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
P.S. Twice yesterday I mislaid my cane. Jadice, Ron and Ann’s 4-year-old granddaughter, specializes in keeping track of my cane. I can hear her in my imagination now, “Great-Grand’pa, here’s your cane!” (picture below). This happened many times last year [2016] when Norma-Jean and I lived with Ron and Ann and Jadice was visiting from Indiana. I called out for her today, got emotional, but of course had to find my cane myself! Thanks again to Ron and Ann for making this blog possible.
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.
Fantastic scripture, descriptions under the photos and photos themselves. So blessed by the richness of this blog and imagining being right there with Paul. God used him, the lowest of sinners when he was Saul of Tarsus, and look who he became as our inspiration and scripture writer. It is mind boggling
Such a blessing to hear Dan Macaulay lead incredible worship all week at Wesley Acres with Ron and Ann Mainse as guest speakers. Yesterday was an emotional day with the funeral of a lovely friend at church in the morning, followed by Ron speaking of his father, last night. The video of David that Ron played was quite emotional for many. He was a spiritual father to me as I know he was to all of you. Though it was difficult to part with him again, the emotional cleansing was necessary. God knows our grieving. Amen? Wishing you all the love, peace, joy and hope of our Blessed Saviour. May your day be rich with blessings, fellow saints in the Lord.
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 ESV
Kim Walker Smith – Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here with lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktsPuZvH-rQ
Wonderful worshiping ! Remembering Ann as she faces surgery on the 24th. We know Jesus will be with her guiding the surgeon & the team. We will be there in spirit too.
I wrote this for our dear Dorthy who left us at age 100 a couple weeks ago.She was an extremely godly lady with her bible always nearby.I could not feel sadness.God answered my prayer for mercy and took her in her sleep.She just faded away.Hope it comforts and reassures you.God bless
Over Me (4 Dorthy)
Do not be sad over me,
For I have already gone
And am now happy and free
As will you when you have moved on.
This is but my earthly tent,
A life support for my soul,
I wore it where e’er I went
But now I’m gone and made whole.
Never be afraid of death,
For it will bring your freedom
And when you take your last breath
He will take you to His kingdom.
I will be happy up here
And will be waiting for you;
For I hold you all so dear,
But as I wait,you must wait too.
Like a Caterpillar dies
As the Butterfly takes flight,
So my soul leaves earthly skies
To rejoin loved ones in His light.
So always trust in Jesus,
For He is the truest friend
And He’s the one Who frees us
And will harvest us in the end.
GW(Bill)Marshall/3 July,2019
Such lovely and thoughful comments this a.m. and my amen to them both dear sisters in Christ, Beverlee and Doreen.
I always think of the Philippians verse that tells us to be anxious about nothing whenever flying is a necessity or any other stressful happening in my life. Praise the Lord for ALL His comfort and understanding. Thank you Ron, Ann et all for continuing this blog and thanks for 100 Huntley St. programming. I realize it’s extremely costly to put Christian broadcasting on TV. It may not be fair but it is what it is. Praying for the programming’s continued support and “being anxious for nothing.”
More encouraging news from Dr. Jim Denison:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
From Adam and Eve in the Garden to John on Patmos, it’s hard to think of a significant event in Scripture that did not involve a significant person. The same is true today: you have been entrusted with spiritual gifts and cultural influence that are uniquely yours. Your Father’s calling on your life is as individual as you are.”
Paul certainly was a ‘significant’ person in today’s reading.
Blessings on all dear saints this rainy day in west central Alberta and worldwide.
“I can do anything ‘through’ Christ.”….and He can (has my permission) do anything through me.When we surrender we give Him that permission.When I prayed for Ann just now I received a most powerful warmth of assurance.Praise God
When I Surrender
When I surrender to you,
The temple is yours to clean
And now I’m yours in all you do
To show me what I’ve never seen.
We grow up in Satan’s realm
Where his darkness hides our path
But when we give to You the helm,
You clean out all the hate and wrath.
It’s your blood that took our sin,
In an act of Godly love,
Which ‘began a good work within’
To finish in heaven above.
GW(Bill) Marshall/07 June,2015
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Cor%206:14-18&version=NKJV
Wonderful scripture, blog of David and photos of Reynold plus help from Ron and Ann. Enjoyed all posts and poems from friends. Remembering you Ann in your upcoming surgery. God’s blessings on all.
Amen!