Psalms 8:1, 16:2, and 31:1-3

My Shepherd met me in His green pastures and stirred my mind with Philippians 3:1:

Philippians 3:1 ¶ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

Along the still waters, I thought about the times I remembered Paul using finally to conclude a thought. Sometimes he follows finally with a summary of his exhortation to the saints.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

And “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11).

Peter used it this way in 1 Peter 4:8: “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”

I thought about the times the Apostle used it to introduce an additional exhortation, or instruction to conclude a thought:

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.

I concentrated on these last three: be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might; rejoice in the Lord; and pray for us. I noticed that the last Finally exhortation of Paul comprehends the mission and message Jesus gave us: “That the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified.”

When I contemplate the fearful upheaval in the world today, I am both concerned and excited. I’m concerned because it sometimes appears the world is about to explode into open war. I am excited because so much of what is happening aligns with my prayers for the strongholds of Satanic oppression would be brought down, bringing freedom and liberty to billions who have lived under brutal regimes using force and violence to imprison them. But the final Finally is that this upheaval will finally result in the greatest open door for the gospel in the history of this world that God so loved, that He gave His only begotten Son to save.

In the valley, Jesus renewed His call, and I renewed my vow: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

At the table, my Shepherd anointed my head with His oil, filled my cup with His grace, and called goodness and mercy to attend as we went together into the harvest.

Praying for revival! 🙏

See you in church!