Hindsight is 2020

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

What images come to your mind when you hear the term, “Prayer warrior?” I personally think of some sort of Rambo-like person with steely-eyed resolve, eye black on, who fearlessly runs before the Lord on behalf of another. It’s a funny image, but I don’t know if it is all that far from the truth on a spiritual level. Though I realize the greatest prayer warriors are just ordinary people on their knees before God, this image reminds me of the intentionality they have when they pray for others.

I am honored and humbled by the fact that some of my friends view me as a prayer warrior. They know, no matter what time of day it is, that they can send me a prayer request, and I will be on my knees for them immediately. Honestly, this is a deep privilege and joy for me. I can think of no better way to love those in my circles then to stand beside them before our Father in prayer. I think this is not only the mark of a good friend, but Biblical as we “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep,” and to “bear each other’s burdens.”

Paul’s love for the Philippian church abounded through his prayers. In verses 9-11 of chapter 1, Paul pours out his heart before the Father on behalf of Philippi. This was not a distracted or wimpy sort of prayer, but one that had teeth. It petitioned the Father for spiritual growth, deep understanding, a desire to see them live blameless lives, and for them to live a life that pleased God through the development of righteous character in their lives. Paul prayed this way because his love and appreciation for Philippi was deep, rooted, and sure.

In our circles, how does our love manifest itself? How does our love abound for those in need? Do we pray for those we love? Are those prayers detailed and intentional, or more passive? There is no shame here, only an opportunity to grow in our love of God and others.

This week, though you may not feel your prayers are polished—that’s okay, choose one person to intentionally lift before the Lord daily. Check in with this person, if possible, and see how God has been working in them. Make special note of how this discipline also transforms you.

By Sheila Rennau

For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:8

Rizpah isn’t a name most would recognize from the Bible (2 Samuel 22:10-14). She was a concubine of King Saul’s whose two sons were given to the Gibeonites as justice for something wrong Saul had done to them. These two, along with five other of Saul’s male descendants were executed and left outside. Rizpah, seemingly driven by deep and rooted love, guarded her two sons’ bodies against birds and wild animals for the entire harvest season, night and day. I can think of no other reason why someone would guard their sons so diligently than a love as deeply rooted as a mother’s love.

Today the word ‘love’ is tossed about for everything from a shirt or blouse to dogs to just about anything you can think of. It’s almost as if this broad use has decoupled its true meaning in the English vernacular. The depth and rootedness of the word ‘love’ has been diminished, nearly eliminated.
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, demonstrates the rooted love he has for them. Before the short verse above, Paul talks of his feeling affection for the Philippians, and how appropriate his affection is. Their love for him was astounding to him, and it was the deep, rich, fertile soil in which his love was firmly rooted for the Philippians.

The love God has for us surpasses the demonstration of Rizpah’s love, and it surpasses the mutual love and affection the Philippians and Paul had for each other. Jesus, God’s only son, descended into humanity, came as a servant (Philippians 2:7) and died for us. Rizpah probably felt she approached death in her seeming never-ending protection of her sons’ bodies, but Jesus did die. Only an eternally rooted love of the deepest variety could ever prompt such a sacrifice (Ephesians 3:17-19).

As you go through your day, observe those around you, whether you know them or not, and consider God’s deeply rooted love for them. Listen closely for the Spirit’s prompting. It’s amazing to understand and witness the healing qualities of a loving look, gesture, touch, or conversation. While our current circumstances limit our ability to touch, love can be demonstrated in many ways. A spoken word with a gentle look can show those around you God’s deep, abiding love for them

By Rich Obrecht

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. Philippians 1:7

Proverbs says there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). How can a friend become closer than the bond of brothers? Perhaps when friends are bonded with the blood of Christ. Those who recognize their short-comings are redeemed with the blood of Christ and those who find their purpose rooted in Christ’s mission are bonded together in a way biological blood cannot touch. Even Jesus told his mother and brothers that whoever hears the Word of God and does it becomes a true family (Luke 8:21).

This is the case with Paul and his friends at the Church in Philippi. They’ve created such a strong bond of love, primarily because they share in God’s grace and they are on mission to defend and uphold the gospel in each of their respected locations. Their love for one another overflows from the same source of never-ending love, Christ.

As we root ourselves in Christ’s love, he gives us his resource of love. He can fill our tank of love with infinite measure. As we befriend others who share this same rooted love, like Paul, we are right to feel an overflow of joy when we see them or write to them from a distance. Perhaps you feel uniquely bonded to a spiritual friend. Where do you think this special bond comes from? Today, prepare to connect to others with a special bond of Christ by letting Christ love you. Re-write Psalm 139 as a love-letter from Jesus to you and let it wash over you.

By Yvonne Biel

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:1-5 NIV

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. Philippians 1:7 NIV

My husband and I have been blessed to be a part of several loving, caring and supportive communities of believers. 32 years ago we were both put into leadership positions in our singles’ Sunday School class and it was an incredible year of serving others together and being cared for by others. Then we were a part of a young married class for five years where we made lifelong friends. Several couples from that class are missionaries we still support who have helped to share the gospel around the globe. We made meals for each other when our babies were being born and prayed for each other when several of us dealt with tough things like infertility.

Later we joined a church plant and were involved in it for 11 years. This body of believers was special to us, as everyone was always welcome, no matter your age. Children of all ages were welcome in service, and on mission trips. Many of us dealt with serious issues in the 11 years we were there, and the body was supportive, loving, and helpful. We were part of another church for 9 years and we were able to use our gifts, get to know people, worship and study the Bible in depth. We have now been a part of South Fellowship for the past 6 years. The South family has been welcoming, caring and supportive as well.

When we are able to worship and fellowship with a body of believers who demonstrate Jesus’ love to us in our difficult days and in times of celebration, it can feel like coming home after a long weary journey. Coming to South 6 years ago felt like that for us. When we feel supported and loved, it frees us to be able to use our gifts effectively to benefit the body. When we feel loved by a community, it can help to carry us through in times of grief. When we are being taught the Word in such a way that it changes our perspective, and makes us ponder spiritual truth it causes us to become mature in Christ.

What about you? Do you know someone in our body who could benefit from prayer or a phone call or an encouraging word this week? Does someone need childcare help or a meal? Find someone to encourage this week.

By Grace Hunter

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:7-11

Together is a beautiful word. Perhaps this is because, from our origins, God has created us in His image to be a communal people. It was not good for man to be alone in the Garden, nor is it good for us to be alone today. Simply put, we need each other.

But in the recent pandemic this need has been severely tested. Where once we were free to enjoy a plethora of community groups and activities, we now find ourselves isolated and unable to safely spend time with those that matter. This has physical, emotional, and spiritual implications. It’s hard. While technology helps keep these ramifications at bay, there is just something special about being in proximity to those we love and hold dear.

I think about my own longing to see friends, and to once again be able to safely congregate at events that matter to me. I miss those outings and I can’t wait to get them back! But, as I wrestle through my own emotions, I can’t help but think of Paul. Placed under house arrest, far away from not only his friends, but also unable to expel the fervor he had for spreading the Gospel to those who needed it most, Paul lacked community. He missed those he loved, just as we miss those we love.

The letters and gifts were nice, but what Paul really longed for was them. Paul didn’t have the technological advances that we have today. To get a letter or a gift took months—no Amazon Prime for him! Yet, notice the love and passion he has for those in his circle of influence at Philippi. They had “a special place in his heart.” They didn’t just hear about his troubles and send well wishes, they participated in his suffering and his work, and this bonded them in a special way, much like soldiers in a war bond because of their shared trial. Paul’s trial was their trial too.

It is essential to the human experience to have community. Though we are currently more separated, we can still do our best with what we have to reach out. What can you do this week to reach out to those in your community? Call, text, Zoom, or send a note to someone who matters to you. Let them know how much you appreciate their role in your life.

By Sheila Rennau

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians1:1-6

Usually, when we think of what we are grateful for we think examples from the past or our present situation. We are grateful for relationships old, new, and existing. We rejoice in past experiences or present provision. It almost never occurs to us to be grateful for a future reality! And yet, this is what Paul refers to in Philippians 1:6. He is confident in what will come for the Philippians and rejoices because of it. God, who has begun a good work in these believers, will see it to completion. What a promise!

Gratitude and thanking God for what he has provided is just the beginning. Because of who God is and what he has done through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can look with hope to the future knowing that no present suffering, sorrow, or circumstance is in vain. What God has begun in us- making us more and more reflective of the way and heart of Jesus- and in the world – restoring and recreating it to what it was always intended to be— will be completed one day. As we look around at ourselves and at our world this sometimes seems impossible. We are so far from perfection that it can be hard to see how things will ever change. But we live in a world and as a people who are “already but not yet.” We already bear God’s good work in us, but it is not yet brought to bear in its fullness. His victory is already won and secure, but we still look forward to the day when all things will be made new. As we walk forward into 2021 and all this year will bring, it is a reason to rejoice that whatever happens this year, we can look forward with confidence to the day that the work is complete and all is right.

Listen to a song that inspires gratitude for God’s good work in your life. Good options might be “Goodness of God,” “Yes I Will” or “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” What do these songs tell you about God’s future promises? How do they encourage you to think with gratitude about the future, whatever may come?

By Jessica Rust

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. Philippians 1:1-7

As long as I lived at home with mom and dad, I remember mom standing in the door, waving as I left. When I asked her why she waved, her answer was “While I’m waving, I’m praying for you.” It brought me to tears. My deep sense of gratitude for mom caused me to mimic this with my children. And it’s a habit I’ve begun for anyone leaving my home.

Paul describes his gratitude for the Philippians receiving this letter. The jailings, beatings, threats, and all the other harsh realities for Paul didn’t diminish his gratitude for them. His gratitude was present regardless of context, good or bad. What an example Paul is for us! Following Paul’s example of gratitude regardless of context is worth emulating (Philippians 3:17). Paul was also very thankful for God’s bringing the Philippians to mind. As an aside, what a wonderful practice to bring those who cross your mind to the Lord in prayer. This can be an uplifting spiritual exercise for you as well the potential for meeting some need of those who cross your mind.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a young man. My memories contain many old hymns. To this day, I remember their words as they’re deeply etched in my heart. Rarely does singing them not bring tears to my eyes, just as thinking of them does as I type these words. My soul-felt gratitude for my parents loving my soul enough to introduce me to Jesus is probably the reason for the response. No matter the circumstances or context, it’s uplifting and gratifying. Wherever we are in life, our sense of gratitude towards God and our fellow Christ-followers can lift us. The circumstances may not change, but God remains our stalwart, strong tower, the one we lean upon.

Perhaps a hymn that best puts words to my God-directed gratitude is ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness.’ I’ve included the lyrics below and a link to hearing the song. Take a few moments and either read the lyrics, listen to the song, or both. As you go through the hymn, my prayer for you is, regardless of your context, these words will increase your gratitude towards our Father.

Great is Thy Faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassion’s, they fail not,
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Lyrics: Thomas Chisolm
Tune: William M. Runyon

By Rich Obrecht

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

Perhaps you have seen the bumper stickers or T-shirts that read “Salt Life”. This tagline identifies a brand for those who have a love for the sea and fishing. They have become quite the trend—at least in my neighborhood. I often wonder if the Church could start a similar movement of apparel with the tagline “Shared Life”. After all, that is a founding principal that unites us in Christ, as seen in Acts 2.

The believers of the Early Church shared all they had, but what they shared most was their common faith, love and gratitude for each other. I think Paul may have had this in mind when he sat in that Roman cell and penned his letter to the Philippian church.

Paul was grateful to the believers in this church because they shared his work of spreading the Gospel. He was grateful not only for the good work that God had begun in them, but more so for their great love.

Four years ago, my family and I were “church homeless”. Moving to a new part of the city left my family and I without a church home and place to connect. We gathered in fellowships all around our city, but no place ever really felt like home. Then one day we “stumbled” upon South’s website. Coming to this fellowship we found a community of people who truly sought after Christ, lived out their faith practically, welcomed not just the elite but all people from all walks of life, and served the community with the tenderhearted compassion of Christ. Because of the shared life exemplified in the body of South, my family found a church home that allows us to serve, and better equips us to be the Church wherever we go. This stirs not only gratitude in our hearts for each person at South, but a great and unifying love. It is a love that carries over into our lives as we befriend those in our community. I, personally, now have many friends in my community whom I would not have seen or thought to befriend before. Like Paul, I have the privilege of praying for them and for South daily, praising God for each one with great joy.

Take a moment today to think of a friend you might not have today were it not for Christ. Send them a message of gratitude and love.

By Sheila Rennau

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4-6 NIV

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Paul’s letter to the Philippians begins with, “I thank my God every time I remember you,” Philippians 1:3. He often began his letters to the various churches thanking their members for their faith, their steadfastness, and their partnership in sharing the gospel with others. In ten of Paul’s letters he thanks God for the recipients of the letter within the first few verses of the first chapter of each book. Sometimes he includes his thankfulness to God later in the book as well. Philippians is unique in that his main purpose for writing this particular letter was as a thank you letter to the Philippians for their care for him, for their most recent monetary gift to him, and for their past multiple monetary gifts to him.

Paul’s letters almost always contain thankfulness to God for the faith of the recipients and for their faithfulness in sharing God’s love with others around them. He often includes instructions to the church members to also make a practice of being thankful. An example is mentioned later in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul also wrote, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” I Thessalonians 5:18.

Paul has authority to tell us to give thanks in all circumstances. Prior to having written the letter to the Philippians, he had been beaten many times, stoned, imprisoned, and shipwrecked, all as a result of sharing the gospel with other people (II Corinthians 11:23-33). Yet later in this letter to the Philippians he also says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength,” Philippians 4:11-13.

Let us begin 2021 by establishing a pattern of gratitude. Thank God for others and write a note to someone who has impacted you.

By Grace Hunter

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1-6

I’ve been alive for the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, the Vietnam war, wars in the Middle East, innumerable natural tragedies, 9/11, all of which altered life in some way. As a young boy, I was shielded from some changes simply because I didn’t know what things were like before. But, as an adult, I know very well the before and after. And 2020 appears to be bringing changes to how life will be.
I believe we’ll be talking about 2020 for the rest of our lives. The nexus of injustices made evident, an election year, COVID-19, the death of family members, to name a few, will make sure of that. And we’ll recite what happened, and how they could have been handled better by all. While these conversations don’t help a whit the experiences as we lived them, they can inform our living through more calamity when it comes. Perhaps we’ll be able to learn much from 2020, giving credence to the phrase, ‘Hindsight is 2020.’

My prayer is we’ve learned leaning on anything other than Christ is like leaning on a broken rod and its painful result (Isaiah 36:6). Learning trust in the Lord and not humans would be the best result to this prayer. God is perfect, man isn’t. God’s direction is with perfect vision, humans’ is accomplished through dirty lenses and the fog of self. God is worthy of our unfettered trust!

Anchoring trust in God might begin with making a timeline. Draw your timeline since March 2020, when things really spun up. Write down, as best you can, the dates of things which seemed insurmountable and things that didn’t. As the memories come back, and you recall those good or bad times, jot down how God was present with you. If you didn’t feel his presence, write that down, too. Write it all down as you remember it. Then, share your timeline with friends and family. When you do, perhaps conversation will remind you of God’s presence you may have missed or forgotten. As the years go by, and you experience difficult times, look back and remember God’s presence in 2020, and how he was with you, especially when you didn’t realize it. I believe you’ll find God’s with you once again.

By Rich Obrecht