Wednesday, July 17, 2019

“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.”

 

6 thoughts on “Wednesday, July 17, 2019

  1. Amazing truth today – everything outside of God’s Word (which increases our faith) is worthless. Thank You Lord.

  2. Love Paul’s phrase and truth, “this one thing I do.” Was very meaningful to me at the beginning of the year and still. We must not let the past cloud or destroy the present or future. Praise God, I’m going on. Like that song too.

  3. I noticed that the song sheet that your mom sang that your dad wanted to allow us to copy on the printer however it came out small song sheet and not able to see or enlarge on the printer.

    It is a good song that I would like to learn to sing it or do in sign language/

    Thank you
    Jo-Ann Tahara

  4. God bless all who have posted today! I am in desperate need of prayer, it seems everything is going sideways; I rebuke the devil; I pray the Blood of the Lamb over all;
    Prayers of healing for Jim, Sandy,Becky; TY Lord for all the blessings of this day;
    Bless families; neighbours;communities;our government Leaders; those who serve as doctor and nurses; First Aid Responders; Fire Fighters; Ambulance attendants;bless all
    bless the staff at 7/11; very understanding;
    Lord hear our prayers; many of us need a BIG financial breakthrough; to tithe to those that help others; to clear our debts; help our families; Thank You Lord for a car, home,good physical health;
    we pray all this in Jesus Name amen

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