Epaphroditus went on a mercy mission to bring help to Paul, bring him money from his friends in Philippi (prisoners had to pay for their own upkeep). It was dangerous, and he became desperately ill. He stepped forward, volunteered, for this task because he felt called by God to do so, and what happened? He… Read More
Philippians 2:17-18 Joy in adversity
I was reading Psalm 11 this morning and was struck by these words: “But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven.” David says this after he explains how everyone is telling him to run away so he won’t be blindsided, injured, or even killed because the foundations of law… Read More
Jesus calms the storm
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was… Read More
Philippians 2:1-2 We have Christ in common
We have Christ in common with each other; his Spirit lives in each one of us. This gives us a bond and a basis to get along with each other and to work together toward one purpose. Do we have to all agree with everyone, have the same ideas or preferences? No we are all… Read More
Philippians 1:29-30: Privilege of the Struggle
We have the privilege of suffering for him. Humanly speaking, suffering of any kind doesn’t sound like a privilege. But Paul wasn’t speaking in human terms, but in terms of a human being filled with the Holy Spirit. We trust, we believe, we struggle, we suffer–we are in the midst of it. And we are… Read More
Philippians 1:27-28 One in Spirit
We have enemies, but we don’t need to be afraid. We need to stand firm–together as one because his Holy Spirit dwells in us–as believers in the Gospel. We are saved by God. Philippians 1:27-28 (New Living Translation) Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of… Read More
Philippians 1:25-26 God Has a Plan for Me
Paul was convinced he would get out of prison and continue journeying to spread the Good News. But that wasn’t God’s plan. I have often had the same experience–thinking I know where God is leading me, and suddenly there’s a U-turn. But I don’t have to worry. God has a plan for me. Philippians… Read More
Kathleen S Evenhouse 