Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Now to the King eternal…
Summary: Paul’s praise of God begins with two words that are critical for understanding God’s power and authority: “King” and “eternal.”
With these words, “Now to the King eternal …” Paul begins a sentence that has been used by churches around the world as a model of praise for God.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:17a – King Eternal”
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Summary: Paul continues to lay challenges before us, even in the last line of his letter.
Paul closes out his letter to the Philippians with these beautiful words:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:23a – Spiritual Sight”
When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.
Summary: There is only one Christmas Day each calendar year, but we can live each day as if it were Christmas if we allow the Holy Spirit to be our guide.
Christmas has come and gone. It went fast, didn’t it? Yet, there is a feeling of Christmas Spirit that lingers on.
Continue reading “John 15:26 – Merry Day After”
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”
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters…
Summary: Reading about Paul’s life in the Book of Acts reveals a portrait of a man who is not only devoted to Jesus Christ but can maintain that devotion through every hardship.
As I read Paul’s words in this passage, my mind wanders to the question: “What was Paul like?”
What kind of person was he?
What, exactly, was the example that he set?
Continue reading “Philippians 3:17a – Learning From Paul”
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Summary: Paul challenges us to ponder what it means to know Jesus.
Oddly, Paul has just told us all the things he has not yet obtained (vs. 12). Yet, in this passage, he points to things “we” have already attained.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:16 – Attainment”
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal…
Summary: Paul’s understanding of the Gospel shines through in this passage. As we unpack his words, we discover a roadmap to using our time in the service of God.
In this passage, Paul confronts an unpleasant truth: If you are reading this, we have not yet obtained “the power of the resurrection” (Philippians 3:10).
So where are we? What have we obtained?
Continue reading “Philippians 3:12a – The Reason for Faith”
…we who serve God by his Spirit…
Summary: The concept of serving God is clearly explained in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, obedience becomes more Spirit-driven.
If you ever wonder why it takes us so long to get through a short book of the Bible, this passage is a great example of why.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:3b – Serving God”
I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Summary: Paul’s gladness puts all of our complaints in perspective when we consider that he is in chains while writing his letter.
To put this passage into context, we have to look back to the beginning of Paul’s paragraph. His thought begins with these words:
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing…” (Philippians 2:14).
Continue reading “Philippians 2:17b-18 – Paul’s Plan”
… as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Summary: Paul’s words about THE “word of life” lead us to wonder about our connection with Jesus and his Word, the Bible.
As Paul continues his thought, he finally brings us to the crux of the matter. In our passage for this meditation, he tells us to “hold firmly to the word of life.”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:16a – The Word of Life”