Keep Going!
Opening Prayer
Lord, let me hear Your voice of encouragement and fill me with boldness in You.
Read PHILIPPIANS 4:1-9
[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. [3] 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. [4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] 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. [9] 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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Where do you fix your thoughts?The relationship Paul has with the Christians in Philippi is warm and tender. He cares for them and for their relationship with the Lord, and he says some hard things, particularly when unity in the church is threatened (2:2; 4:2).Euodia and Syntyche must have been embarrassed when they heard their names read from this letter. I wonder if they did as Paul asked. Is there someone you need to settle a disagreement with? Will you do it today? It can be easy to skip over verses 4-7 with their short exhortations and promises. Take time to read them slowly, asking God to highlight for you the most pertinent for you today. Our minds are very powerful. What we fill them with really matters. Our thoughts determine our actions. In a letter full of joy and with an emphasis on the church being united in Christ in order to show him to the world, verse 8 is crucial. When we get rid of negative thoughts we are helped to break the cycle of sin in our lives. Relationship conflict deepens when we think ill of the other person. We are robbed of God’s peace and joy when our minds are full of muck.
Apply
Put verse eight into action. Use a journal to record these kind of things, and thank God for them.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, help me follow the example of those who truly reflect You. Help me to be such a person.
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