Philippians 4 - Day 562 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9 Observation: Paul instructs the Philippians to think about things that are productive. Application: “G.I.G.O. - garbage in, garbage out.” If we spend all of our waking moments stewing about how others have taken advantage of us and lied to us or stolen from us, then we’ll probably become bitter and resent them for their actions. However, if we choose to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, admirable and lovely, we’d probably have a much better day. I’m not saying to discount bad behavior or eliminate healthy boundaries. I’m just saying that Paul’s instructions would produce a happier heart, mind and soul. Prayer: Lord, forgive me my debts as I forgive the debts of others. Philippians 3 - Day 561 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Philippians 3:15-21 Observation: Paul explains that God reveals His truth to individuals seeking maturity, which can be accomplished by following the example of someone whom you admire, or would like to emulate. Application: They say that practice makes perfect. “They" are wrong. Perfect practice makes perfect. Practicing something incorrectly will only compound your errors and deficiencies. Luckily, Jesus doesn’t ask us to be perfect, just holy. In order to be more like Jesus, we just need to follow his example. If you’re unfamiliar with who Jesus is or what He’s done or how He lived, then follow the example of someone who reminds you of Jesus. I’m pretty sure that person will not have their “mind set on earthly things…" Prayer: Lord, thank You for being patient with me. Please fill me Holy Spirit and guide my thoughts, will and desires. Philippians 2 - Day 560 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Phillippians 2:1-11 Observation: Paul instructs the Philippians to follow Christ's example of love and humility. Application: In our "look at me, you da bomb, who's the man..." world of today, it's refreshing to know that God is not looking for a person who clamors for attention, but for someone who will humbly follow Jesus. Prayer: Lord, please help me to let go of my need for... Philippians 1 - Day 559 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26 Summary: The Epistle to the Philippians, one of Paul’s prison epistles, was written in Rome. It was at Philippi, which the apostle visited on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:12), that Lydia and the Philippian jailer and his family were converted to Christ. Now, some few years later, the church was well established, as may be inferred from its address which includes “bishops (elders) and deacons” (Philippians 1:1). The occasion of the epistle was to acknowledge a gift of money from the church at Philippi, brought to the apostle by Epaphroditus, one of its members (Philippians 4:10-18). This is a tender letter to a group of Christians who were especially close to the heart of Paul (2 Corinthians 8:1-6), and comparatively little is said about doctrinal error. Philippians can be called “Resources Through Suffering.” The book is about Christ in our life, Christ in our mind, Christ as our goal, Christ as our strength, and joy through suffering. It was written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, about thirty years after Christ’s ascension and about ten years after Paul first preached at Philippi. Application: Paul explains, "To live is Christ and to die is gain." Wow. I am not there yet, but I want to be. Prayer: Lord, have Your way in me... Ephesians 6 - Day 558 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-12 Observation: Paul concludes his letter to the church in Ephesus by reminding them that they are soldiers, who are in a war with an invisible enemy. Application: Paul’s observation still applies to us today. Therefore, gird yourself with the God’s spiritual armor (verses 13-18) and stand firm for the battle is raging all around us. Prayer: Lord, thank You for equipping us for the war we are in. Please help us remember that You have already won the war and our enemy is desperately doing what they can to convince us otherwise. Be with us, protect us and fulfill Your will in and through us. |
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January 2024
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