The reading this week we will finish Judges, the whole book of Ruth and start 1 Samuel: Monday: Judges 10-12. Tuesday: Judges 13-15. Wednesday: Judges 16-18. Thursday: Judges 19-21. Friday: Ruth 1-4. Saturday: 1 Samuel 1-3. Sunday: 1 Samuel 4-8.
The book of Philippians is written by Paul to the church at Philippi and to every believer. It is a book that really focuses on the true joy that can only come from Jesus. This week I want to really focus on Philippians 4, joy in giving, the final thoughts from Paul.
It starts off with Paul saying that they are the joy and reward for his work. He wants them to stay true to the Lord. This goes for us as well. To stay true you will find that back in the 3rd chapter. Keep your eyes on Christ, this world is not our home, and focus on the fact that Christ will bring everything under His control.
We are to not remain unreconciled with anyone. Fix those broken relationships. Verse 4 is a must to memorize. “Always be fully of joy in the Lord. I say it again- rejoice!” Paul was in jail and yet he was able to say this. So much to learn from Paul! It is so easy to get discouraged with what’s happening around and to us but if we have Christ we have all we need! If joy is far from your vocab, start looking at things in a different perspective.
Verse 7: “If you do this, you will experience God’s peace which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Turn your worries into prayers! Give it to God. True peace doesn’t come from absence of conflict. It comes from knowing that God is in control.
We are to be content in any circumstance. Paul was able to get along joyfully even in a prison because he focused on Gods point of view, the eternal. Most of the time we are discontent because our mind is constantly on what we don’t have. We need to switch it to what God has blessed us with and His promises for our eternal kingdom.
“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or with little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. But even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.” – 12-14.
In EVERYTHING focus on the God Who Is. His promises and unfailing love. “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.
Warrior for Christ 