Victor L. Stanley Sr. pdf Betwixt Two: A devotional journey through Philippians

Have you ever come to a place in your life where you’ve felt torn between two decisions? Have you ever come to a point when you desire to do one thing but the decision not to do it would be better for those you love, those who love you, and those who need you? I think that, often, what drives these feelings are the circumstances surrounding our day, our week, that moment, that event that becomes a significant notch on the time-line of our lives. It can be driven by feelings of anguish or euphoria. It can be driven by hopelessness or even happiness. To use the vernacular of the King James Bible, I refer to these indecisive moments as being in a, “Straight Betwixt Two.” However, I did not coin the phrase. The Apostle Paul did. "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:23 KJV)It must be stated at the outset that, what you are about to read is not a commentary, but it is. It is also not a devotional, however, it is. What I am trying to say is, this work is not fully “either/or.” In actuality, it is partially a commentary (in this case on Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi). It is also a devotional, sprinkled with biographical recounting of the lives of people whose faith has been challenged by unexpected events. This will become apparent within the pages. I refer to this work as a “commotional.” In other words, it is part commentary and part devotional. It is designed to cause a spiritual commotion within your faith walk. This is to say, it is meant ot cause a holy turmoil, that is meant to challenge and strengthen your walk with the Lord.This book is for those who have endured the pressure-cooker of life. It is for those who have experienced traumas and tragedies, and the losses of people and things we love. This work is intent upon encouraging you to stay the course and to keep the faith. May it leave you blessed and emboldened.