Wednesday, July 17, 2013

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“EVEN MORE JOY”

Suggested Reading: Philippians 3

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

A majestic arch marked the main entrance to the Amphitheatre in ancient Philippi. The city was established by Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC and abandoned in the 14th century.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Philippians 3:10

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death…”

Paul (formerly known as Saul – read Acts 9:1-22) is a prisoner in Rome. What a man! He writes this letter in which he uses the words “Joy,” “Rejoice,” “Rejoicing,” “Glad,” “Gladness,” etc. 11 times. We should feel more joyful already. Paul’s incarceration did not inhibit his vision for his future! He states his goals: (1) “That I may gain Christ.” (2) “That I may know Him.” (3) “That I may know the power of His resurrection.” (4) “That I may know the fellowship of His sufferings.” (5) “That I may be conformed to His death.” (6) “That I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (7) “I press on!” (8) “I forget those things that are behind.” (9) I reach “forward to those things which are ahead.” (10) “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!!!” Anyone who is forward-looking, like Paul, will experience “JOY” also.

Paul’s warnings at the beginning of today’s reading come from his own background. He had been the chief legalist, and he had boasted for years of his standing in the Jewish denomination known as the Pharisees. Now he quickly makes it clear that none of these religious accomplishments are worth anything, in his opinion, in comparison to his relationship with Jesus! Let us be constantly conscious of the fact that we who believe IN Jesus (not just about Him) are not into a religion (outward observances) but are in a personal relationship with Him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You are closer to me than the breath of my lungs. You are my Friend, my constant Companion, closer than anyone else could ever be. I pray all those goals listed above by one of my fellow believers in You, Paul. “This one thing I do!” Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I think that over the years I’ve received hundreds of letters, phone calls, e-mails, and personal encounters where someone is suffering from depression. Of course, I always suggest professional help for severe cases, but without exception I have said something like this, “If I were your physician and gave you a prescription, would you have it filled, and would you faithfully take it?” “Yes,” they would answer. “Well, here it is” I would write or say. “It will take you 5 minutes each day. Read the book of Philippians once every day for 30 days. This letter of Joy will rearrange your thinking and you will begin to rejoice.” For those who have taken my prescription, no one has ever told me that it failed to do the job!

Yours for giving this reading a fair shot at bringing new “JOY” into our lives,

David

P.S. If you missed the first two blogs from Philippians, I strongly encourage you to go back to the two previous days and partake of this four-course spiritual meal. Tomorrow will be the dessert!

This was the marketplace of ancient Philippi.

Even those who don't speak Greek can likely decipher the words on the second line of this inscription found among the ruins of Philippi..."Province of Macedonia" and "Philippi."

 

40 thoughts on “Wednesday, July 17, 2013”

  1. The book of Philippians–the divine recipe for joy! Amen!

    There is joy in my heart–Christ Jesus!
    He fortifies me, and loves me, all the way.
    There is strength in my bones–Christ Jesus!
    He leadeth me, and guides me, through each day.
    There is peace in my soul–Christ Jesus!
    He calms me, and lifts me, through prayer.
    There is nothing in life but–Christ Jesus!
    He is my everything, He is everywhere.

    Beverlee Kay, c. 2013

    Blessings to all fellow saints! Thank you each and every one for your beautiful presence on our blog. Prayers to everyone who is in need to be uplifted in his or her each unique way, that God, indeed knows.

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  2. Paul’s walk with the Lord is so intimate and so intent that his joy is overflowing!

    I was totally amazed at his accuracy of spiritual awareness, it’s like reading a personal letter to us in our generation. It’s almost like he knew of the events and happenings of the 21st Century and he’s warning Christians of staying close to Jesus and avoid the pitfalls. Of course he’s speaking to our generation, but he speaks to all people of every generation, for he speaks of the root cause of our downfall … sin. Paul knew his Saviour and he knew that each and every one of us needed to have this encounter with this Saviour for victory in life; for without Jesus there is only death and separation from God in this life and in the hereafter. Our inheritance, our true home is in Heaven!! Friends, if we can enjoy the fellowsihip of Jesus here on earth through worship, prayer, Bible study, meditation and fellowship … imagine how much greater the joy when we’re in Heaven meeting Jesus face to face as well as meeting fellow Saints of the ages! Truly amazing! Oh what a wonderful Saviour! Yes, there’s Victory in Jesus!

    Enjoy this rendition “Victory in Jesus” by the Gaithers –
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8ajtJtNXF4

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  3. Thank-you for your prescription. I will give it a try to read as much of Phil. as possible. I’m not depressed- but, nobody can have enough joy- right?

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  4. Amen Scott
    Beverlee your words are inspiring and lift me up to.
    Your pictures are wonderful Renold they help you capture
    history today and yesterday.
    I love you stories everyday David!
    Lianne Hogg

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    • I believe that it has to do with his concern for the believers not to be negatively influenced by the legalists.

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  6. Thank you Lord that you are always present and are a help in time of trouble and I love you Lord JESUS for your word and God continue to work in brother David s life thank you for giving him strength to do this scripture readings everyday , Bless his and Norma Jean and his children and all his grandchildren and great grandchildren and evrryone at Crossroads and meet far above their needs in Jesus name Amen

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  7. My heart rejoices and sings as I read Paul’s words in Philippians. There is no greater JOY than knowing Jesus as our personal Saviour and to serve Him each day, even in trials, as Paul reminds us to keep looking forward to the home Christ has prepared for us which is gain.

    Blessings to all today who need a fresh touch from the One who is ready to take you in His loving arms……rest there, and soak in His strength.

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  10. thanks so much for writing this daily blog ……..I always appreciate it! Many blessings of joy and peace to you and your family at this time.

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  11. Thank you all you wonderful people who give such up lifting poems words of encouragements, and songs my soul is so blessed. My prayers are with you
    all….R…

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  12. I thank God for this blog and David M. your commitment to sharing God’s Word. Fellow-bloggers each of you are an encouragement to me. God’s blessing be with each one!!!!!!

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  13. Joy! That heart experience that comes not from circumstances, but our relationship with the Lord…being filled daily with His Spirit. We might not understand the why’s, but we can have JOY knowing He is taking care of things and working them out for our good and His Glory. Joy!… goes far beyond happiness. We can be crying but there can still be JOY and a song in our heart. Thank you Father for JOY! 🙂

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  14. Dear David M. and precious fellow bloggers
    How very present the recommendations of Paul are in the present state of our broken world. Thank you Jesus for your precious blood . Thank you for the Holy Spirit and the Power that flows in each of us. Joy , that can only come by His Grace , His Rightiousness . Oh how very blessed we are !…
    Adding my prayers for Miranda may our great physician glorify himself with a complete cure in Miranda in Jesus name Amen and Amen
    Thank you Beverlee for another beautiful poem.

    God bless you all
    xxxx Carole .

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  15. I thank you David for this blog. The comments are uplifting also. I pray David for your continued strength and dedication to the Lord. I have an unusual question. Whenever I see photos of ancient remains, I wonder why they are still there. If they are in or near a town, why haven’t they been bulldozed over to make room for building houses or parks, trees, businesses? Does anyone else think like this?

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    • It is my belief that God protected certain areas as a way to give future generations evidence the places and the people written in Scripture really existed. Sometimes God works with history to preserve history. I don’t know if that is the only reason, but I am certain it is one of the main reasons- hope that helps.

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  16. Looking to Psalm 95, let us sing to the Lord, and let us shout ‘joyfully’ to the Rock of our salvation! Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving. Let us shout ‘joyfully’ to Him with psalms for the Lord is a great God, the great King above All gods.

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