Philippian Generosity

I was reading a passage in the book of Philippians that I felt relevant to my current situation as I am transitioning into the next thing that God has for me.  For those you who don’t know, Philippians is considered to be Paul’s letter of joy and encouragement, even though he was going through some rough times.  He expresses his love and appreciation for the church there in Philippi and for their consistent service to the Lord and support for Paul.  In this letter Paul urges the believers there to continue to grow in their faith and keep pursuing Christ.  They had some issues with infighting, disunity, legalism, and antinomianism (a fancy college word for someone who disassociates with others in order to maintain their own social status, security, or sense of purpose).  Paul shares with this church some of his own struggles and his commit to grow in Christ. He stated that he too was on the journey and had not himself, attained spiritual perfection.   Paul strived to have the mind, knowledge, and peace of Christ that truly passes our understanding, especially in this life.  It’s a great read for believes who are working hard at living for Jesus, loving like Jesus, and doing their best to serve the Lord in the capacity they are called.

A quick snippet of Paul’s thoughts: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care (received your care, gift) for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased (humble), and I know how to abound (prosper). Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. ¹⁵ Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving, but you only. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. ¹⁸ Indeed I have (received) all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”                          – Philippians 4:10-20

While this blog is not a detail expose of this passage, rather a brief, but relevant reflection of how the great Apostle endured during seasons of humility and prosperity.  I believe that we all experience seasons in life, some better than others, but in all seasons we need to be faithful and consistent in our love for, and service of, the Lord.  This begins, of course, with our families, and then it extends outwardly toward others whom God has entrusted into our care. 

I am in a season of transition from one place to another; this transition has extended throughout 2021, a very special year prophetically and for me personally.  After serving as a Lead Pastor for the past 25 years in two great churches, I have found myself in a place of humility and grace, now serving others, mainly students, in a local Christian school in our community.  While I enjoy the ride, in my case literally, I am wondering if this is my next post.  I have been applying and interviewing for a Hospice Chaplain position with a reputable service, but I am not getting anywhere with that. Either the interviews are weird, nonexistent, or the opportunities fall to another candidate.  I know that God has me and that He is leading me because I am a righteous man in Christ and as such, He promises to order (establish) my steps to fit His will.  As fate (or whatever God calls it) would have it, I have found myself serving as a substitute teacher, bus driver, and maintenance tech for this school. These are three very important roles that are needed to help support the overall ministry of this school.  I am deeply appreciative for the work and the opportunity for ministry in this place.  I am both humbled and honored to be given these great responsibilities and I am striving to do and be my best in this new role, which is clearly subordinate to my previous role.  Perhaps this is the way of things, or at least the way God would have the next chapter in my life go for Him.  I am good with it, and trusting the Lord every step of the way.  God has blessed me in this manner and I am continuing to strive to be excellent in my task and calling.  It’s nice to occasionally be able to drive into work with my wife Debi as she is a teacher at this same school.  We are able to interact with each other during the day on some days, and on other days I never see her.  The school is flourishing in this liberal education climate as more and more parents are dissatisfied with what is happening in the public school system. While this blog is not a knock against the public educational system as there are many great people who serve therein, many of them believers.  What is clear is that we were called to this school for such a time as this and we are glad to join God working therein. We are in the process of selling and purchasing rental income property that will help to supplement our venture here because, as many already know, the private school system doesn’t pay very well.  The staff and faculty who work in private Christian schools are true servants of the Lord.  They serve tirelessly and sometimes at great personal expense, believe me, I have seen this and lived it myself.  Sometimes in life, it’s not about the paycheck, it’s about God supplying our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, just as Paul stated in the above passage.  God is in the business of supplying to the abundance and even when things seem a bit bleak, God is in the midst of it all, working ‘both ends of the line.’  Suffice it to say that I am glad to be there, working and serving the Lord in the capacities that I am. There is no patriot like a refugee, I am just happy to be here!

Along with all of this, I am currently processing with the local police department to be a volunteer chaplain.  I have some unique opportunities to be able to ride with the officers from time to time, interacting and developing a relationship with them.  As some of you already know, I did this with the local PD for the 22 years I served in Gardena.  It’s a very important role in any LE (law enforcement) community, especially these days.  I feel called to serve in this capacity as it does fulfill a sense of purpose and obedience to the Lord.  It also provides a unique opportunity to interact with the community at large that God has called us to. 

In other news, Debi and I are celebrating the birth of our fourth grandchild, Emmerson Sue Lee, a beautiful baby girl who showed up last Tuesday as beautiful and perfect as they come; thank you Jesus.  Both her parents are doing well.  While there is much joy and celebration in the Lee family, we are also grateful to God for His abundant blessing, protection, and provision for us, especially with our latest addition to our grand-princess collection. The current grandkid score, girls 3, boys 1.  The night is still young.

I close this blog with a final thought; even though the world is spinning and listing, God is still in control of everything and He is working things out for His glory. He has not forgotten us and if we listen to His voice and read His Word, we too will hear and know that the Lord is near to us, even in our very hearts and at the very doors.  Stay focused man of God (and ladies), and keep the faith. Love your wife, love your kids, and most of all, love the Lord for He is the One who has provided you with the ability to get wealth, to work, and to do His good pleasure.

Maranatha! 

Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Southern Missouri.  He lives with his wife of 32-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren).  Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a former Lead Pastor (25 years), police chaplain, and community advocate.  He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.