<![CDATA[JAMES JANZEN MINISTRIES - Blog]]>Sun, 10 May 2026 19:32:37 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Two More Examples]]>Mon, 11 May 2026 01:15:35 GMThttps://www.jamesjanzen.com/blog/two-more-examples
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Here are two more examples from Paul’s letter of seeing the good in the bad.

We have already mentioned that Paul’s imprisonment opened the door to the Imperial Guard of Rome. 

Secondly, Paul saw the positive outcome his death would bring. Christ would be honored in his death.

I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that … Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:18-20)

This describes true joy. 

A joy much greater than happiness.

Paul's joy gave him a desire to press onward and gave purpose to his suffering. Paul encouraged his friends in Philippi to adopt a similar attitude so that the ”peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, would guard their hearts and their minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

]]><![CDATA[Finding the good in the bad]]>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:45:25 GMThttps://www.jamesjanzen.com/blog/finding-the-good-in-the-bad
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Paul found joy because he knew that as God works in us, He gives us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. (Philippians 2:13)  God is always at work, and the Holy Spirit revealed the good in the bad to him. 

When insincere preachers began preaching the gospel out of selfish ambition in a manner that hurt Paul, he saw the blessing that Christ was being preached, even though these preachers had evil motives.

The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Philippians 1:17-18

The choice to think about worthwhile things helped him endure the sufferings of prison and his mistreatment at the hands of these preachers. Ask God to show you the good in the bad. 

]]><![CDATA[More practical advice for finding joy]]>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:11:47 GMThttps://www.jamesjanzen.com/blog/more-practical-advice-for-finding-joy
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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Paul's final advice for finding joy is a list of things to think about: anything excellent or worthy of praise. He knows that all battles are ultimately fought and won in the mind. Do our thoughts dwell on our fears, unhappiness, losses, and irritations?  Or do we think about the things on Paul's list?

Paul did not ignore the troubles of his life, which, as we have mentioned, were many and big. He felt them deeply.  But even while grappling with painful and discouraging things, he consciously chose to focus on what is truly good. He focused on the things listed in today's verse.  He had faith in God's provision. He did not forget the many blessings God showers on us in the present world. He believed in a full redemption and future rewards from God. 
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Focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy protected his heart and mind from despair. It can also protect your heart and mind from despair.
]]><![CDATA[March 29th, 2026]]>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:02:46 GMThttps://www.jamesjanzen.com/blog/march-29th-2026
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 

Paul’s admonition to pray comes with one condition—giving thanks. 
I continue to be amazed at how often Paul admonishes his readers to be thankful.  For instance, he mentions this three times in four verses in Colossians.
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And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:14-17

We also see this throughout the psalms, where giving thanks results in hope and faith. Giving thanks changes our perspective from worry to worship.
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]]><![CDATA[More Reasons Not to Fear]]>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:21:34 GMThttps://www.jamesjanzen.com/blog/more-reasons-not-to-fear
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Here are two more scripture passages where Jesus speaks about not being fearful.
Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31).

Jesus took the initiative and came to his disciples during their tormenting trial at sea (Mark 6:48).  The disciples saw Jesus approaching, but did not recognize him at first.  They thought he was a ghost, and they were frightened (Mark 6:49-50).  Jesus said to them, and he says to us in our trial, "Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50). 
These verses, and those in the previous insight, remind us that we need not fear because of who Christ is and what he has done and continues to do for us.  
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