October 2, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Leviticus and Philippians? Here’s today’s reading:
Philippians 4 (NIV)
Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity
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!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.……Continue Reading
Philippians 4
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:6-9 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.8-9.NIV
Anxiety is a real problem in today’s world and society. Satan wants us to be anxious and disrupted, and more importantly, distracted from the things of God and our walk with Him. The Bible has the answers and the tools we need to combat this and all attacks against us. “But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. We receive peace and comfort in our communion with the Lord by daily prayer and conversation with our Maker. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” By surrounding ourselves and immersing our thoughts in the things of God and goodness we will receive the comfort and peace that we need to be strong in our faith and our daily lives. These verses are some of my favorites. I have struggled with anxiety for most of my life. I am constantly reminded of the importance of relying on the truths found in the Word on a daily basis. I now know and understand that my anxiety levels are always based on the strength of my daily walk with the Lord.
Thanks for sharing Sean…I hope you join us here in our Bible reading!
Philippians 3 and 4
Philippians 4
Philippians 4
Good comments Sean. Like Pastor said. Please join us in our daily reading as we continue to grow in the Lord. The more of us sharing the better. I always enjoy the comments of others on this sight.
Paul is encouraging the believers to walk in unity together. To be of likemindedness with each other. Here he is encouraging two of the women {Euodias & Syntyche} to have the mind of Christ with each other and with others for they have labored with Paul in the gospel. We don`t know what their disagreement was over but we are reminded in our own lives that we have been guilty of not always agreeing and perhaps complaining about something that isn`t even important in the whole picture. Satan or just our fleshly nature is so prone to this worldly attitude. That is why we are encouraged to feed the new nature in Christ and not the old nature. There are awesome scriptures in this chapter which I won`t repeat for others have done that. But God is amazing and wants us all to have a real close relationship with Him. He will give us what we need; when we ask for it according to His will. vs 13, 19. Did anyone notice what Paul said in verse 23? While Paul was in Rome; he makes reference to the household of Cesar. Apparently people became believers in Cesar`s household. Paul while in prison continued to have a strong influence on all the people he was around and even spread throughout from one to another. All because he and the others with him continued to speak for Christ. There was even some singing happening. Brethen don`t be afraid to speak for Christ for He will give you what you need. May the Lord bless each one of you.
How sad when believers cannot get along and find harmony through the word and the Spirit. To think that these women who worked with Paul would be at odds is indicative of how easily human relationships can deteriorate and we must consistently pursue the likemindedness that comes from the Word and the Spirit. It also helps to focus on the things of God and find the joy that is in Him that causes other concerns to be less. Focusing on what Paul encourages in verses 6-8 is essential in settling our minds and allowing us to be what we need to be for others. And how important it is to not let anxiety rule in our lives. As we grow in our knowledge and trust in God, in His power and His love, we will find the defense against worry. As one person said, “We can’t change the past, but we can change a perfectly good present by worrying about the future”. God has got us and He has got our circumstances. May we all rest in that and just make the good choices set in front of us. Because there is great contentment in the will of God. Our focus and dependence should not be in possessions or circumstances, but in God. And so if what we have is what He makes possible, then we can be content with that and not compare ourselves to others. And yet how nice it is too when people come alongside us and help us. And although I would compare myself to Paul, I would also express my gratitude to all who have given to Living Hope in the way that God would want that has allowed me to say the same as Paul, for me and my family.
Philippians 4
4 ¶ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Does anyone here memorize scripture? I find that If I read a verse daily and repeat it through the day, I find that it begins to come easily to mind without having to work at memorizing. It’s not like cramming for a test.
Lots of good memory verses in this chapter:
”Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.“
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
”Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.“
Philippians 4:8 NKJV
”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.“
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Interesting this verse is about being content in any circumstance.
”And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.“
Philippians 4:19 NKJV
Philippians 4 11-I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.!
Being content in this day and age is such a struggle for people, but if they knew the Lord and found that peace that transcends all understanding, Paul is telling us to be not anxious for anything and in everything pray, bring it before the Lord,, and learn how to rejoice in the Lord. Not always easy when our circumstances seem so big, but if we give it to God he will fill us with his peace!
Even in the midst of difficulty ,we can always find things to be grateful for. The Lord is near to us, he is a very present help in trouble. If we trust in Him, believe his Word, and praise Him in difficult circumstances, it lifts our spirits and gets us through the storms of life with peace and the assurance that the Lord is with us.