Monday, July 17, 2017

“EVEN MORE JOY”

Today’s 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.”

 

13 thoughts on “Monday, July 17, 2017

  1. Oh, amen, David! My heart is with Paul–my favourite, and Philippians–so uplifting. We praise You, our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and to the sanctity of the Holy Spirit, with all the glory and honour that is due!! Blessings fellow saints in the Lord!!

    For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. Ps 47:7 NIV

    Listen To Our Hearts – Casting Crowns
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOAdYF5sQQs

  2. Yes and Amen. The best prescription ever. The word of The Lord.
    Philippians, is a wonderful prescription. Thank You Jesus.
    Thank you David, I thank God for you and Your teachings.

  3. Philippians 3:10, the verse I chose as my favorite verse at Bible School. Am living out the fellowship of His sufferings right now. Thank God for the pattern set by the Apostle Paul. Please pray for me dear saints, along with others who are in any affliction because of the Gospel for which Paul suffered and I will pray for you. Thank you and God bless you Pastor David, Norma Jean and family and all saints.

      • Amen! Agreeing with Joy in prayer for you, sister Ger. We lift you up to our Lord God and ask for angels’ wings to hover over and protect you. In Jesus’ mighty Name! Amen!

  4. Thank you Joy and Beverlee. I feel strengthened and I appreciate your prayers. God bless you in your walk with the Lord as well.

    • Ger may God bless you on your journey! Lean on Me, Lean on Your Saviour, Lean on Me as your Provider, as your Protector, yes, lean on Me! I have you in the Palm of My Hands! The Lord says He knows your every moment Ger, He’s walking beside you right now! Hang on to Him, lean on Him!
      Blessings dear sister Ger!

  5. to all who are praying, please continue to pray for rain in British Columbia to put out all the forest fires! in Jesus Name we Pray amen

  6. To 100 words, I unfortunately don’t receive the vlog anymore on my ipad, for the last week or so. Could you please correct this problem? Thank you. Xo

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