Frank's Bible Blog

Philippians 4-- Mind Games

Mental preparation is a much a key to successful athletes and teams as is physical preparation. As athletes mentally rehearse their opponents anticipated moves, they prepare themselves to act and react in ways that will hopefully gain an advantage. Sometimes players and coaches try to play mind games with their opponents--whether it is waiting to the last possible moment to list a particular player as injured or eligible, or by talking "trash" to the opposing side. Mental preparation is also important to victory in the Christian life, and Philippians 4 outlines a strategy. First, have an attitude of joy in the Lord, regardless of circumstances (v4). Second, exchange worry for prayer (vv6-7).Third, fill your thoughts with godly things--things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, positive, virtuous, etc. (v8). Fourth, consider ways that you can bless others (vv10-20). Finally, never forget that you "can do all things through Christ" who gives you strength (v13). Follow this strategy and you won't get caught up in the devil's mind games.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Philippians 3-- Focusing the Binoculars

I have a hard time getting binoculars to focus right for me. It seems that by the time I get both eyes into focus, whatever I hoped to see is long gone. But if I can somehow manage to get it into focus quickly, then I am able to see so much better and farther than with my naked eyes. I was in Alaska and spotted bald eagles way up in the sky wanted to watch them fly to their nest. That time, however, I was able to get things focused and followed the majestic birds to their nest. This is a lot like life. We know there is more than what we see at the moment, but often have a hard time bringing it into focus. Philippians 3 is very much about the power of focus and how it can revolutionize our lives. Here are seven things we can do to bring focus and enable our lives to have greater perspective. First, rejoice in the Lord (v1). Be happy! Sing of His goodness! Be optimistic not pessimistic. Second, beware of those who would steal your focus and place it onto false doctrines or selfish ambitions (vv2-4). Third, get your eyes off your resume'--don't focus on your personal accomplishments but on Christ (vv4-9). Next, don't let a day go by that you don't reflect on what Christ did for you on the cross (vv10-11). Fifth, leave the past in the past (v13). Sixth, know the goal (vv12-14)--glorifying Christ by fulfiling our unique mission on this earth. Finally, don't forget where your citizenship lies. As followers of Christ, we are citizens of heaven (v20) and should act accordingly. These are seven things better than binoculars that can bring clear focus to our lives!

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Philippians 2--Others First

Let's face it--we live in a very "me" focused society. We look out after our own interests first, and then if we have the time or desire might consider others. We often expect everyone to cater to our needs. We are determined to climb the corporate ladder even if it is at the expense of others. As believers, however, we should be just the opposite. That is the message of Philippians 2 which provides the Bible's best illustration of selflessness: Jesus Christ (vv1-11). In addition, we have two other examples of selflessness in this chapter, Timothy (vv19-24) and Epaphroditus (vv25-30). Jesus not only suffered and died on a cross, but He gave up all of Heaven to come into this world to be born not in a palace but in a manger. Timothy was different than most of his time who sought their own, "not the things which are of Christ" (v21). Timothy had proved himself time and again by selflessly serving others. While we don't know a lot about Epaphroditus, we do know that he came close to death because of his work for Christ and service to the saints (v30). How can we truly be selfless and put others first? It all starts in the mind. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (v5). That mind does not focus on personal rights. That mind does not seek personal pleasure above all else. That mind does not look down on other people who are not what you are or who don't have what you have. That mind places enormous value on people, seeking to find ways to make their lives better. Do you have that mind? If not, ask God to give it to you and then look for ways where you must intentionally humble yourself for the betterment of someone else.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.

Philippians 1- Avoiding Embarassment

What was your most embarrassing moment? Do you have it in your mind? Do you remember how it felt--and how you determined to never let that happen to you again? Writing from prison, the Apostle Paul in Philippians chapter 1 tells how he has determined to never embarrass Christ or be embarrassed to proclaim Christ (v20). How can you and I have this same kind of determination and be successful at it? First, strive for the best rather than settling for what is good (v10). Second, live a righteous life that bears godly fruit (v11). Third, keep an eternal perspective on life's circumstances (vv12-15). Next, refuse to let pride or ego keep you from focusing on the bigger picture (vv15-18). Fifth, determine that your life will magnify Christ no matter what difficulties you face (vv20-26). Finally, live consistently for Christ whether you think others are watching or not (v27). If we will follow these six steps, then we will not only keep from embarrassing ourselves as a Christian, but our lives will bring great honor and glory to our Lord.

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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.