“Pleading Lovingly Encourages Agreeable Decisions!” (P.L.E.A.D)/”How do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy

Posted on Wed, Sept 04, 2013 at 11:59 a.m. (EST) & 09:29 p.m. (IST), AUG-SEPT 2013 Edition

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“Pleading Lovingly Encourages Agreeable Decisions! (P.L.E.A.D)”

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

SCRIPTURE:
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:2, NIV)

OBSERVATIONS:
I asked myself what does Paul want to see happen?
Paul wants Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.

I asked myself how does Paul go about that desire?
Paul makes two pleadings:

Pleading 1: I plead with Euodia to agree with Syntyche in the Lord!
Pleading 2: I plead with Syntyche to agree with Euodia in the Lord!

INTERPRETATIONS:
I asked myself the significance of Paul's pleadings?
It is interesting that Paul's pleading deals with ministry and Paul made his pleadings public regarding the dissension between Euodia and Syntyche. Paul does not want Euodia and Syntyche to live in dissension but agree with each other in the Lord.

INTERPRETATIONS:
I asked myself, why do you think Paul addressed them together and made his pleadings public?
Paul could have addressed them individually to resolve their differences but he writes the letter to the entire Philippians making a pleading to both of them. It is as if the Philippians are to hold them accountable or it is possible that Paul is indirectly stating to the Philippians that it is not good to have conflict in ministry such as Euodia and Syntyche were having. They just could not seem to agree in the Lord. I cannot help wonder if it was something that became serious because Paul makes a pleading for that to stop. Paul wants love, joy, and peace to rule instead of dissension.

IMPLICATIONS:
I asked myself what are the implications for my own life?
Especially, when it comes to ministry, I need to find common ground and agree with others in the Lord. I need to realize otherwise if the dissension continues, I hurt the body of Christ to the point that others can be involved to hold me accountable for my own good and the good of the ministry. This involvement can be public instead of private.

There have been numerous times that I have not been able to agree with others in ministry because I wanted my way, causing a lot of conflict. It came to the point that others had to be involved because I was not agreeing. In reality, I was a stubborn mule.

It is sad how Satan uses certain things in our lives to bring dissension with the aim to hurt the body of Christ. I don't want to be that cause. You don't want to be that cause too! Help us Jesus. Thank you Lord!

I ask you now dear friends, how do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?
Dear friend, if that pleading was based for the glory of the Lord, I encourage you to go and revisit that pleading that was made. From personal experience I can tell you that if you are involved in ministry, the worse thing that can happen is dissension. I know for I have been there. Imagine fighting in ministry which defeats the whole purpose of doing ministry for the glory of the Lord.

I think about how I hurt my friends Paul, Chloe, Oliver, and Tom in the past because I wanted to do things my own way instead of giving in. The whole point of ministry is to get the Gospel of Jesus Christ out in love. It defeated the purpose of me doing ministry when I let my personal conflict affect a compromise on my part. It would not have killed me to give in and agree to do Bible Study Leaders Training at Cedar Campus instead of being a stubborn mule and wanting to do EXEC Training only.

I have come a long way since but others had to plead with me and even then I did not give in. Sadly, I was creating dissension in ministry that it was best that the Lord removed me from that situation.

Sadly, few years ago, I repeated it again in ministry with a brother in the Lord. It hurt our relationship but more than that it hurt the ministry I was involved in until I stepped down voluntarily and sought the Lord in that time.

Pastor Hugo, Edwin, and Phillip had to plead with me to let go of my stubborn ways and submit. More than anything, it is God's Word that convicted me. I also seriously began studying 'Lord, change my Attitude before it's too late' after reading the 200+ page once already.

It helped me see through Scripture how important it is to replace a CRITICAL ATTITUDE with a LOVING ATTITUDE, COMPLAINING ATTITUDE with a THANKFUL ATTITUDE, COVETOUS ATTITUDE with a CONTENTMENT ATTITUDE, DOUBTFUL ATTITUDE with a TRUSTING ATTITUDE, and a REBELLIOUS ATTITUDE with a SUBMISSIVE ATTITUDE.

Majority of the time, I was at fault whether it was in the past or the recent present. I thank the Lord though for the restoration process my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has already begun in my life.

I am no different from Euodia and Syncthe because I have messed up badly and affected ministry but mostly the unity in the body of Christ. Lord forgive me!

Reading this verse made me think that it is not that uncommon for people to disagree even in ministry but that does not justify not agreeing with one another in the Lord. For that to happen I need to give in a little without expecting only the other person should give in.

I loved Pastor Hugo's sermon called 'Rebellion and Discipline' that I heard on mp3 yesterday at work. My favorite part was when Pastor Hugo wanted us to examine the way we live among others especially unbelievers. I loved how he shared about what Chuck Swindoll would tell his congregation members that you should hear to find out.

I also loved the time Pastor Hugo shared about two Christian woman who could not get along at all with each other. They would always find fault with each other even when they were at Bible study. It reminded me of Euodia and Syncte. No matter how many times the factory workers were invited to the Bible study, none of them would come because those two woman set a bad example of what it meant to be a Christian. They did not want to have any part in it until something dramatic happened. One woman went to the other woman and asked her for forgiveness for how she wronged her even though she felt wronged. In the process, both reconciled forgiving each other. Their act of forgiveness and the power of the Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit impacting their lives is what drew the factory workers to the Bible study. No amount of invitation could do that until they saw changed lives. This is such a powerful story for me because it illustrates the power of being united in ministry without dissension. Thank you Jesus.

In our own lives, we need to be aware of how we are living because people are watching us. Our actions, our silence, our talk, our emails, etc should point people to Christ and not away from Christ. I believe that is why Paul had to plead with Euodias and Syncte not to quarrel anymore but to be a light to those around them. We too need to be a light. Thank you Jesus!

I liked the way ‘in the Lord’ was included to emphasize that Euodias and Syntche cannot agree with each other unless they submit their own will to the Lord and surrender their own ways so the Lord can give them the ways that benefit the Gospel. Thank you so much Jesus.

I need to compromise in ministry in the Lord even if I don't always agree as long as what is being asked is not unbiblical. Help me Jesus. Otherwise, if I don't, I do hurt the body of Christ. That's why when Euodia and Syntche were having dissension, the Apostle Paul involved the Philippian church. But the key word is 'in the Lord' for me because that means a compromise will still not go against biblical principles.

For the Word of the Lord says, "It is better to obey God than man!"

I need to plead with Jesus everyday to help me have the attitude, Jesus wants me to have. God's Word in Philippians 2 is so much for me. But, it is also for all humanity.

I responded to the plead asking Jesus to change my ways and transform me by His grace so I don't live for myself doing my own things especially when it comes to ministry.

Friend, don’t be surprised when you have agreed with someone else for a long time and then boom everything starts to crumble. Don’t give up but try to find consensus.

Of course, if there are theological issues that are raised that are not for the glory of the Lord and are not in the Lord’s ways, then I see no problem with standing firm. It seems like Paul was addressing issues that both of them can agree upon in the Lord.

I do not know who you have disagreements with but I want you to know as we take our confusion and reasons for disagreeing to the Lord, He will help us. The Lord can help us in different ways through His Word, His Spirit, His Church, etc to find the solution. If you are having a disagreement with someone in ministry, hopefully a consensus can be reached to agree with one another so the ministry can move forward.

This hopefully is not wishful thinking but can happen in the Lord. In the Lord is emphasized because true unity cannot come apart from Christ and His finished work at Calvary for our redemption. Jesus bought us with His precious blood by paying the ultimate price of agonizing death for you and me. It is at the cross, we find our redemption because at the cross, Jesus justified us by His grace through faith. It is this same grace that will sanctify us daily in Christ.

We need to depend on Jesus daily realizing He is not only our Savior but our Lord. We need to give our complete allegiance to Him and Him alone so dissension can be nipped.

This principle does not have to just apply for ministry but other areas in our life too whether it is between parent-child, husband-wife, etc as long as the issue does not go against biblical principles. If an issue goes against biblical principles, then a lot of prayer is needed but still love should be shown without quarrelsome dissension.

May you depend on the Lord to guide you and lead you through the disagreements you may have with someone else so the light of Christ can shine.

“Pleading Lovingly Encourages Agreeable Decisions!” (P.L.E.A.D)/”How do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?"

PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, I read that Paul was pleading with both Euodia and Syntyche to agree with one another for your glory. You are the Lord and you have this verse in your Word for a reason. Help us Lord when we have disagreements, to come to the point of compromise with one another for your honor and glory whether it is in an area of ministry or another area as long as it is not in conflict with your Word. Help us to seek you for wisdom in knowing what to do. And Lord, help us to be unified as your children that the world may know that you are Lord. Forgive us Father God for many times we as your followers become the stumbling block for others because of our own quarrels and dissension among ourselves. We are sorry Lord. Please help us to live for you and serve you. Guide us and please lead us Lord. When you call us into ministry you call us to make a difference for your Kingdom so please help us to do that. I pray for each one Lord who has a disagreement with someone else that you would help them be willing to resolve it with that person/s. Help us to make time to do our part and leave the results in your hands. I thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

You are my all in all. You are my Prince of Peace, Rock, Savior, and Friend. You are my Holy Father guiding me through to live a life of righteousness, holy righteousness. Oh God, I need you more than ever. I need to feel your hands around me holding me tight. I need your love to surround me so that you can glow in my life. Help me please Jesus. I desire in your presence. Thank you for guiding me to live a life of righteousness. Oh God you love me more than ever. You hear my voice when I cry out to you. When I seek your face, you fill me up. You are my all in all. Thank you Jesus so much for your help no matter what I face, your grace is available and you take my case. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN! (Most of the prayer is from a vineyard song called “All in All”)

May the Lord Jesus guide you in His love leading you! Amen!

No matter what you feel in your heart, know that Jesus has come in and resides with you! You are not alone! To make your walk strong with the Lord, spend time in prayer talking to Him as you would to a friend. You don’t need special words to talk to the Lord. Spend time in His Word reading Psalms and turning them into prayer. Next allow God to heal you and speak to you through the Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark before moving on to other Books of the Bible! Slowly, let the Lord show you to which Scriptures He wants you to go to next. It is also important to be part of a body of believers to help you grow in the faith. Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation proclaiming Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord who brings us hope, healing, and help by His grace alone!

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

2013 DEVOTIONALS:

Philippians 4:1: "Where do you S.T.A.N.D on love in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, Sept 03, 13, 12:00 p.m.)

1 Thessalonians 1:3: "What does your L.A.B.O.R show in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 02, 13, 10:04 a.m.)

Philippians 3:18-19: "Why shed your T.E.A.R.S for others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 21, 13, 08:26 a.m.)

Philippians 3:15-17: "Who are what are you willing to P.A.T.T.E.R.N your life after?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 19, 13, 10:08 a.m.)

Philippians 3:12-14:"How can you deal with the P.A.S.T in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 15, 13, 04:21 a.m.)

Philippians 3:1-11: "Why for R.E.F.O.R.M.A.T.I.O.N you need the transaction of the cross?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 14, 13, 05:55 p.m.)

Philippians 2:25-30:"When will your H.O.M.E.C.O.M.I.N.G begin?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, Aug 13, 13, 10:39 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:20-24: "How can you Q.U.A.L.I.F.Y well in other people's lives?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, Aug 09, 13, 08:38 a.m.)

Philippians 2:17-19: "When do you live out your F.A.I.T.H in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Aug 08, 13, 03:19 a.m.)

Philippians 2:14-16: "What does your B.E.H.A.V.I.O.R do for others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 07, 13, 12:03 p.m.)

Philippians 2:13: "How do you W.O.R.K out your Salvation?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 05, 13, 01:33 p.m.)

Philippians 2:13: "What path have you taken for S.A.L.V.A.T.I.O.N in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 05, 13, 01:33 p.m.)

Philippians 2:12-13: "What is the point of O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Aug 03, 13, 01:28 p.m.)

Philippians 2:9-11: "How do you handle the N.A.M.E of Jesus in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, Aug 02, 13, 07:58 a.m.)

Philippians 2:8: "What can the C.R.O.S.S do for you in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Aug 01, 13, 08:03 a.m.)

Philippians 2:5-7:"How do you match Jesus' A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 31, 13, 10:50 a.m.)

Mark 10:6-9: "What does Jesus want for your M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, July 30, 13, 11:24 a.m.)

Philippians 2:3-4: "How do you respond to God's C.O.M.M.A.N.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 29, 13, 09:53 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:1-2: "What C.O.N.D.I.T.I.O.N are you in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, July 27, 13, 11:42 a.m.)

Philippians 1:29-30: "How do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, July 26, 13, 10:02 a.m.)

Philippians 1:27-28: "How do you C.O.N.D.U.C.T yourself in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 25, 13, 11:17 a.m.)

Philippians 1:22-26: "What are your C.H.O.I.C.E.S based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 24, 13, 09:50 a.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why D.I.E for Christ?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 22, 13, 3:33 p.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why L.I.V.E your life to be appreciated by others?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, July 19, 13, 10:20 a.m.)

Philippians 1:20: "Where do you need to have C.O.U.R.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 18, 13, 05:17 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "Who should you C.A.L.L often in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 17, 13, 09:41 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "What reason do you have to R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, July 16, 10:23 a.m.)

Philippians 1:15-18: "How are your M.O.T.I.V.E.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 15, 04:57 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12-14:"What have your C.H.A.I.N.S done to others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 11, 10:40 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12: How can you A.D.V.A.N.C.E the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 10, 11:46 a.m.)

Philippians 1:9-11: "What is your L.O.V.I.N.G response based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 07, 03:24 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7-8: "How can your A.F.F.E.C.T.I.O.N grow towards others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, June 27, 10:21 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7-8: "Why can you only be saved by G.R.A.C.E alone?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, June 26, 10:42 a.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "Where are you C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, June 25, 12:42 p.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "How can you attain a P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S.H.I.P in the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, June 24, 11:22 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-3: "How will others R.E.A.C.T towards God when they remember you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, June 22, 11:34 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "Why bother to let others T.R.A.I.N you when you are already a leader?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 21, 10:58 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "When do you B.L.E.S.S others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 20, 08:33 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "Who will you be a S.L.A.V.E to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 19, 1:26 p.m.)

Philippians 1:1: "Why should you believe you are H.O.L.Y instead of a sinner?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 17, 11:38 p.m.)

Psalm 46:1: "Where do you need R.E.F.U.G.E from?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 08:30 a.m.)

Proverbs 14:12: "Why seek God's R.I.G.H.T over our right?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 08:30 a.m.)

Psalm 42:5: "Why H.O.P.E and praise the Lord in your distress?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 01:36 p.m.)

Psalm 40:1-5: "Where do you need to be L.I.F.T.E.D up in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 01:34 p.m.)

Mark 9:28-29: "What can P.R.A.Y.E.R to Jesus do in your friends lives?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 11, 07:53 a.m.)

Mark 2:2-5: "What kind of F.R.I.E.N.D will you be thought of as?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 10, 07:03 a.m.)

Mark 3:14-15: "Why S.P.E.N.D time with Jesus daily?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 11:07 a.m.)

Psalm 34:4: "What can you do with your F.E.A.R.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 07, 2013, 8:43 a.m.)

Psalm 33:4: "What will you do with F.A.I.T.H in your classes?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 05, 2013, 9:31 a.m.)

Mark 1:43-44: "What does your disobedience C.A.U.S.E for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 03, 2013, 2:57 a.m.)

Mark 1:41-42: "What past do you need to be C.L.E.A.N from?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 31, 2013, 10:54 a.m)

Proverbs 29:25: "Where will you take a S.T.A.N.D without wavering?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 30, 2013, 07:43 a.m)

Matthew 18:21-22:"Why F.O.R.G.I.V.E when it will happen again?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 29 2013, 09:35 a.m)

Psalm 27:14:"How do you C.O.P.E with your hurt?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 27, 2013, 11:13 a.m)

John 12:24:"Who do you remember physically and spiritually on this M.E.M.O.R.I.A.L day?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 27, 2013, 11:13 a.m)

"What has the law P.E.R.M.I.T.T.E.D you to do but it goes against the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 09, 2013, 6:57 a.m)

"Who do you become an A.T.T.R.A.C.T.I.O.N to and why?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 08, 2013, 6:58 a.m)

"What has A.N.G.E.R done to your relationships?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 29, 13, 1:28 p.m.)

"How can the L.I.G.H.T impact your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 06, 13, 11:48 a.m.)

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