Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.
Summary: The strongest bonds are formed when we are in our deepest need.
If you have ever been someplace where you don’t know the people and they don’t know you, you know what it is like to try to make friends. Paul, of course, wasn’t trying to make friends for himself, but for Jesus.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:16 – Care Package”… when I set out from, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only …
Summary: Paul’s mission to share the Gospel was unique in many ways. One of those ways was that Paul was directly accountable to the Lord. He knew Jesus, and that was enough. Yet, when the Philippians remembered Paul and sent help, he was deeply touched.
It is hard to imagine what Paul’s life must have been like after meeting Jesus.
Before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was a Pharisee. If he went somewhere, he had an entire organization behind him. The high priest, the Council, and their associates would give him letters of introduction and authority to carry out his missions (Acts 22:5). When Paul showed up as a Pharisee, people paid attention.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:15b – Only You”
Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel…
Summary: Paul’s comment about the “early days” of the Philippians’ relationship with the Gospel of Jesus Christ points to a truth we can all relate to.
Paul’s reference to “early days” is a reference we can all relate to. Things change with the passage of time. No matter what we might talk about, the “early days” of something are always special.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:15a – Early Days”
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
Summary: Paul’s comment about the Philippians sharing in his troubles provides an interesting insight into how God uses trials and comfort to “temper” our steel.
God’s Word is eternal, as is God. At the same time, it is very personal. It is personal because it touches each of us where we are in our journey.
Perhaps some people have gone through life without much trouble or suffering, but for those of us who have suffered in this life, we know the value of someone who cares.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:14 – Hot and Cold”
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
Summary: This passage provides a wonderful opportunity to explore how God’s Word is like a measuring line for our soul.
As you may have noticed, our passage today is from the New King James Version of the Bible. The reason is that the NIV translation chose to translate the passage this way:
Continue reading “Philippians 4:13 – Now or Forever?”
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Summary: Paul’s claim to be content in every situation is worth thinking about. How does that work? As we explore Paul’s claim, we find it leads us to Jesus.
Would you like to be content in any and every situation?
When I think of “every situation,” my mind wanders to all kinds of scenarios. I have memories of being attacked by a dog, falling down a cliff, and being called before a judge as a witness in a criminal proceeding. I’ve been sick, lost loved ones, had my heart broken, and seen my children suffer things beyond my control. I’ve taken care of my wife when she was ill and watched as she worried over me when I was sick.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:12b – All That Matters”
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage provide a prompt for meditating on what it means to need the Word of God.
As we make our way through the last verses of Paul’s letter, it is a good time to consider why we are doing this.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:12a – The Breath of Life”
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Summary: Being contented is a state of mind. In these final passages from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he helps us see what is needed to find the same contentedness in Christ that he enjoys.
What does it mean to be “in need?”
In other words, what would it take for Paul to finally say, “This situation is not acceptable!”?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:11 – Contentedness”
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
Summary: It is helpful to remember that not everyone reads words the same way. Sometimes, who we are influences how we understand certain phrases.
When you read Philippians 4:10 in modern English, the words tumble together like a kind of Rorschach test. Who you are and how you were raised have a big impact on how you understand Paul’s words.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:10 – Decoding Paul”
And the God of peace will be with you.
Summary: The God of peace is the source of the peace of God. Paul understands this relationship and explains how important right thinking is to receiving God’s peace.
Earlier, in verse seven, Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:9b – Mental Housework”