Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Summary: As we look at the second half of Paul’s verse about peace, we discover the dangers that confront us and how incredibly important the peace of God is.
When Paul says “your hearts and your minds,” he is talking to you and me. Anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ is entitled to this peace that Paul talks about.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:7b – Safe Haven”And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding…
Summary: In this passage, Paul begins a promise with the words, “peace of God.” To understand the promise, we first have to understand the words.
When Paul speaks of the “peace of God,” he is not just spouting a platitude. He is talking about something very real and extremely important to Christian living.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:7a – The Peace of God”
… but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Summary: In this passage, it sounds like Paul is saying the same thing twice when he writes, “by prayer and petition.” As it turns out, there is a world of difference between the English version and the Greek.
Have you ever wondered how to pray?
In this passage, Paul gives us a short primer on the topic. In one sense, it is really quite simple; no matter where you are or what you are doing, pray. When you pray, be thankful. Always present your requests to God.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:6b – A Place of Prayer”
Do not be anxious about anything…
Summary: Paul’s words are direct and seemingly impossible to obey, except for the power of Jesus Christ in our lives.
As Paul writes the words in today’s passage, he is a prisoner of Rome in the first century AD. Roman prisoners were not noted for having nothing to be anxious about.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:6a – Anti-Anxiety”
The Lord is near.
Summary: Do you ever wonder where Jesus is? He might be closer than you think!
Do you ever feel like Jesus is far away?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:5b – King Jesus”
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
Summary: In this passage, Paul makes a simple suggestion. But is it just a suggestion?
As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians to a close, he begins Chapter Four with a plea to “stand firm in the Lord.” He then adds a note to stand firm “in this way.” “This way” turned out to mean adhering to the true Gospel, putting our confidence in Jesus, valuing Christ above all else, pressing on, striving for maturity in faith, focusing on the godly, and remembering we are citizens of heaven.*
Continue reading “Philippians 4:5a – More Than Human”
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Summary: Paul’s admonition to “rejoice” is both a delight and a puzzle. When we take a closer look at what he says, we find that what he asks us to do is really quite simple.
When Paul says “Jump!,” I jump! When he says, “Rejoice!” I say, “Huh?”
What does he mean?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:4 – Remain Calm and Carry On”
… help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Summary: The struggle between Euodia and Syntyche is not unique. When we consider other disagreements the early church experienced, certain patterns emerge.
It might be helpful to know what Euodia and Syntyche had disagreed about. Of course, since Paul tells us that they were both “in the book of life,” it doesn’t matter to them now. They are enjoying the blessings of heaven and the company of the Lord Jesus. Earthly disagreements carry little weight in heaven.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:3b – Body Parts”
Yes, and I ask you, my true companion…
Summary: Who is Paul referring to? That is the mystery. In this meditation, we explore the possible meanings of Paul’s strange choice of words.
Paul does something very interesting in this passage, and it is worth taking a few minutes to consider what is going on here.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:3a – Minor Mystery”
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Summary: Euodia and Syntyche suffer from a condition that afflicts all of humanity: They want to be right.
What is up with Euodia and Syntyche?
Two women who had worked side by side with the Apostle Paul are caught up in a disagreement. Whatever they are unhappy about, the news of their conflict has reached Paul, hundreds of miles away.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:2 – Of One Mind”