READ, LISTEN AND REJOICE
Today’s 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 commends the “Brothers,” but perhaps two of the women were not in such close fellowship. Nevertheless, Paul also commended the women who “laboured with me in the Gospel.”
It’s an order repeated twice, “REJOICE!” 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.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, as You inspired Paul to write, “All things are Yours” 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 best things 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 trade, and so did Paul. Paul’s was making tents to support his missions ministry, so my son is as a professional photographer through which he tries his best to earn money for personal expenses without taking a salary from any organization. I think that our 100 Words photographer, David Reynold Mainse, should be able to give 100% of his time to the mission of World Embrace by having a salary. What do you think? He and his wife Kathy live in Uganda full time. Please pray for them and support them as you are led (click here for info about their ministry – receipts for tax deductions are available in Canada and in the USA).
Philippi became a ghost town because they experienced earthquake after earthquake. It is said that a picture is worth 1,000 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 a stable, solid foundation for my life! Only my faith in Christ provides a firm, unmovable foundation on which I can 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.
Thank you David, and Ron, and Reynold, and all involved in leading and encouraging us through the Bible with you. Love the photos. Love the blog. Love God and love you too. And all those brothers and sisters , along for the journey or not. Please help us, Lord, to do all things in your grace and truth, especially to love You and others more. And blessings on all those who pray and share good news every day. In Jesus’ great name, amen
Amen!
Amen, Rob, help us to love others more and forgive any offenses small or great. Who knows it may be our or their last full day on earth like the woman who stood beside me at the pool last Wednesday and the next day she was dead. The devotion at our WMC on Thursday was John 15. Bringing forth fruit and being pruned to bring forth more fruit. I feel the Lord is saying to me, “You are doing better at witnessing but I want you to be even more open with people and not hold back unless I desire it. Then you have done my will and your joy will be even more full. I have responded to your blog last night Sah and Kathie. Thank you.
Ger that experience you went through was for a reason ! The Holy Spirit will enable you to share with many others! You never know, you may have a chance to speak to someone in the family and you may hear yourself sharing the story and sharing the Gospel with someone!
Life has many amazing lessons all inspired by the Triune God! God bless you Ger and thank you for sharing your experience!
Thank you David, Ron and Reynold. Appreciate the blogs, all the reports and photos of Philippi. Acts 16:31 is a favorite verse: “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Also, “…Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” (Acts 16:9). Took note of your prayer David, “I only want what you want…” God bless all.
I love this verse and have it memorized “I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me” Phil 4:13 and I needed it many times
Lianne Hogg
The last few days reading in Phillipians has been so uplifting. Today as we are reminded to rejoice in all things I am taken back to a time when rejoicing in a very difficult time did not seem wise to me but when I did and focused on God’s goodness and mercy, wonderful things happened. Praise His Holy Name.
Blessings to all.
I am thankful for the blog!
I deal with a chemical imbalance and recently a sleep disorder! I need to read the words “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
I also need to read “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice!”
I am thankful that God understands.
The pool is closed on the week ends during the summer! I sure miss it!
Lord God provide me with the energy to get things done!
Thank you Lord, thank you, in Jesus Name I pray AMEN
Amen Sah!!
What a meal these chapters have provided!!!
Pastor David, your prayers and comments and pictures are so uplifting…thank you!!!
and what a joy to read the prayers and comments of each blogger…thank you.