August 17-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:1, Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Observe what it is saying.
Paul returns to some of his earlier themes in this letter by speaking of his deep affection for these dear Christians. They are his brothers and sisters in the faith. He loves them. He longs to be with them again. They bring him joy. They are the crowning success of his missionary work. Paul said earlier, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,” (1:3-5) He also wrote, “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” (1:7) Paul cannot tell these believers enough how much he loves them and what tremendous joy they bring him. As Paul models for us, it would be good practice to do the same in our marriages, families, among our friends, and church family. He, then, encourages them to stand firm in what he has just written. This wording recalls military imagery that he has used to fortify his friends’ resolve when they face daunting opponents. They need both courage and unity of heart so their minds will not be set on earthly things but recognize that their citizenship is in heaven where they eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. They are to live with the mind of Christ where they generously offer themselves in service for the sake of the gospel.
Relate it to your life.
When I love someone, I will encourage them to stay strong in their walk with Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the people you have placed in my life who share in the gospel with me. Amen.
August 18-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:2-3, I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Observe what it is saying.
Euodia and Syntyche are instructed to bring their attitudes into harmony. They had once worked side by side with Paul, so they should be able to do so again. They may have been among the original group of converts at Philippi, for women were Paul's first audience there. We have no idea what they were disputing about, but it appears it is bringing division into the church. To be of the same mind in the Lord was spoken by Paul in chapter 2 when he tells Christians they should be like-minded in the Lord. Even when we have disagreements with one another, our unity comes when we are truly focused on Jesus. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be united so that they could present a strong testimony to the world. A divided Body of Christ has a weak witness. This was such an important issue that Paul enlisted the aid of “Syzgus,” in the original language, which literally means "yokefellow." Some believe this was actually the name of a person whom Paul challenges to live up to his name and help bring these women together. These women had served with Clement and others. Even though not all are named here, Paul says their service has not been forgotten an d their names are recorded in the Book of Life, the heavenly register of those who are redeemed. They are recorded where it matters most!
Relate it to your life.
I must help preserve unity in the Body so that our witness can be a strong testimony to the world.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I pray that You will use me to help protect and preserve unity in Your church. Amen.
August 19-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Observe what it is saying.
Paul wrote these words while sitting in a dark dungy prison. He was jailed for his faithfulness to Jesus. He had done nothing wrong. He was not in a naturally bright sunshiny place where it would be easy to smile and laugh, but his joy came from a much deeper place. Earlier in this letter, Paul said, “But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.” (Philippians 2:17-18) Paul chose joy as he contemplated the possibility of not being released from jail but dying for his faith. He may not have known what was going to happen in the next few months, but he knew where he was going to spend eternity. He maintained such joy because his faith remained securely located in the Lord in spite of his circumstances. Another remarkable incident where this was put into play was when Paul and Silas were in prison after a mob had quickly formed against them. The city officials ordered them stripped and beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape, so, he put them in the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Those are some pretty dark and desperate circumstances, but around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God while the other prisoners listened in. Paul was not writing theory but wrote from experience that we may not rejoice in our circumstances but we can rejoice in the Lord who offers His gracious love and empowering strength in the tough times of life.
Relate it to your life.
The spiritual fruit of joy is not dependent upon my circumstances but my relationship with the Lord.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I choose to joy in You at all times even when I am not happy with my circumstances. Amen.
August 20-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:5, Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Observe what it is saying.
In a divided world filled with harsh words, Christians will stand out differently. If we have been redeemed and filled with the Holy Spirit of Jesus, then we will increasingly respond in a gentle way to each other. Even though Christians may endure hostility and even violence from unbelievers, our response must be different. We must respond in kindness and not retaliate. Paul makes it clear that our gentleness is not to be reserved for a particular relationship or group of people. We are to treat our spouses, our parents, our kids, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbors, and those who are most challenging with the gentle spirit of Jesus. We do so because the Lord is near. This is understood in two ways. First, Christ’s Spirit is present now, indwelling believers and pursuing His sanctifying work within us. The Lord is with us right here, right now. So, let Him speak and act through you. Second, though we do not know the timing of Christ’s second coming, we have the Lord’s promise that He will come again. We should always live with the thought that His coming is near. If He were to come today, how would He find us treating one another? This is a short verse that is easily memorized that can be repeated each day, throughout the day, reminding us how to relate to one another.
Relate it to your life.
Is my gentleness evident to all, many, or few people?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, please live through me. Let Your gentle Spirit be my gentle spirit. Let Your gentle word be my gentle word. Let Your gentle actions be my gentle actions. Amen.
August 21-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul had reason to be anxious. He was in prison awaiting trial. Paul’s life was filled with anxious moments where his life nearly ended on numerous occasions. He does not write these words from a worry-free place but from the reality of living through some of the most anxiety-producing events that any one person has ever experienced on this planet. Because anxiety is such a common experience among mankind, this has become one of the most shared and quoted verses in the Bible. Whenever we preach on this verse or another verse that addresses worry, we get tremendous response because it touches a nerve that we all have. We cannot help but have anxious thoughts. However, what we do with them is what Paul is addressing. When such worry emerges, do we continue to ruminate on it allowing it to grow larger and larger? Paul says there is a better way. Train yourself to bring each worry to Him. Pray about each one. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom, strength, and peace. Surrender yourself to Him in faith and let Him take care of each situation. Paul adds that we should do so with thanksgiving. As an act of faith, give thanks to God for hearing and answering your prayer even before the answer comes. It not only speaks faith to God but also builds resiliency within us.
Relate it to your life.
Will I let anxious thoughts trigger me to take it to the Lord in prayer?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I bring to You this anxiety _______________. Give me wisdom, strength, and peace as I deal with it. I surrender myself in faith to You and thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen.
August 22-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul speaks of the promise to the prayer that we offer in faith and thanksgiving when anxious thoughts come flooding in. The very peace of God supernaturally enters into our lives. It is not a worldly peace that comes and goes with the favorable or unfavorable events of our lives. The peace of God surpasses our ability to comprehend how it can it be so. It makes no earthly sense. It is not explainable except by the very presence of the Lord residing in us. Paul gives us a wonderful picture that this peace is not passive but stands guard over our hearts and minds. Whenever those anxious thoughts begin to rise up again, the peace is powerfully present to dismantle the worry and continue to keep us calm. The key is that we are guarded in Christ Jesus. We must stay in Jesus. We must keep ourselves thinking, praying, and worshiping in the name of Jesus. The remarkable thing is that we are promised the peace of God before the anxiety-producing event is resolved. The one who often told His disciples, “Do not be afraid,” speaks those same reassuring words into our lives today. He alone can speak such words of peace because all authority in heaven and earth was given to Him. (Matthew 28:17) He alone has the power to save and deliver and offer us supernatural peace.
Relate it to your life.
Experiencing the peace of God is a miracle performed by Jesus within us.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible gift of peace that only You can give. Help me to keep my attention and my worship focused on You rather than the many circumstances of life. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:1, Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Observe what it is saying.
Paul returns to some of his earlier themes in this letter by speaking of his deep affection for these dear Christians. They are his brothers and sisters in the faith. He loves them. He longs to be with them again. They bring him joy. They are the crowning success of his missionary work. Paul said earlier, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,” (1:3-5) He also wrote, “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” (1:7) Paul cannot tell these believers enough how much he loves them and what tremendous joy they bring him. As Paul models for us, it would be good practice to do the same in our marriages, families, among our friends, and church family. He, then, encourages them to stand firm in what he has just written. This wording recalls military imagery that he has used to fortify his friends’ resolve when they face daunting opponents. They need both courage and unity of heart so their minds will not be set on earthly things but recognize that their citizenship is in heaven where they eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. They are to live with the mind of Christ where they generously offer themselves in service for the sake of the gospel.
Relate it to your life.
When I love someone, I will encourage them to stay strong in their walk with Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the people you have placed in my life who share in the gospel with me. Amen.
August 18-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:2-3, I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Observe what it is saying.
Euodia and Syntyche are instructed to bring their attitudes into harmony. They had once worked side by side with Paul, so they should be able to do so again. They may have been among the original group of converts at Philippi, for women were Paul's first audience there. We have no idea what they were disputing about, but it appears it is bringing division into the church. To be of the same mind in the Lord was spoken by Paul in chapter 2 when he tells Christians they should be like-minded in the Lord. Even when we have disagreements with one another, our unity comes when we are truly focused on Jesus. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be united so that they could present a strong testimony to the world. A divided Body of Christ has a weak witness. This was such an important issue that Paul enlisted the aid of “Syzgus,” in the original language, which literally means "yokefellow." Some believe this was actually the name of a person whom Paul challenges to live up to his name and help bring these women together. These women had served with Clement and others. Even though not all are named here, Paul says their service has not been forgotten an d their names are recorded in the Book of Life, the heavenly register of those who are redeemed. They are recorded where it matters most!
Relate it to your life.
I must help preserve unity in the Body so that our witness can be a strong testimony to the world.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I pray that You will use me to help protect and preserve unity in Your church. Amen.
August 19-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Observe what it is saying.
Paul wrote these words while sitting in a dark dungy prison. He was jailed for his faithfulness to Jesus. He had done nothing wrong. He was not in a naturally bright sunshiny place where it would be easy to smile and laugh, but his joy came from a much deeper place. Earlier in this letter, Paul said, “But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.” (Philippians 2:17-18) Paul chose joy as he contemplated the possibility of not being released from jail but dying for his faith. He may not have known what was going to happen in the next few months, but he knew where he was going to spend eternity. He maintained such joy because his faith remained securely located in the Lord in spite of his circumstances. Another remarkable incident where this was put into play was when Paul and Silas were in prison after a mob had quickly formed against them. The city officials ordered them stripped and beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape, so, he put them in the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Those are some pretty dark and desperate circumstances, but around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God while the other prisoners listened in. Paul was not writing theory but wrote from experience that we may not rejoice in our circumstances but we can rejoice in the Lord who offers His gracious love and empowering strength in the tough times of life.
Relate it to your life.
The spiritual fruit of joy is not dependent upon my circumstances but my relationship with the Lord.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I choose to joy in You at all times even when I am not happy with my circumstances. Amen.
August 20-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:5, Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Observe what it is saying.
In a divided world filled with harsh words, Christians will stand out differently. If we have been redeemed and filled with the Holy Spirit of Jesus, then we will increasingly respond in a gentle way to each other. Even though Christians may endure hostility and even violence from unbelievers, our response must be different. We must respond in kindness and not retaliate. Paul makes it clear that our gentleness is not to be reserved for a particular relationship or group of people. We are to treat our spouses, our parents, our kids, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbors, and those who are most challenging with the gentle spirit of Jesus. We do so because the Lord is near. This is understood in two ways. First, Christ’s Spirit is present now, indwelling believers and pursuing His sanctifying work within us. The Lord is with us right here, right now. So, let Him speak and act through you. Second, though we do not know the timing of Christ’s second coming, we have the Lord’s promise that He will come again. We should always live with the thought that His coming is near. If He were to come today, how would He find us treating one another? This is a short verse that is easily memorized that can be repeated each day, throughout the day, reminding us how to relate to one another.
Relate it to your life.
Is my gentleness evident to all, many, or few people?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, please live through me. Let Your gentle Spirit be my gentle spirit. Let Your gentle word be my gentle word. Let Your gentle actions be my gentle actions. Amen.
August 21-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul had reason to be anxious. He was in prison awaiting trial. Paul’s life was filled with anxious moments where his life nearly ended on numerous occasions. He does not write these words from a worry-free place but from the reality of living through some of the most anxiety-producing events that any one person has ever experienced on this planet. Because anxiety is such a common experience among mankind, this has become one of the most shared and quoted verses in the Bible. Whenever we preach on this verse or another verse that addresses worry, we get tremendous response because it touches a nerve that we all have. We cannot help but have anxious thoughts. However, what we do with them is what Paul is addressing. When such worry emerges, do we continue to ruminate on it allowing it to grow larger and larger? Paul says there is a better way. Train yourself to bring each worry to Him. Pray about each one. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom, strength, and peace. Surrender yourself to Him in faith and let Him take care of each situation. Paul adds that we should do so with thanksgiving. As an act of faith, give thanks to God for hearing and answering your prayer even before the answer comes. It not only speaks faith to God but also builds resiliency within us.
Relate it to your life.
Will I let anxious thoughts trigger me to take it to the Lord in prayer?
Do something.
Lord Jesus, I bring to You this anxiety _______________. Give me wisdom, strength, and peace as I deal with it. I surrender myself in faith to You and thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen.
August 22-Philippians-The Journey of Joy
Write out the Scripture.
Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Observe what it is saying.
Paul speaks of the promise to the prayer that we offer in faith and thanksgiving when anxious thoughts come flooding in. The very peace of God supernaturally enters into our lives. It is not a worldly peace that comes and goes with the favorable or unfavorable events of our lives. The peace of God surpasses our ability to comprehend how it can it be so. It makes no earthly sense. It is not explainable except by the very presence of the Lord residing in us. Paul gives us a wonderful picture that this peace is not passive but stands guard over our hearts and minds. Whenever those anxious thoughts begin to rise up again, the peace is powerfully present to dismantle the worry and continue to keep us calm. The key is that we are guarded in Christ Jesus. We must stay in Jesus. We must keep ourselves thinking, praying, and worshiping in the name of Jesus. The remarkable thing is that we are promised the peace of God before the anxiety-producing event is resolved. The one who often told His disciples, “Do not be afraid,” speaks those same reassuring words into our lives today. He alone can speak such words of peace because all authority in heaven and earth was given to Him. (Matthew 28:17) He alone has the power to save and deliver and offer us supernatural peace.
Relate it to your life.
Experiencing the peace of God is a miracle performed by Jesus within us.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible gift of peace that only You can give. Help me to keep my attention and my worship focused on You rather than the many circumstances of life. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals