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| |  | Michael Fox CPCC,
founder of m�agine!,
is a professional
coach and trainer,
author and creative artist, whose work has been featured throughout
the world.
Michael is a
Certified Practitioner
of the
Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator.�
Do you know someone
who might benefit
from our weekly email?
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Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). Paul's admonition is easily misunderstood to mean, "Be happy!" In truth, the Greek word translated, "rejoice," means, "to celebrate"--specifically, in Philippians 4:4, to "celebrate in the Lord." There are circumstances when it's difficult to call up a feeling of happiness; there are, however, no circumstances that deter believers from being determined, with gratitude, to celebrate life and blessing in the Lord.
When Paul, in the company of Silas and others, first established the congregation in Philippi, their ministry faced gratuitous charges from the local authorities. Paul and Silas were arrested--and without trial--beaten and thrown into the dungeon, their feet fastened in stocks. And yet, in apparent spite of their circumstances, "about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God" (Philippians 4:25).
What heroic measure of faith allowed their spirits to sing in the midst of such suffering and injustice? Actually, it's quite possible that, "about midnight," Paul and Silas were mired in misery and doubt. But the two men consciously and powerfully chose to celebrate their lives in the Lord with song rather than to lament their prevailing circumstances with whine. The two were not singing because they were filled with joy; they were filled with joy because they were singing.
The prophet Habakkuk demonstrated a similar choosing, even as his heart was filled with fear. Beautiful words, these from the troubled prophet:
I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones, and in my place I tremble. Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, for the people to arise who will invade us. Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places (Habakkuk 3:16-19).
What would it look like for you, personally, to "rejoice in the Lord"?
What do you have to gratefully celebrate "in the Lord," and in spite of your current circumstances?
How might Paul's practice of "rejoicing in the Lord always" have contributed to his declaration, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am"? (Philippians 4:11).
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Michael Fox
m�agine!
530/613.2774
407 Myrtle Drive
Farmerville, LA, USA 71241 |
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In addition to personal and professional coaching,
m�agine! specializes in spiritual transformation coaching,
employing its proprietary models
--Values, Vision, Voice and Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength--
as well as
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator� curriculum
published by CPP, the People Development People.
Michael's books include
Complete in Christ,
Complete in Christ Spiritual Transformation Workbook,
and Biblio�files.
Coaching fees are based upon a sliding scale. Contact us for details.
For additional information, visit our website at maginethepossibilities.net.
Limited scholarships are available for spiritual transformation coaching.
On the flip side, if you are able, please inquire about opportunities
to fund scholarships for those who cannot afford coaching fees.
View our archives!
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