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
Philippians 1:18-24 Life or Death?
I started to make a list of the pros and cons of staying here on earth and going through some pretty unpleasant things (as Paul was experiencing) or being in heaven with God and having a glorified body. And while I look forward to heaven, I think God has instilled in us a will to… Read More
Philippians 1:12-14 Circumstances
We may not like our circumstances, but we don’t have the same overview that God has. He’s right there with us no matter where we are, and we are sometimes amazed to find that the circumstances that we have been complaining about have a purpose we could never have imaged. Philippians 1:12-14 (New Living Translation)… Read More
Philippians 1:8-9 Overflow with Love
Paul doesn’t mince words–his friends in Philippi are very dear to him. They haven’t deserted him while he is in prison, and they share his faith. Paul isn’t concerned about circumstances, but about people and how they are so filled with God’s love that it overflows. Philippians 1:8-9 (New Living Translation) So… Read More
Philippians 1:6-7 Special Favor of God
Have you ever tried to draw a picture of the verses you have just read? Go through the book of Philippians with me and draw your own pictures. What is God showing you? God plants the seed–you–and gives you what you need to grow to be more like him: sunshine, water, soil, fertilizer, weeding,… Read More
