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The Peace the Passes All Understanding

 With another war started in the Middle East, with our government in disarray, and climate catastrophes happening seemingly every week, the anxiety level of anyone or everyone is probably above normal. There is much to worry about, think about, and be scared of. And Paul writes to remind the people of Philippi and us to rejoice in the Lord always? Always? Rejoice? What does he know? Honestly, he doesn't understand our modern world and what we are dealing with, how could he? 

Except, however Paul was a prisoner during this time. He was either being transported to Rome or in Rome already facing a trial and death. He was being torn from his Jewish roots because many didn't believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Many of the churches he started were also in disarray because they had no traditions to fall back on so they easily went astray. Persecutions of early Christians were coming from all sides and it didn't seem to be getting any better, any easier. 

Paul's letter to the Philippians is one of gratitude and thanksgiving. For the church in significant ways helped Paul and was a resource and a comfort for him in his travels and confinement. Paul knows that the world can be harsh and that life isn't easy, however, God is good and all is not lost.

Remember last week, I asked what is the most important skill for a musician? It was listening. As a musician we use our ears to hear the tempo, the key, and how to blend our part into the whole. As a Christian, we listen with more than just our ears, we can listen also with our hearts, our minds, and our souls. We are going to practice that this morning. Paul writes to think on these things; I am asking us to listen as I name each one. 

Let us find a comfortable position, booth feet planted firmly on the floor, straighten up our spine, pay attention to our breath, but don't control it. Let's take a few moments to breathe deep the breath of God...



When I say a word, repeat it three times in your mind to yourself, and then listen for the Spirit, don't stay on the first thing that pops into your thoughts, recognize it and put it aside, waiting for the heart to speak, that small still voice...

whatever is true...


whatever is honorable...


whatever is just...


whatever is pure...


whatever is pleasing...


whatever is commendable...


if there is anything that is excellent...


if there is anything that is worthy of praise...


If we can't find reasons to rejoice, to have thanks and gratitude, if we don't have peace in our hearts, then it is very hard for there to be peace and thanksgiving in our church, in our community, in our nation, and in the world. Let us find these things and share them with the world. Amen.

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