I CAN DO ALL THINGS!?

Philippians 4:13 has been used much in our society today as a popular slogan. It is varied in its use but the most common way it has been used is on the t-shirts of several sports stars and famous personalities. The slogan though goes like this: “I CAN DO ALL THINGS.” While some are thankful for it as it is a Bible quote, in reality – it is a watered-down, mis-appropriated and inappropriate statement that gives a false message.

As Believers we should never emphasize what we can do. It has never been about us but has always been about God. Obviously, the real quote is “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” It is our precious Lord who redeemed us from our lost condition by faith and repentance – and has promised to be with us and to bear our burdens and has also empowered us to be faithful in any situation. To leave God out of Philippians 4:13 takes the TRUTH out of the verse and renders it worthless.

In addition, the context of the Philippians 4:13 shows us that Paul made this statement not in recognition of his successes – but rather in the hardships he endured. When he wrote this, he was imprisoned in Rome, not knowing what the future held for Him other than this – whether he abounded or was abased, he could be content and give God glory. Philippians 4:11 is a wonderful verse to help us in our walk with Christ. It says, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” So whether in a victory or a setback, Paul knew he could glorify God therein.

I'm glad we have the same God that we can depend on today that Paul had. But I can't do it. I'm not the key, it is through HIM! He is the one that strengthens me through every trial and hardship and keeps me settled when I have a victory because I know that it was He that did it and allowed me to be a part of it. It is not about "I", it is all about "HIM!"

Pastor Mark Sage

Comments

ADVERSITIES & CHURCH

After my devotions each morning I try to work on my memory verses. Today, in succession, two verses came up that relate a great and important truth that a spoke to me. The two verses were: Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. & Proverbs 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Adversity, in a simplified definition, means "trouble." Certainly no one looks for trouble. Sickness, accidents, mishaps, and the resulting distress happen in everyone's lives and are often unforeseen. They can at times be daunting. God teaches us not to faint in the face of adversity; not to stop doing what we are supposed to and performing our vows and service to God, family, and community. I think that we have expanded our definition of adversity in our generation to include words like "tiredness" and even "opportunity." We usually aren't dealing with troubles as much as distractions a...

THE GREATEST NEED IN 2024!

Often, I hear complaints about what is going on in the world today and in churches. People have become disillusioned with society and even with church. They are mad at their government, upset with society with its wicked pop-culture, critical of churches, and always blame someone else for whatever woes have come there way. We blame politicians for their corruption, the government for deceiving us, the schools for brainwashing the children, the church for not being exciting enough or having enough ministries and the pastor for not being deep enough/hard enough/soft enough/or inspiring enough or whatever criticism we have. Then everyone seems to have a “disease,” a trauma, or a disability, giving themselves an excuse for what they do or why they allow sin in their own life. As bad as all these things are, they are going to continue. The world will still be wicked and hate God as the Bible says. When the world speaks well o...

BE BOLD FOR THE TRUTH! - Like John the Baptist

Don’t back off what you know to be true. The Bible is real, it is God's Word to man. We need to hold to what it says with conviction. John the Baptist did. It landed him in prison - just that one statement – “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:18) But, he didn’t sway from it, he did not apologize for it! He stuck with the truth. A couple of men that I never personally followed but was also not against who years ago made a bold statement to America which I "AMENED" at the time: Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson both publicly stated boldly that 9/11 was a wake-up call to the American Christian; that it was the God’s lifting of his hand of protection and then a very short time later, both took back their comments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMkBgA9_oQ4 https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=126698&page=1 No, they were right, God did allow it - God certainly lifted His protective hand on our nation. Sure, it was a wicked act of lost hell bound...

My Take

Search This Blog