talk and no real passion or action.Unfortunately, sometimes our love for the Lord is almost as misguided in its demonstration. In Psalm 40:6-9 David has discovered how God really wants us to express our love towards him. After having been rescued from the pit of sin David had evidently offered great sacrifices to the Lord and then discovered there was something else God really wanted as an expression of love. He says, "Sacrifice and offering You did not desi...
More About: Love

Remember the Alamo
2008-03-06 11:17:00
On this day in 1836 the Texans lost the battle of the Alamo. However, it was the remembrance of that loss that spurred them on to eventual victory over Mexico. Sam Houston's army echoed their battle cry, "Remember the Alamo!" as they secured the final victory at San Jacinto. The valiant effort and great sacrifice of the fighting men at the Alamo had become the motivation for the struggle that led to victory.As Christians we have an Alamo experience to remember as well. In our case the enemy was defeated in our life's Alamo but did not become inactive. It is our memory of the victory that enables us to continue the enemy's defeat every day.David shares the action of the victory that each person who has become a believer has experienced. In Psalm 40:1-3 we see the record. Our situation like David's is described as being in a "horrible pit" and "miry clay." The reference is to a pit that was used to capture wild animals. Having fallen into the pit they would try to climb out only t...

The 4-H Club
2008-03-05 11:05:00
As a young person growing up on the farm I became acquainted with several organizations that focus on personal development. Two of them were the Grange and the 4-H Club programs. Both of them provided opportunities for youth to be involved in leadership. With wholesome activities and programs young people were helped to become useful and effective citizens. The 4-H's of the 4-H Club emphasized the development of Head, Hands, Heart and Health.God has his own 4-H Club. Through membership in it people of all ages can develop their lives in all the same areas through emphasis on four types of interaction with God's Word. In Psalm 119:9-16 God challenges us with his 4-H's. First we enjoy the cleansing that comes when we Heed God's word. The Psalmist says, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." The Bible is our guiding manual for successful membership in the family of God. Then we are able to develop purity as we "Hide God's word in my heart, th...

Lamb or Lion?
2008-03-04 11:09:00
An old weather saying declares that if March comes in like a lamb it will go out like a lion, but if it comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb. In my part of the country it came in like a lamb. We had temperatures that hit 70 degrees here in Southern Indiana. So, if the prediction holds true we can look forward to nasty, cold weather at the end of the month. Of course, the whole thing is just a saying.In Revelation 5:1-10 the descriptive terms 'lamb' and 'lion' are also used in regard to Jesus. On one hand He is seen as the Lamb of God. John writes, " I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain." In the Old Testament a lamb was brought to the priest of the temple to be sacrificed as an indication of the person's repentance for sin and expectation that one day Jesus would come to pay for that sin as a sacrificial lamb. On the other hand Jesus is seen as the Lion who will rule, reign and judge all sin. Again John writes, "with righteousness he shall judge the poor...

Three Wishes
2008-03-03 11:53:00
Have you ever dreamed of finding a magic lamp that you could rub and have a genie grant wishes? Would your wishes be what you really want and need? One story tells of a fellow who found such a lamp. Upon rubbing it the genie promised three wishes. The guy was elated and immediately asked for a new convertible for his first wish. When it magically appeared he proceeded to ask that it be filled with $100 bills. That wish too was fulfilled. Planning to give careful consideration to his third wish the guy decided to go for a drive in his new convertible. As he drove down the highway he was so happy he burst out singing, "I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener...." You can imagine the result for yourself.We might smile at that, but are our wishes any better? We tend to pile stuff upon ourselves and then try to think of some more stuff that would make us contented. Of course, we don't really have a magic lamp or genie, but we do have a source of provision. God has promised to meet our ever...
More About: Wishes , Three Wishes

Rescue at Sea
2008-02-29 11:25:00
Life could be compared to a sea voyage. Each day the winds either speed or impede our journey. The waves become either a friend to propel us along or an enemy to destroy our vessel. As long as the winds and waves are favorable we sail along in happiness. But the moment they become difficult our hearts are taken captive with fear and panic renders our minds unstable.In Psalm 107:23-31 the Psalmist once again describes the plight of man. He is pictured as one who has gone down to sea in a ship. Suddenly, the winds and waves become the enemy. Then "their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits' end." The only thing they can do and the only thing we can do in a similar situation is to cry out to God. Then He answers them and "brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven."This day may include all m...
More About: Rescue

Call the Doctor
2008-02-28 11:04:00
Medical technology has enabled many to live extra long lives. In the past week I have read articles that suggest simple ways that would enable many to live to be 100 or more. Unfortunately, even with the procedures and medicines that are available many are not healthy because they fail to take advantage of them. Others simply do not follow good health practices that would prevent the onset of diseases and conditons that rob one's health.In Psalm 107:17-21 we see the Great Physician at work. Here people are declared to be fools because they have ignored good spiritual health precautions and have become sick and "because of their transgression and because of their iniquities were afflicted." They had lost their spiritual appetite as "their soul abhorred all manner of food" and they even looked sick as "they drew near to the gates of death." They were obviously in need of a physician. And once again God exhibted his transforming power in their lives. In response to their cry he "saved...
More About: Call , Doctor

Pardon Me
2008-02-27 11:13:00
Often used as a term of courtesy 'pardon me' is a request for someone to overlook our inappropriate action. We might verbalize this request as we cut in front of someone with our cart at the grocery store. It is an admittance of responsibility and a desire to be forgiven. From the lips of a prisoner this request is more of a plea. In social situations the 'pardon' is assumed and we push right on with whatever we were doing. In a prisoner's situation the granting of a pardon is absolutely required before normal action can be continued.In Psalm 107:10-15 we see more of God's transforming power. His people were in great need of a pardon from him and He granted it. Their state is pictured as "Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons because they had rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High." Here are a bunch of death row scoundrels who deserved whatever fate awaited them. If we are honest we are in no b...
More About: Pardon

The Transformer
2008-02-26 11:12:00
One of my grandson's favorite toys in recent years was the transformers. They consisted of an object such as a car or boat that with a few twists of the parts became a greater object such as a space vehicle or battle tank. He was adept at making the transformation of his toy very quickly. On a far grander and eternal scale we have a Transformer who can take our lives and through his power and wisdom make them useful, purposeful and happy. With his action in our lives also comes a changed eternal destination.In Psalm 107 we see our Transformer at work. The Psalm is punctuated with the expression, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!" As we see his work on behalf of his people we are compelled to join in the chorus in agreement. Note the first example of God's transforming power. People are described as those who "wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way", as people who "found no city to dwell in", as those who were "hungry and thirsty, their sould fainted in them." Here...

Good Moves
2008-02-25 11:07:00
Often in basketball a player is described as having "good moves." Such a player has learned how to effectively handle the basketball as an individual and as a teammate. The result of having good moves is the ability of both the individual and the team to win games and inspire the fans.In the Christian life there are some moves as well. Not all of them are good moves and we need to know the difference. In Psalm 13 David talks about some moves he experienced in his life. The first move of David was a bad one. He moved away from God. The result was his questioning, "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?"A story is told of a couple who had been married for some year. As they were traveling in their car the wife noticed a couple ahead of them that were sitting so close together that it looked like one person. She said to her husband, "Why don't we sit that close anymore?" He promptly answered, "I didn't move!" When we feel as David did ...
More About: Good , Moves

Real Change through the Gospel
2008-02-22 11:12:00
In every facet of life people talk about change. Educators are always seeking a change in methods that will produce better results. Politicians call for change in principles of action that will result in better laws and life for the nation. The public in general seeks new activities and experiences to provide a change in the routine of life. However, none of these efforts really provides a striking difference. As Ellen Glasgow said, "All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward."Paul's presentation of the gospel to the Thessalonians provide true change in their lives and it will in our lives as well. In Thessalonians 1:6-10 three evidences of their change are seen. First, these new believers became truly enthusiastic about God and the life he provided. They "received the word...with joy...became examples to all...and sounded forth the word of the Lord." Everywhere Paul went he found people who had heard of their faith and enthusiasm "so that we do not need to say anythi...
More About: Change , Gospel , Real

Sowing and Reaping with the Gospel
2008-02-21 11:16:00
Have you ever wondered why people react against the gospel? In some cases it is simply because of the heart condition of the lost. However, in many cases the negative reaction is brought on by our own poor approach. When I was in high school we had a believer who turned off everyone. He would corner some unsuspecting student and tell them "Either turn or burn!" Needless to say, he was avoided and became the object of scorn regarding the Christian faith. This is a sad situation that does not need to happen.The city of Thessalonica was a populace of about 200,000 filled with all the wickedness normally found in that size group of people. But when Paul went to them his approach was one that produced a great church. In I Thessalonians 2:4-12 we find a description of his evangelistic strategy. First, Paul was sincere with them. He said, "For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness..." The word 'sincere' means "without wax" and was a po...
More About: Gospel

You Need a Defender
2008-02-20 11:15:00
Frequently there are situations in life that find us feeling alone and in need of someone to take up our cause. Some people get to the point where their lonliness and despair actually leads them to contemplate suicide. Often we feel as if there is no place to turn. James Thurber even said, "There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else."David, the Psalmist, had discovered that there is a Defender who will remove all that despair and provide both the safety and support that we all need. Having placed his desire and delight in the Lord, David then found Him to be his Defense as well. In Psalm 63:6-11 the activities of God in defending David are enumerated. God is seen as the One present in times of loneliness. David says, "I remember you on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches." Then our Lord leads the way before us. The Psalmist continues, "...in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me." Finally, David finds...

What Delights You?
2008-02-19 10:37:00
Usually obtaining the desires of our life only leads to greater desire for something else. We never seem to be satisfied. As I anticipate receiving my tax refund and later on my economic stimulus check I find my mind flitting from one gadget to another that I would like to purchase. Past experience has proven that no matter which one I decide to buy I know that it will not be long and its newness will wear off and I'll be wanting something more. What delighted me at first will quickly lose its appeal.Thankfully, there is something that brings permanent delight. In Psalm 63 David expressed his desire in spirit, soul and flesh for God. Upon meeting God in the sanctuary (a personal relationship) David discovered the true delight of life. In Psalm 63:3-5 David shares three things in which he finds delight. The first is God's lovingkindness which David declares to be better than life. The Hebrew word for lovingkindness is chesed and speaks of a binding loyalty. In a day when loyalty se...

Wake Up to Freedom
2008-02-18 12:07:00
Monday mornings are not usually the most desired. Most of us see Monday as the time to return to work after a weekend of leisure. For some every day is just another day of facing the challenges and trials of life. Life can seem like a prison of sorts. However, there is a way to be released from such doom and gloom.I came across an interesting quote from Frank Herbert. He said, "Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty." His point seems to be that our desires will prevent us from having freedom and liberty. In normal life that is probably true. But believers are not to live a normal life. Our lives like David the Psalmists life are to be consumed by God. After declaring this all-consuming principle, David proceeds in Psalm 63:1-2 to share a freedom and liberty that requires both seeking and discipline.David's passion involves every area of his life. He says, "Early will I seek You." David's spirit was committed to and focused upon dai...
More About: Freedom , Wake , Wake up

My Lord Knows the Way Through the Wilderness
2008-02-15 13:11:00
Our experience in this world may be compared to a wilderness journey. Daily we are faced by the dangers of such a journey. To be successful we must have the provisions that will allow us to safely reach our destination. As believers we have been provided with the needed resources. We only need to claim them.In Psalm 63 David shares his wilderness experience. The Psalm's title is "A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah." He was in flight from his enemies. His survival had as its foundation an all-consuming belief that should be ours as well. He said in Psalm 63:1 "O God, You are my God." In our wilderness wanderings we must always remember that truth. The Creator is our own personal God. The same power and wisdom that generated the entire cosmos is available to each of us in our journey of life. Just as he sustains the workings of the universe so he sustains our lives.I am reminded of a chorus I used to sing as a child. I don't remember all the word, but it went so...
More About: Lord , Wilderness

A Prisoner's Plea
2008-02-14 11:24:00
The impact of Paul's leadership did not cease just because he was in a difficult situation. His prison experience only fueled his passion for the success of those still engaged in battle. Rather than expecting them to feel sorry for him he desired that their resolve would be strengthened. His guidelines in Philippians 1:27-30 for their success need to be well noted by us as we daily resist the enemy.Paul was concerned that believers would be like soldiers staying at their post as the battle raged on. He tells us to "stand fast in one spirit and with one mind." Paul knew that if our heart and resolve are worn down the enemy would have victory. He also understood the importance of relationships. No doubt he longed for the presence of fellow believers as he sat alone in prison. He reminds us who are still in the battle to be "striving together for the faith of the gospel." John Donne's assertion that "No man is an island" fully applies. We need one another.Paul gave two strategies to...

A Prisoner's Prospects
2008-02-13 12:51:00
When we become a follower of the Lord our enemy is upset. He does everything he can to prevent us from having an impact on others and drawing them to God as well. We are warned that the number one battle field is in our mind. In II Corinthians 10:5 we are advised to "pull down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." The enemy strives to control our thoughts and bring us to despair and discouragement so that we will do nothing for the Lord.Paul must have experienced such activity in his mind but he did not yield. He could have decided that there was no useful future but instead he declared the brightness of his prospects even as he sat in jail. In Philippians 1:19-25 Paul outlines his future. He shares his expectation of "deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." Rather than being discouraged Paul declares that "Chri...