Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
Summary: Paul’s words remind us of the importance of staying focused on God’s will.
The words in this passage sound like they belong in a courtroom.
Not just any courtroom, but a heavenly courtroom.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:19 – A Serious Faith”
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind…
Summary: Forgetting what is behind does not mean forgetting the lessons of the past, but it does set us free from the guilt and the shame.
Do you struggle with guilt?
I do!
Satan has his sights on my guilt button, and he finds ways of pushing it when I least expect it.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:13b – Remembering to Forget”
…of the people of Israel…
Summary: Israel is a people with nothing to hide – because all of their ‘dirty laundry’ has been written down in a book that millions of people have read.
One of the reasons I believe the Bible is from God is because of the “people of Israel.” Not because the people of Israel are intrinsically good, but because they aren’t. It is because only God could make a race of people write down all of their mistakes and then make it their mission in life to preserve the book they wrote.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:5b – No Secrets”
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are both a statement of fact and a warning.
Paul’s words in this passage are rather stark.
As a believer in Jesus Christ and one who has devoted a large part of his life to following Jesus, this feels like a slap in the face.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:21 – Self-Interest”
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed…
Summary: Paul’s hope of being free of shame is a beacon of light for all believers who share his hope in Jesus Christ.
Ashamed by what?
I kinda hate to write on this topic for personal reasons. You see, I have a shame problem! Throughout my long life, I have been shamed by others for many reasons.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20a – All the Difference”