Read
Philippians 3-4
In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led (confession, thanksgiving, etc.)
In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led (confession, thanksgiving, etc.)
“I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances” (4:11). This statement offers us both a
challenge and an encouragement. We are challenged to strive for contentment
regardless of what life throws our way. The encouragement lies in the fact that
we are allowed to learn contentment. We are not expected to be perfect and
reach the fullness of maturity immediately. No, we are called to “press on
toward the goal” (3:14). God is the one who ultimately brings about change in
our lives, but in order for Him to work we must humble ourselves. Often this
comes in the form of taking a step of obedience. Only God can give us true joy,
but we can begin by choosing to rejoice even when we don’t feel it. Only God
can give us true gratitude, but we can begin by offering prayers of
thanksgiving. Only God can give us a pure and holy thought life, but we can
begin by rejecting unworthy thoughts in favour of ones that are honorable and
worthy of praise.
Prayer
and Meditation
1.
Meditate
on Philippians 3:7-9. Ask yourself, “Do I love Jesus enough to give up the best
things in my life for His sake?”
2.
Paul
encouraged Euodia and Syntyche to “Live in harmony in the Lord” (4:2). Is there
anyone with whom you’re living in disharmony? Ask God where you’ve wronged this
person and commit to apologizing where possible. Where this person has harmed
you commit to forgiving them.
3.
Pray
a prayer of blessing over the person you thought of in the previous question.
If you’re not sure what to pray, begin with praying the things for them that
you would want prayed for yourself.
