READ, LISTEN AND REJOICE
Suggested Reading: Philippians 4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Apostle Paul was guided to the city of Philippi by a vision (Acts 16:9-10), probably around 49 or 50 AD. Accompanied by Silas, Timothy and possibly Luke, Paul preached for the first time on European soil in Philippi (Acts 16:12-40) and baptized Lydia, a purple dye merchant, in a river to the west of the city. While in Philippi, his exorcism of a demon from a slave girl caused a great uproar in the city, which led to their arrest (Paul and Silas) and public beating (Acts 16:16-24). A miraculous earthquake caused their prison to be opened. The jailer prepared to kill himself, thinking all the prisoners had escaped and knowing that he would be severely punished. Paul stopped him, indicating that all the prisoners were in fact still there. The jailer then became one of the first Christians in Europe (Acts 16:25-40). Paul visited the city at least on two other occasions, in 56 and 57 AD. The Epistle to the Philippians dates from around 61-62 AD and shows the immediate impact of Paul's instruction.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
The first three verses are most interesting. Paul seems to be in complete harmony with the men, but perhaps some of the women were not in such close fellowship. Paul’s true companion may have been Timothy, to whom he gave the job of helping the women. The problem may have been Paul’s bachelor status. Ah- that’s not in the Bible, but we can guess, no?
The above thought is not too spiritual, but after all, as a result of reading Philippians several times in the past 4 days, I’m feeling joyous, and happy too. A little humour may well be in order.
It’s an order repeated twice, “REJOICE!” By an act of our will power, whether we feel like it or not, let’s do it! A good start is to, “Be anxious for nothing,” then confirm our decision by prayer and thanksgiving.
We can claim 100% the promise from God stated in our key verse, because we believe the previous sentence found in verse 13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Let’s just do it! Go ahead, try something which is included under the heading of “All things,” and watch God supply “All your need” in order to accomplish “All things.” Another promise is, “All things are yours.” Read 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 & 3:1-23. Note that the word, “Things” is repeated 13 times. Let’s meditate on this passage.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, as You inspired Paul to write, “All things are yours” there in 1 Corinthians 3:21, may I be consciously and fervently seeking Your will so that I will know what things You desire of me and for me. I want only what You want! So, I ask You now for what You know are the things best for my service to you as well as for my personal needs. In Your all supplying Name I pray. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My eldest son has a profession. So did Paul. Paul’s was tent making to support his missions ministry, so my son’s is photography through which he supports his ministry without taking a salary from any organization. He surely captured the reason why Philippi eventually became a ghost town. They experienced earthquake after earthquake, not just the one which shook the prison where Paul and Silas were sing praises to God at midnight! It is said that a picture is worth 1000 words. Take a look back at the pictures from the past three days, and “listen” to the pictures communicate. I’ve done that and I’m filled with the message that this earth is not our stable solid foundation for my life, only my faith in Christ provides a firm, unmovable foundation on which I build my entire life.
Yours for reading and listening… And moving on tomorrow to a man who did just that, “EZRA,”
David
This was the marketplace of ancient Philippi.
The Via Egnatia was built beginning in 145 BC . This route was Rome's primary artery to the east and Philippi was an important outpost along the road. The Egnatian Way made it easier for Rome to move troops throughout the empire and it was the route that Paul traveled on from Neapolis to Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia and Thessalonica.
1 Corinthians 2:9-16:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2%3A9-16&version=NIV
1 Corinthians 3:1-23:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203:1-23&version=NIV
This is a wonderful New Testament chapter! The scripture implores us to be “anxious for nothing”, “to rejoice in the Lord always”, and to know “the peace of God”. Living in our busy world it isn’t always easy to remember these things; with all of the political and economic instability, violence and debauchery, it almost seems as if Paul was speaking words of nonsense … and to many, He was. However, these words speak into the heart of the Christian, for the Christian ‘knows’ a solace deep within, that all will be well in Jesus. These words weren’t only written to first century peoples, they span the generations and speak into our collective hearts today, that we might all be one in the Lord. So indeed, our key verse today, Phillipians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” are significant and precious words to a follower of Christ. It’s a promise, a vision, and a hope, but ultimately it’s a faith, far more precious than anything this world can offer! Jesus saves! Amen!
Jesus saves, absolutely! Amen!!
About a year and a half ago it seemed like the earth opened up and swallowed our family. I Was in much distress when I was watching the ladies on Full Circle and Melissa quoted the verse Rejoice in The Lord always, again I say Rejoice and then in Romans 8:39 b. Nothing in all creation can ever separate us from the Love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus Our Lord. I immediately lay on the floor crying out for the Peace that Jesus left us, a peace the world does not understand, and HE answered. I arose to feel that peace and while we have still things to face I know steadfastly I can count on His assurance that He will be with us. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!
REjoice fellow saints, our GOD IS ABLE? Bless your day.
God bless you, and your family, Catherine! One of the most amazing things about God that always brings a smile to my face, is that our faith in Him grows stronger, day by day. When we stay in the Word, prayer and communication with our Lord, the rock that we stand on with Him becomes ever more solid.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains–
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip–
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you–
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm–
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:1-8
Thank you Beverlee….so true and I quote that psalm often. Blessings to you. How is Heather?
Heather’s arm has healed and the treatment stopped the cancer from progressing in her brain–praise God. The cancer in her colon and liver, have not ceased. But her spirits are high because she is so grateful to be mostly free from pain and enjoying her time with friends, family, and what she has to look forward to with the Lord. It is a true testament of her faith. She is incredible because of Christ in her heart!
Sorry it was Melinda not Melissa!!
Dear Catherine,
Thanks for your testimony and May God fully heal you and your family from that trauma.
” I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Gen. 28:15)
God used this verse to minister to me before, may it comfort and strengthen you and your family as well.
God bless you, sister!
Beverley, thanks so much to your encouraging verses for Catherine as well!
Thank you Janet so very much….God is continuing to heal through The Word and friends who pray, so many of them here on our blog. I continue to pray for you Janet, as I have felt drawn to you from the beginning. I believe He has something very social for you and pray you will continue to be stable. Bless your family. Thanks for the verse too. Isn’t HE wonderful!!
Sorry very special!!
the key verse speaks of God supplying all our needs. NEEDS…not wants. …we can at time mix up those words. Rejoice…yes, but where and on Whom we put our focus effects our rejoicing. As Scott says, in our busy world, it is not always easy to remember these things.
I agree with everything you said Scott and that Psalm is wonderful Beverlee.
WOW – This chapter is filled with so much!!!!
1 – Rejoice in the Lord always!!!! That means in spite of our circumstances.
2 – Be anxious for nothing!!!!! Praying and asking with thanksgiving our requests to God.
3 – Meditate on things that are noble, just, trustworthy, true, pure, lovely and a good report!!!
4 – Learn to be content in everything!!!! That’s a hard one sometimes.
5 – We can do all things through Christ!!!!
6 – Our God shall supply all our needs!!!! Yes, I agree with Wanita, it is our needs not our wants. Not that God will not give us what we want too, but He has promised to meet our needs first.
Powerful reading today!!!!!
Great words of wisdom Ruby! I agree with all your points! God Bless!
Great summary of points!!
Thank you each one for thoughts and replies thanks Beverlee Kaye for the up-date on Heather. Isaiah 55: 11 to 13 says so My word that come from My mouth will not return empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what send it to do. You will indeed go out with joy and will be peacefully guided; the mountains and the hills will break forth in singing before you, and all the trees will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will come up, instead of the brier, a myrtle will come up; it will make a name for Yahweh as an everlasting sign that will not be destroyed. God bless each one today!!!!
Amen!!!
Hi David, Great to sense you are in such good and humorous spirits! Phil 4:8 tells us to meditate on good things. It’s so hard to do this with all the negatives out there. l thought about the movie “The Queen” and when someone said something negative to her, she said “that is not helpful!” l’ve used that line once or twice since, and believe it or not, it is quite effective! Ha! Ha! It’s not in the bible but can stop that deadly conversation in it’s tracks! Just another tool to use from our tool-box! Good news,l just heard from my sister that Chantelle is out of danger and is responding so well to treatment they are sending her home as an out patient! My sister in New Zealand thanks everyone for their prayers!
Praise God, Christine!
Amen, Praise our Lord!!
Praise The Lord and I pray Chantelle will continue to improve. You must be so relieved.
Hi David, I enjoy your blog. I was surprised to find mistakes in it today. I guess your proofreader was overcome by the heat. This is not a complaint, just an observation. God bless.
Thanks for your comment! No, it wasn’t the heat. The mistakes were actually caught and the changes made, but the blog program somehow reverted to an earlier saved version. Hopefully it won’t happen again! God bless…
I think that your good sense of humour is always appropriate. I notice that you are careful but not a lemon either. I try to laugh with God on a great many things- even at myself of at the bad things that happen to me. I also have godly sorrow in a great many things. Do what is honorable, good, pure and true in a great many things. And after attending two of Canada’s major Bible Colleges- am years(decades) later doing an MA TESOL so I don’t have to take a dime from Churches to bless the nations through language. I pray you keep your sense of humour always- I will never forget your Crab story- that was so funny! I’ve seen your tears over the years too- you have been an example- “stand strong therefore” in humour and tears and in the unfathomable ministry of God’s Holy Spirit.
Good morning David,
I am so happy to have found yesterday and today’s blog here at 100Words.ca.For these 2 days it has not come into my inbox and I have been praying that you are OK. I called a friend and found that she was receiving it so I am so grateful you are well and doing the blog after all. PRAISE GOD!!!! This time you have created for all of us out here in the whole world becomes so important in one’s day.If it could come into my inbox again,that would be wonderful but do not worry if not because I can always find it here. Many blessings David.
Prayers always to you, Anne
Dear David,
I too have not received your blog today and was praying that you are well.Now I have seen the previous message that the person did get your message today so I will also subscribe to the email to be certain that I get it every day. Blessings to you. Joyce
Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith that
saves is faith in Him.
Busy preparing for my wedding on Sept 21st!!
God Bless you and yours!!
Nancy
I am not able to get Fridays blog July 19
I hope David is ok
There’s no blog for today. Let us all hope and pray that David is okay.
Dear Rev. David M.
So relieved to know that you are well I also am unable to receive todays 100 Words .ca but received it in my inbox . Conclusion techno can go cuckoo but the good news is all is well …. with all of us in His Precious Hands . I had to spend the day in bed yesterday so doubly enjoyed the wonderful words of all the bloggers finally read today Will be copying and enlarging your poster of the clash of values that I will place in our bedroom close to my son and daughters picture as I pray diligently for thier salvation .
Have a blessed day all my fellow saints .
xxxx Carole .
I have been a christian long enough to see the beginning of crossroads & have held you in the highest respect. I very much enjoy your blogs. Thank you for sharing!
I particularly appreciate your stand on homosexual marriage but also liked your message to Svend Robinson.
I hope this is an appropriate place to ask for prayer for my 2 sons, Bud & Grant, both drug addicts.
Hi David M. & Ron….I don’t know if anyone else is having this problem.
Todays blog ( Ezra 1-2) came into my e-mail box so I was able to read it okay, but when I clicked to make a comment, it went back to yesterdays blog. I tried numerous times.
Since I could not get todays blog to come in showing comments, I was unable to read any possible coments by other readers should they have been able to get past this glitch.
I could click to go to previous blogs, but not go ahead to get to todays blog.
I tried searching for 100words.ca via few ways but could not get today’s blog to come in. 🙁
Hello Blog Buddies….There is a technical problem with Friday’s blog. I was able to read it this morning but now it is not showing up on my computer or smartphone. Looking forward to Saturday’s words of wisdom from David and fellow bloggers! Praying that everyone is safe and dry from the heavy rain and thunderstorms!!! God Bless !!
🙂