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Philippians Chapter 1and verse 12, where Paul writes – I want you to know. There are truths and lessons which our gracious loving God wants us to know.

It is Satan’s work to spread lies and rumours – but he could not do it – unless he had someone who would do his dirty work for him?

That is why in Christian circles it is important that we know the truth and pass on the truth. This is precisely the reason why Paul explains – “I want you to know exactly where I am and why I am here”. I want you to pass on accurate information. I also want you to pray accurately for me.

Rumours – I do not know whether they are comic or tragic. It is certainly tragic for those involved in spreading them. These are Satan’s tactics, and he uses people who have wrong feelings – who have never had God deal with them in these areas – and such people respond to wickedness. Satan hates the truth. That is why Paul says – I want you to know.

Please, don’t listen to rumours about me, as Paul tells them how he is feeling.

This is a model prayer letter. Strong feelings come out. At times, his grammar is lost and confusing.

Paul has heard from Epaphroditus that they were wrongly concerned about him – and that is why Paul says so clearly – the effect of the things that have happened to me are not what you would have expected – but the exact opposite.

Paul has really been through it for five years – arrested in Jerusalem – moved to Caesarea – two years imprisonment – then shipped off to Rome – and now in prison. What a five years!

What had they been thinking back in Philippi? What had they been praying?

You can almost hear Paul saying – “Do you think I am cracking up? Do you think this imprisonment and being chained to a Roman soldier is too much for me? Do you think all this is getting me down?” These things have not been a pressure! These people knew that Almighty God did amazing things in prison! Did one family have a smile on their face when that part of the letter was read?

Paul now moves on to speak about the things he is not concerned about, and to correct those who are praying wrongly. Were they a bit stressed and demoralised, all because they did not have sufficient information?

What has happened to him in the past has not been a hindrance. They have helped me – they have not been roadblocks – but they have helped advance the Gospel like a highway or motorway.

It is possible that he might be killed. “This is not a burden to me.” Do not pray in the wrong way about what has happened – it has been great! And, do not pray wrongly about what may happen to me in the future – it will be great!

Yes, Paul is in chains – but he is not filled with gloom and doubt. He is not in ‘doubting castle’ but in ‘Blessed Assurance’.

Romans 8 verse 28 might appear easier in theory than it is in practice. It has all worked out just great. Everything that has happened to me has helped to further the Gospel. His sole ambition is the Gospel. This pioneer preacher for Christ is now in jail – but he knows that anything that gets established in Rome will spread.

“Loving gracious heavenly Father – our God – the only God there is – teach us from the Scriptures – inform us – educate us in this vital area, where education is restricted and limited and frequently so inadequate. Where we have questions, answer us – where we sometimes wonder, satisfy us with truth and assurance and certainty – where the world may have confused us, redirect our paths with the light of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.” Amen.

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

Praying for the Lord's Will