From: September 29, 2015
Writing while imprisoned in Rome, Paul expressed his readiness to die and be with Christ, while recognizing the need to remain for the sake of sharing the gospel. In chains or not, living or dying, the apostle wanted the believers at Philippi to know that he trusted Christ in all things and wanted Him to be glorified in all ways. The indomitable joy of Christ was his. He may have been in chains, but the gospel was unchained and so was his soul. Paul was not suicidal. He did not have a death wish. He was merely expressing the reality for one whose old life had already died with Christ and whose new life was risen with Christ. What could the Romans do to Paul? They could kill his body. But they couldn’t touch his soul. His life was already hidden in Christ.
From: September 29, 2014
Paul prayed that the Philippians would understand what “really matters.” He prayed that their priorities would focus on becoming more and more like Jesus until the Day of completion when Christ returns. What are you focused on today? Will today’s concerns matter tomorrow? Lord, help us to focus on what “really matters” today.
From: September 29, 2013
Paul told the Christians at Philippi that it was their “partnership in the gospel” that filled his prayers for them with thankfulness, joy and confidence. This seems a good definition for the church– a partnership (fellowship, communion, kononia) of persons who have heard, believed, been saved by and live to proclaim the gospel (good news about Jesus). Today’s church doesn’t need more church members. It needs more gospel partners! Are you a partner of the gospel?
From: September 29, 2012
The Apostle Paul encouraged the believers at Philippi with this word about God’s continuing work in our salvation. The work of God in us not only has justified us, it is sanctifying us and will one day bring us to glory with Christ. We lean on Christ not only for our salvation, but for our following and working. We depend on Him for all.
From: September 29, 2011
What will the 4th quarter of your life look like? Will you be more like Jesus? Will young people be attracted to you? Will you go out like a consuming spiritual flame or with a complaining whimper?