In episode 199, “Have an Internal Eternal Mindset”, Brooke & Faren discuss the meaning of Philippians 1:21 in the Bible. Hear what Paul says to the Philippians about how to work for the Lord while still on Earth. We use our © Read Pray Talk Tell Method to discover ways we can practically live this scripture out in everyday life. The Philippians mini series begins on episode 199 and goes through episode 203 of the Witty & Gritty podcast.
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Reading Paul’s Letter from Prison
We’re in our new mini series featuring our favorite five verses from the book of Philippians. It was a challenge only picking five, but we managed to do it! Before we dive into this week’s scripture, let’s get some context. The short version:
- Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians
- He was in jail at the time of this writing
- This message is full of hope and solid advice
- The church in Philippi was the first one Paul started
- Philippi is home to many retired Roman soldiers
Paul is encouraging his friends, providing perspective, and driving home major points on how Jesus wants us to live. This week, we’re gaining some perspective from Paul (don’t forget, he’s writing this from jail):
“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”
Philippians 1:21
Bottom line: if you have air in your lungs and your heart is pumping blood, you still have the opportunity to do the Lord’s work on this side of Heaven. This gives you the chance to ask yourself, “How am I joyfully serving the Lord while in my valley (or peak)?” Do we have an internal eternal mindset like Paul?
Pray About How to Honor God
If you’re looking for a simple formula to begin chatting with God, tune into this part of episode 199, “Have and Internal Eternal Mindset”. Here’s the acronym we covered:
- Praise: Thank God for what He’s done
- Repent: Admit where you’ve messed up
- Ask: Ask God for what you need
- Yield: Yield to God’s will and obey
If you feel like you’re too far gone, in too deep, or did too many bad things, let’s just stop those lies in your head. If you have crossed the line of faith, you’re forgiven once and for all. Now that you know this, here’s our question you can pray over: “How can I honor God from here?”
No matter if you’re in a peak or valley, there is always a way to honor God with the next step you take. Take it moment by moment, rely on what’s true, and do the next right thing.
Talk it Out in a Healthy Way
We’ll say it a million times more: If you are struggling, never go it alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, church official, or a counselor to begin positive stepsin the right direction. Always take your concerns to God first, and know that God has put people in your life who can guide and help you along the way.
Healthy vulnerability in a Christian community is a beautiful thing when done properly. Here’s a pro tip people often miss at the beginning of when they share: If you are sharing your feelings, let the listener know what you’re looking for. What are your needs?
- Safe space to vent
- Encouragement
- Advice
- Wisdom
- Process out loud
- Gain perspective
As we learn to have an internal eternal mindset, we need to be able to have these safe spaces that will get our backs, speak truth, and keep us grounded. Say what you need, and let the person doing the listening guide you as needed. In this part of the episode, we give examples, personal experiences, and walk you through how to have these conversations.
Tell Your Kids the Truth
Is life hard sometimes? Absolutely. Does the Holy Spirit give us strength from within? You bet! Teach your kids these truths, and back it up with your love and support. Remember from earlier: if your heart is still beating, you still have work to do to further God’s kingdom.
As far as love and support goes, there are two things we tell our kids on a regular basis.
- I love you no matter what
- God loves you no matter what
Preach these truths to your kids now so they can always fall back on these when they’re in a rough patch. Tell them there is always a way to honor God with the next right step. Brainstorm ideas with them. there is still something you can do that is kind and shows people the love of Jesus. Help them have an internal eternal mindset.
We hope you enjoyed episode 199, “Have an Internal Eternal Mindset”, through our © Read Pray Talk Tell Method. Now it’s up to you to work through the Bible chapter discussed, pray about this verse using the prompts given, have biblical community around this verse, and go point others to Christ with the tips we give. Remember, when you read, pray, talk, tell consistently, you’ll grow your faith in God more deeply. Tune in next week to hear another breakdown of a Bible verse!
Links From the Show
- Philippians Mini Series
- Christian Care Box
- Joe’s Episode on Apologetics
- Daily Audio Bible
- The Bible Project
