What skill would you like to learn?
I have always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. I have tried a few times, but I have never really committed any time to the practice.
I have always thought it would be handy for small group worship if I could play the acoustic guitar. Many years ago I learned to play the drums, but that would not really work for small group worship!
Maybe when I retire I can have that as a goal? That sounds like a good goal.
Today for my devotions I looked back over the things I had been reminded about from Philippians. There was a few things that were quickened to me again.
Paul wanted the Philippians to grow in Christ – In verse 1:9 Paul says, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding”.
Paul’s life was all about Christ – In 1:21 explains Paul’s heart. “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better”.
We need to live as citizens of heaven – 1:27 says, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.
We need to have the humble attitude of Christ – 2:7 says, “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being”.
Knowing Christ is everything – 3:8 says “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ”.
We need to press on in Christ and His will – In verses 3:12 Paul says, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
We need to focus on what is good – In 4:8 it says, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”
These are seven reminders I got from this reading and reflection of Philippians. There is a lot more than this in the Book, but these are the ones that spoke to me this time around.
Several days ago I shared a video from GotQuestions.org about believers going to heaven when they die. Here is the video answer to “Do unbelievers go straight to hell when they die?”
As usual from GotQuestions.org it is well explained and full of Scripture to back it up.
In today’s reading Paul thanks the Philippians for the financial gifts and support. It is found in Philippians 4:10-20.
As I read this passage two main ideas jumped out at me…
The importance of supporting church planters
Verse 10 starts with, “How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me”.
Paul thanked them for their support in the past and said they were the only ones who supported him on his work through Macedonia. In verse 18 he says there gifts were a sweat smelling offering to The Lord.
This reminds me of the importance of supporting people who travel and plant churches. As history tells us, church planting is the best way to reach people for Christ and make disciples.
Paul knew what is is to be content
Philippians 4:13 says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”.
This is a verse we often quote when we are nervous or trying someone new. Paul used it in the context of trials, suffering, and hunger. He knew what it was to be content in the good times or the bad.
Paul said in verse 11, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have”. Paul knew Christ was enough. If he had lots, it was enough. If he had nothing, that was enough too.
As I am coming to an end of my devotions in Philippians these two thoughts will stay with me. It is important to support those who reach others for Christ and that if we have lots or nothing, if we have Christ we have all we need.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Many years ago an older Pastor gave me some advice about marriage. He said, “The world thinks marriage is about give and take, but marriage is really about give and give”.
He went on to say that giving and serving your partner is the best way to have a long and happy marriage. I was a new Christian and had not met my wife yet, but the advice always stayed with me.
I can honestly say as a Christian man, this is the best advice I have ever received.
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