I’ve been reminded in this season what a gift it is to have meaningful friendships. I have been blessed with many great friends in my life—some for just a season, some from childhood, many from college, and some who I know I’ll have forever. But many of those closest friends don’t live in the same place as me. While the days when I was no more than ten minutes away from all my people were a delight, that hasn’t been the reality for quite awhile. Those same friendships now require scheduled phone calls around work and family life. It means intentionally setting aside time and resources to travel in order to be together in person. It means sending gifts in the mail for special occasions or little just-because treats since we can’t drop by in person.
Yet, even though many of my people aren’t just down the street, I have experienced such love and care from them from many miles away. Sure, it’s easier to stay in touch with the myriad of ways to be connected these days. But it still takes intentionality and effort to do so.
I can’t help but think about the experience Paul might have had shepherding several groups of fellow Christians, even from afar. The letters of Philippians and Colossians are just two glimpses into his pastoral care and affection for these communities of believers. One of them—the church in Philippi—he knew well because Paul himself had established it. Yet for the church in Colossae, he never got to be with them in person. Paul writes that he had deep affection for both, even if they connected differently due to distance and time. But at the heart of his letters, we see that he really wanted the same for all of them: to know more of God and the goodness of His gospel. He wanted it to sink into every nook and cranny of their lives.
That’s also what we want for you as you spend the next four weeks reading through these New Testament letters. May these words, written so long ago to a people far away, be good news for you here and now. Read Paul’s words like you would any timely words of encouragement from a dear friend, gathering the truth to encourage, challenge, and propel you today.
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215 thoughts on "Paul’s Opening Words"
Ready for this. Please pray that I stay on track as I pray for you all too. God Bless You
Amen!
I cannot wait to dive deeper into these books!!
I’m just starting too! I’m so excited, this is my first bible study, probably ever!
I am so far behind the community in our reading plan, but I am so excited to be reading Philippians!
Amen! This is going to be such a good study, I have my Bible ready! Let’s do this! Lord Jesus by your Holy Spirit open our eyes to your word, reveal to us anything you want us to learn and grow more in the knowledge of in your word and in this study, guide us and lead us through Lord in Jesus name Amen
Amen
Amen❤️
So excited to start this study!
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Amen!
Excited to start this study!!
Amen
AMEN!
I think this bible app will help me grow in my faith journey!
Amen
I am in a new church and new season of life. This message is timely and I am looking frward to hearing from the word. I know God has so much love for His people and intends for us to share it.
Amen
Amen
Amen!
Amen!
Amen
What amazing words to hear. The goodness of God is evident within this. I am sitting here in awe of what this study is already revealing. Before this devotion I prayed God would reveal what he wants to teach me thru this devotional. I am excited and willing to learn more about this and share.
I’m excited about this study and to draw closer and more intimate with Christ!
Amen
A beautiful view on friendship, and being joyful about the season of friendship we are in. I miss the days of being 10 minutes away from all my people, but there’s a beauty in feeling the support of all your people, accumulated through all the years, still pouring out love for each other no matter the distance.
This was such a beautiful read , i hit home . It made me think about some things. Thank you.
This was good to the soul.
Woot woot
So excited for this study and to learn more about
If y’all could be praying for me, I’m craving God and I need to surrender to him fully but it’s like there’s a wall. May the Lord open my heart to pay attention like He did with Lydia.
You are not alone! I’ve been feeling the same way. I am excited to dive into this study and I pray the Lord will draw closer to us all as we dive deeper into His word!
I’m am very excited for this study! It’s my first one that is one track with the same one everyone else is enjoying
Been listening to the podcast for while but this is my first study to go through. I’m excited to see what the lord will show me.
I’m grateful for a community of women who put the beauty of God’s word on display. Well done She Reads Truth community. ♥️
Hello to everyone. Have a blessed day! Grace here from philippines. Its such a blessings to connect to you all my fellow follower of Jesus Christ.
Excited to start my first SRT study!
Me also! I hope I can figure it out because I’m not tech savvy as I once was.
As we get older, I’m finding it hard and harder to make meaningful friendships. Being deeply rooted in church and a life group is the key for me. God will bring people into your life. Just wait patiently on Him.
Same! But I don’t mind.
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I’m so excited to be digging deeper into the Word and start my first She Reads Truth Bible study. It was definitely no coincidence that I just felt inclined to listen to the podcast on my way home from the doctor’s office today. Depression is something I’ve battled with for years, but I’ve come to see it as a bit of a blessing because it keeps me close to Him. Today’s scripture was definitely a reminder that no matter what my circumstances, I can find peace in Him.
Welcome Meagan! Praying that you will experience the peace of Christ as we study together ❤️
Hi all, need to ask for prayer again. I have shared a lot in the past about my husband who has military PTSD and how we have now been trying to get care for him for 4 years without success. He has gotten worse and worse over time.
This weekend he had something of a breakdown, was the worst I’d ever seen him. Was yelling at me and telling me how much I’d hurt him. Took my phone and keys because he didn’t want me to “contact the authorities.”
Then he left on his motorcycle with a huge backpack, said he was leaving us and to forget about him. We don’t know where he is. We can’t call the police because he has not threatened to hurt himself or someone else. Please pray for his safety, please pray for his healing. Please also pray for the kids and I as we process this.
And if he does come back, I don’t think I can have him in the house because I don’t feel safe around him right now.
I know this is not him. He needs healing.
Praying Lauren!
Lauren, praying for your husbands safety and for your ‘racing’, scared heart to know peace. This is scary stuff!
Praying also that help will come in a form that you never expected and that your husband can also find peace somehow through all of this..
I am sorry for your troubles, Lauren, God be with you and yours, in Jesus’ name I pray..❤
Amen, Tina! ❤
Praying ❤️
Praying Lauren
Prayers Lauren for you.
Lauren, my heart goes out to you sweet sister. Your name is in my prayer journal and I pray every day for God’s protection over you and your children and for healing for your husband.Maybe this latest “episode” is God’s way of getting him the help he needs. Love you, sweet sister! ❤️
❤ yes, Lynne!
Praying for your husband’s healing Lauren
Hi Lauren,
Randomly, my husband and I are in the process of buying a house from a veteran who specializes in PTSD treatment. Here is more information. I hope this can help. Praying for y’all!https://tacticalresiliencyusa.com/heal-here
So excited for this study! I love the perspective of reading Paul’s letters as a dear friend were writing to me.
Can’t wait to do a deep dive into these books of the Bible
First SRT Bible Study! I have been learning to dive deeper into my Bible. I am excited to go through this!
Welcome, Mariah!
Hi ladies! Today’s message really hit home. I’m a live in nanny living in a state on the other side of the country from my friends & family. I have been feeling so drained lately (even though I love my job). Looking forward to reading this new study day by day!
Oops! Pressed post too quickly, I have been lacking trust for awhile and have not surrendered my control to God in even longer. I love the verse in Isaiah today that says our promised peace comes out of trust for God – it’s so easy to think and act like it’s the opposite! I’m praying God will give us all the grace and ability to trust him more during this study as we learn about His character.
This is my first time getting back into the Bible consistently, and I’m scared.
Praying for you dear friend. May God baptize you in His rich and deep love that there is no trace of fear. Don’t fear. The Word is your safety place, the legal rights if anything to come out of darkness, evil law suits.
Like Mercy said, this is a SAFE place. The Bible is your SAFE place! We will encourage you if you get anxious, just be sure to let us know! So glad you jumped in with us!
Happy Monday ladies! Excited for a new study as I’ve felt distracted lately! Hope you all have a wonderful Monday. Praying for you alll.
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to change my view while I’m doing this study and and read it as a friend is writing me, words of encouragement
And to a hearty Thank you! As always covered in love and hugs. Thank you!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️ love you Tina.
Hi all! And thank you for letting me join in this community. The Isaiah piece spoke to me. It reminds us to protect our peace!
I am so glad I found out this study started today! I have found myself in a funk with my daily reading and prayers and really think switching it up might be just what I need! I’ll see you all tomorrow!
So glad you are here, Brandi! That’s one of the best things about SRT – not just looking at something at random.
I still don’t have my study book (I filled out the email form today) but I am using my she reads truth bible. I am excited for this study!
Prayers for my area today, we have major flooding from a tropical storm and so many houses and businesses are flooded.
Sending prayers for each request mentioned.
Oh, AG! Are you in NC?
Yes I am. Luckily our house is okay but so many other places are flooded. It is so sad.
I saw that last evening. We are just west of Greenville in SC and only have light rain. Prayers for all affected! Thankful you are OK! ❤
This really spoke to me, I’m in a time in my life where I’m facing legal battles, which have affected me as a mom, a woman, a human. I am constantly reminding myself to stop thinking of the what ifs and trying to decipher who is for me and who is against me. God is for me, and if I focus solely on him, my mind will be at peace. Once I start focusing on Him, I feel my body relax, my mind can focus on other things, and He really is our perfect peace.
Heather T, will holding you in my prayers for you to find and know His peace even in this season you are in. He is near and He will fight your battle with you… trust Him..❤️
Hello She’s
I took 15 minutes this morning to listen to Philippians in its entirety on the her.Bible app (which I really love!). So many beautiful, recognizable, quotable, heartening verses, one after another. Familiar. Admirable. Like old friends. Full of Grace. As the devotional writer implores: timely words, for the early church then, for us now. Encouraging! Challenging! Compelling!
I pray to stay alert & attentive throughout this reading plan. Intentional. Receptive. Keeping in touch & staying connected, in His Word. And, most truly, within the Sisterhood of Shes gathered here, everyday.
Have a wonderful week, wherever the life in Christ takes you!
❤️. Much love GWINETH52 ❤️
I just downloaded it. Thank you for that recommendation! I had been wanting an audio Bible to pair with my Bible Recap podcast. I had planned lo read, but…
Years ago I went to a decently sized church, about 350 people, lots of young families, we raised our kids together. Well, the church had one of those splits, so we all went our own way. About 4 years ago, I got a text from one of the gals, saying she and a few others were getting together for Euchre, would I like to join them. WOULD I!!!! We’ve been getting together now a few times a year for Euchre and snacks, and great fellowship. There’s something about being founded in Christ that makes you family/friends no matter how much time or how many miles separate you. Build those relationships, gals, we need each other. Be intentional about carving out time for your girl friends. Jesus would smile it you did
Agreed! This is wonderful! You must be from Michigan, I haven’t heard of euchre anywhere else!
I am from Michigan…. and I love a good game of Euchre!!!!
Isaiah 26:3 from my message bible states it this way – “People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing.”
The Isaiah verse made me think that I need to keep my mind more stayed/focused on Jesus because my peace is far from perfect. But his peace is perfect. ❤️
From Wiersbe: “Philippians is a letter saturated with joy. It provides one of the clearest pictures of the way Jesus practiced joy throughout His life
(Phil. 2:5–11)
and encourages us to have the same attitude. And it gives (4:4–9) priceless practical counsel on choosing and maintaining
a joyful outlook—single-mindedness.
Paul had profound confidence in the way God was working out His plans for those first Macedonian believers. From his encouraging words we get a glimpse of God’s parallel plan for us: He is “confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (1:6).
God is the persistent, transforming God.”
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I have been pondering Christ’s humility in a more intentional way the past week. It started when someone used the phrase “we come humbly before you” in a prayer last week. I started thinking – do we really?! Do we even fathom what true humility is?! Christ’s humility is so beyond what we call humility! I read the intro to this study last night and just thought – wow!
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The song “Worthy if Worship, Worthy of Praise” came to mind this morning.
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Excited to study with old friends and making new ones! Praying along!
Yes, Amen, so true!! We should be in Awe of our God, and that we can be reunited in relationship with Him through Jesus!!
I think of the song Worthy of it All..by Phil Wickham! The live version with Chandler Moore is one of my favorite songs to bow humble and sing in worship with them!! I also love when you share Wiersbe, he is SO good at giving us summations of the word!
Thanks, Rhonda! And thanks for the song rec. I am not familiar with it. ❤
Yes, I agree Cee Gee. Sometimes when I pray I feel so inadequate and unworthy. I often question myself, am I humble enough? Do I praise enough? God is SO worthy of our every being, sometimes my prayers don’t seem enough. I do believe there is nothing that God can’t do. I think that is how Paul felt when he was bringing the word of God to new believers. I am looking forward to another rich study from Paul. Happy Monday She’s. Welcome to all new readers.
Happy Mondsy Cathy.. prayerful today has been a good day covered in love! ❤️
❤ Cathy, I feel that way about my prayers, too, yet- like you I pray knowing He can do anything.
Thank you, Cee Gee!! I love your comment!!
❤ Thanks, Elizabeth!
Cee Gee, God is the persistent, transforming God..
This! This! has my heart This evening!
Thank you friend.. thank you..❤️
❤ Tina, glad that spoke to you! Warren Wiersbe does have a way with words – hmmm, like someone else I know!
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your cousin Tom. May God Tour ministry is a blessing give your family strength as you go through this time of grief and may those who are not saved hear or see something that will draw them to the Savior❤️
This comment was a combination of 2 different comments. I thought that I’d posted for Sharon and Rhonda.
Thanks Tina and everyone for sharing your heart! I love this!
It always amazes me how God will give me a verse or scriptures several times to prepare me or encourage me! From today’s selection,
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As we gear up to start another Harvest here in Illinois, I want to thank all you ladies again for praying for me last fall when I was having some pregnancy complications/bleeding. Good is God, I’m holding my almost 6 month baby girl as I read today! So lovely to “meet” all you ladies here this morning as we begin a new study! Praying for all the requests old and new!
Oh Nicole! Isn’t it amazing!! Too often we forget our answered prayers after the problems are gone! I love that you our thankful and mainly AWARE! A healthy baby truly is a miracle! You could share a picture on our FB if you want, it is set to private. Glad you have the time right now to be with us!! The season will change often here on out!!
This warms my heart Nicole! God is indeed Good! Sending you both love and hugs..❤️
Praise be to God ❤️
I pray for myself and others, that this Day 1 sink into my eyes, ears, and heart to fully magnify the dark with the light. I need more of Jesus, so grateful for Paul and Timothy’s letters and not only distance but TIME can not separate us from the writings of this word to the WORD who stands beside us.
Today’s reading blazes the word action in my mind. I desire to maintain a heart that’s both ready and willing to take action in an instant no matter convenience. No better life then one lived unto our Lord Jesus Christ! Thanks ladies for sharing in the word with me. No matter how alone in our circumstances we feel we know that we have a family in Christ across the seas and I hope that encourages us to remain faithful knowing that this is not our home but we get to be apart of sharing His love and truth to a very lost world
Amen!!
Indeed, Amen!
As I read this first entry today, I am convicted. How much do we want others to know more of the goodness of God and His gospel? I look forward to growing with you “she’s” in this study.
Right! I FEEL that conviction and a fire in my heart to share!! Sometimes are easier than others, BUT GOD, it gives us opportunities all the time, IF we are still and follow the Holy Spirit! Often times we are just busy! The easiest tool of Satan!
For all of you…the study that I loved and made me really want to put into action God’s truth in THIS day and TIME..is called- Put Your Warrior Boots On! So good!! I can’t remember the author right this second! But if you are a little timed in this time period- Let me assure you- YOU are here in this time exactly where God wants to use YOU!!
Thank you so much Tricia and Tina for your prayer letters ❤️.
Sharon, deepest condolences.
All, for whatever you may be facing today.
Thank you. ❤️
I love being a part of the SRT community. I love studying Philippians because it reminds me to look for the treasure in every trial. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again Rejoice!
I love the phrase “treasure in the trial”❤️
Rejoicing with you, Donna.. He is good.. and worthy of our praise..and all we have..❤️
Looking forward to this study!
Time to delve into my relationship with Christ and reconnect with friends from long ago!
I love writing letters too, and Philippians and Colossians – are two of my favorite books of the New Testament! I’ve read them so many times, but I’m expecting God to show me something new – about Himself, this time, “to know more of God and the goodness of His gospel” -yes! So looking forward to this study!
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Sadly my cousin Tom was taken off of life support yesterday and passed away. Please pray for his family -especially that if they don’t know Christ, they will be drawn to Him in their time of sorrow.
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Have a blessed day sweet sisters -remembering you all in prayer. ❤️
Oh, so sorry, Sharon! Praying for all of you as you navigate his loss. ❤️
So sorry Sharon, prayers for you and the family.
Oh Sharon, such sad news! Prayers for your family ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss Sharon. Praying that the Lord would give you opportunities to minister to your family.
Oh sweet Sharon SO sorry for your loss.
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.
Sharon, I am so sorry about Tom! I kept praying he would respond. I will keep his/your family in my prayers. ❤
Condolences dearest Sharon on the passing of your cousin, Tom. Prayerful you and yours are knowing peace and God’s loving arms around you all.
Thinking of you and holding youself and Jeff close in these sad times..sending hugs❤️
I am sorry for that loss, Sharon.
GM She’s!
I have to tell you after reading the devotional today it hit of HOW my letters to my ladies in prison are so much like what Paul was doing! WOW! I know how much it means to them to get a letter! But to get one that builds them up for their relationship with the LORD…it is more powerful then I realized!! I just wrote 3 of them 2 nights ago, and had a little trouble thinking of what to say. But I could be their only Paul! When we started an email it was mainly a way they could reach out for prayers. But we realized quickly it had many more uses, to answer their biblical questions, form more of a friendship and lifeline, and of course to encourage them in between our weekly visits. Since then, several good friendships have gone on to prison, and I looked them up and sent them a letter to them there! There were so surprised and appreciative and asked me please to keep writing! All of them asked for a faith based program upon entering prison!! How wonderful to see the chain connection of our little jail ministry program! Ya’ll remember how nervous I was to start, I hadn’t even prayed out loud at that point..but was thrown in quickly! And…I went back every week in love with what this outreach did! It’s been a year and a half now and it is my favorite day!!
I’m no Paul, yet we can all try to serve like Paul, and step out and see HOW God wants to use us! I also encourage you to journal, which is basically your own letters to yourself, and the ones that may read them after you are gone. They may be what brings others to Jesus! Doesn’t that inspire you!? Plus they can be an encouragement when you need to go back and see how God has been monumental in your life through the years!
I may not be as eloquent as Tina (she is the BEST!!), but I do love sharing my thoughts here every day, and even like to pick random old studies and see what all of us wrote back then!! It is really fun! What a gift SRT is!! Love each and all of ya’ll and sending up those prayers!!
Rhonda, your gift of service is beautiful! It is awesome to see you “all in” with your prison ministry and at church ❤️
(And to respond to your question about work relations, I had wrote an update later that day on my original prayer request post — thank you for asking, though! Things didn’t go great, but I also will continue to look to God to be other people’s savior and healer. I can only do my best to love people and trust God with the sanctification. Easier said than done, as we all pretty much know! Lol. We can’t tell people to stop being angry and forgive us. I have this issue with another loved one in my life. Learning patience and peace to let God be God and let people deal with their emotions.
Hope you have a blessed week, Rhonda ❤️ I’m sure your hair looks cute!!
Oh Michelle, I am with you. And with me it is in my household, dealing with Angry outburst. It is hard to forgive over and over, hoping for change. I am praying for sanctification in his heart and to be able to have the fruits of the Spirit. Being slow to anger, and patient and kind. Praying for your situation!
Rhonda!! You are SO sweet!!! I’m so glad those ladies have YOU to be “their” Paul! I’m SO blessed to have you as my friend here at SRT and on IG and though not in person as Paul mentions in the Church of Colossae and you being 3 hours ahead of me and at the complete other side of the U.S. here we are! Love you sweet friend!
I know! I love our friendship, very special!! Loved putting a face to your special name here!!
Rhonda, you are an inspiration! I love hearing about all the changed lives in your jail ministry. And now on to prison ministry as well through letters! What a blessing you are to those ladies!
Hugs to you and prayers for you and the hubs! ❤️
Thank you Sue! I love that it blessed you! I have wanted to be “useful” to God’s Kingdom for a long time- and He said, “Get to know me and the history of the Bible” than you will be useful for me!! It was life changing! I wanted to DO, He wanted a stronger, life changing relationship FIRST, and now I am able to be useful for Him! Amen, Praise God!! I BOAST in HIM!! Thank you for the encouragement!!
Update on Stacy! She was able to move out of the halfway house that was adding stress and drama which she didn’t need. After being fired from on McDonalds for a new background search with new Management, she was able to get another position at the other McDonalds with a great referral from that manager! Now she lives a little closer to me, closer to the church she loves, and closer to the new job location! I pray she continues to prosper! How cool when she gets to the Kingdom and sees all the She’s she didn’t even know of that brought God’s power and strength into her life that helped her!! Wowzer!!
Rhonda, I don’t think it’s about being as eloquent as me, as you put it, thankfully we are called to different ‘jobs’ what it’s about is for us to be intentional in our worship and our actions to bring our brothers and sisters to know our Father God.. YOU, are a treasure to us here and to the prison ladies.. As you rightly said you could be the only ‘Paul’ but here’s the thing, they see and know God’s love through you.. YOU are His hands for hugging and writing His heart in a letter and His ambassador to those you meet in the prisons and around you.
You are an inspiration! Claim it!
I love you my dear..❤️
So blessed by you and your endearing enthusiasm and joy.❤️
Good morning and HAPPY Monday!! Monday’s having always been hard for me, but once UP, I’m UP. I’m so excited for this Bible study in Philippians and Colossians. from Philippians comes my LIFE verse! Phil 4:13. I’m so excited to dig in “together” with all of you sweeties! I, as I’m sure all of you here have those special friends that Lindsey mentions today whether near or far, they are “special” to us. I’m so blessed my special and VERY close friends are in the same town!! They know who they are as they, too are part of SRT!!! AND I am SO blessed to have ALL of you and those who are now my friends on IG!! God is good!
❤️❤️❤️
Mari V, ❤️
I love the book of Philippians! So many wonderful verses of encouragement in the Lord. Happy Monday!
I’m looking foward to doing this study. I am hoping that studying in community will help me with consistency and accountability. ❤️
Welcome Heide to the She’s! You will definitely grow being here!
Hey Heidi
Glad you’re here! You got this!
As one in the She family!
Welcome Heide..❤️
While I love writing letters, I have come to appreciate the immediate gratification that comes from texting or communicating virtually. It is one of the many reasons why I love this She Reads Truth community. And why I look forward every morning, to the discussions, encouragement and prayers from this group. Looking forward to this new study over the next few weeks.
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I am so thankful for the deep friendships I have in my life and this community of believers in SRT. I loved Tina’s prayer for us all this morning <3 claiming Isaiah 26:3 over my busy week. Love and prayers to you all!
❤️
Give Grace. Bring Peace.
I just finished Judges and decided to do this one in community. I’m looking forward to diving into this and seeing what the Holy Spirit would have me learn. I’m really trying to be more in tune with His voice and leading. I’ll be lifting all of you up prayer daily! ❤️❤️
It’s funny how God brings up the right words at the right time. I know Isaiah 26:3 and I needed the reminder this morning. Last week was rough. God pulled us through and kept the stubborn ones safe, even when they didn’t want to be kept safe.
I’m hopeful these readings will encourage me to be brave in my faith and sharing it with others, omission of forging stronger friendships in this new season of life I am in. ♥️
Oh, Christa
The time is surely now!
Renew those relationships!
Forward in faith!
❤️
This is my second study with SRT and I really enjoyed the way this one is set up with the reflection every day. I feel that today’s devotional is also relevant of how we must intentionally make time for Christ in our lives as we do for other people. I am encouraged to continue to show up everyday looking for Christ in all areas of my life. To draw near Him and to seek Him out and build that relationship every single moment of the day. I encourage you all to do the same.
Yay Lydia! Amen! SRT has changed my life when I found it 9 years ago and have come every day to the scripture first, and then with fellowship with the other She’s! It’s a true blessing!
Yes!!
Amen
Looking forward to walking with you through this study, Lydia..
See you tomorrow..❤️
I miss writing letters. Emails and texts are not as personal and it’s hard to convey your heart as you would by phone call, let’s say.
I am very excited to get into Philippians but especially Colossians..I’ve been drawn to that book in recent months and I can’t wait to dig in!
Omg me too ! I read through the Bible last year and I remember getting to Colossians and being like whoa, this is soo good. I just want to sit here for a while. I’m excited to get to it again!
Agree! The church that I first tried 2 years ago, they were going through the book of Colossians, and I loved the fact that they were actually reading a complete book, verse by verse!! It has become my home and a great church!! You would think that’s not a big deal, but it actually is these days were churches take a few scriptures to make a nice feel good message around them. I am excited to read through Colossians again as well!!
Amen
“You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (NLT)
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Lord, how I need to keep my thoughts fixed on You (especially today). Nothing in this world or the next compares to You, so why is anything else worth fixing my eyes on? Lord, have mercy on my easily distracted heart.
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Praying as I go, ladies. Gotta get to work early to prepare for new coworker. Blessings to you all today.
Praying for a smooth start, quick learning and compatible personality. And patience! ❤️
Lifting you up today Kelly (NEO) as you begin you’re extra responsibility in training new staff.
Praying for you Kelly. And I echo your prayer! I love the Isaiah verse
Like minds/spirits! My prayer for you when I woke up this morning included a new hire who is ready to learn fast and work hard and that one of these new hires would be someone you could bond with, a close work buddy! Have a wonderful day! ❤ Thanks again for your prayers!
Kelly, I hope today went well and thst your new coworker has been blessed by you on her first day.. ❤️
Noticing the attention to, and obedience of, guidance by the Holy Spirit in these verses. How much trouble could I have saved myself by following their example?!
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Praying for our caregiving sisters – LYNNE FROM AL, LINDA IN NC, NANCY S, GRAMSIESUE and others.
RHONDA J – praying for relief of your pain!
GWINETH52- amen!
CEE GEE- praying you are or will soon be fully recovered, sister.
Almost there; thanks for the prayers, sis! We had a 24 hour boil water advisory in place as of yesterday. Makes things even more interesting! Hopefully the issue will be taken care of this morning!
❤️. Hope you are recovering well dear Searching.. sending some healing love your way..❤️
I, too, love a good heartfelt, handwritten letter! It was helpful to be reminded that these letters of Paul were initially to fellow believers and close friends. He has ‘deep affection’ for them and above all wants them ‘to know more of God’ deep down and in all areas of their lives. May that be our experience over the next few weeks with these remaining pastoral letters – an encouragement or renewal of our knowledge of God, sinking deep and covering our whole lives. Amen!
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I am not much of a letter writer. I used to be in my younger days, but with technology, a text or maybe email has made it so much easier, but I think sort of less personal.
I’m going to try to write a note like Tina just did. Thank you for the example Tina.
Dear Sisters, I pray that you would know the strength and peace that comes from Jesus. I pray that you would be so bound with Him that you would want to read and know every word that He has for you today, and in the days ahead. Peace and blessings to you. And Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. ❤️
Amen
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I love it Tricia. Perfect!❤️
I am a letter writer. I love to put my words and heart felts, the words of my heart on paper. I love that my words then are there as a reminder to read, re-read, and read again.. for that moment and long after. Of course, that is assuming the letters are kept!
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From Tina, a believer and a lover of our Jesus—
To all my fellow sojourners here on SRT, church leaders and helpers, Caregivers. Teachers and helpers. Singles, looking/waiting for a good man. Those grieving. Those fighting anxiety and depression. Those holding ‘the lost’ close in prayer. Those in pain and needing relief, sooner, rather than later. Those waiting for hospital dates and those waiting for a miracle with illnesses.. Those whose hearts are wounded by past events, and those in need of peace in their hearts..
I lift you up to the One who sees. The One who hears. The One who knows, and pray..
You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 GNT
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May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN..
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Looking forward to this journey together.
Much love, always, covered in hugs,
Tina.❤️
Beautiful Tina
Amen. Blessings to you in Jesus Name.
Thank you so much Tina. You are such a blessing to me. I am thankful that God brought you to this group and to my life. ❤️
Tina, this was beautiful. Thank you for being such an encouragement.
Dear TINA, you are loved by me and so many others that join with us daily, or for a study now and then. I feel your constant love and compassion given freely through your testimonies and prayers for us. ❤️❤️❤️
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Such a beautiful prayer today, so touching that I read it through teary eyes.
Amen! Thank you for sharing those beautiful, loving words.
Thank you Tina for a beautiful prayer! May God bless you❤️
Love this, thank you.
Such a sweet encouragement ❤️
Thank you Tina!
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Your heart is clearly shown in your writing! Thank you ❤️
Beautiful Tina.
Thanks, Dear Tina… I love how your letter puts life in perspective… WE ARE THE CHURCH! His words are for US TODAY!!
Thanks for using your beautiful gift of “Letter writing “ To bless us in this way! I’m with all the rest, “Teary, Touched, and Blessed”!! ♥️♥️♥️
❤️❤️❤️ Thank you, Tina, for your beautiful prayer for us to begin this next study❤️
Beautiful❤ Your prayer felt personal to me this morning. I imagine it did for a lot of us!
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Amen. Beautiful, Tina. Thank you.
Beautiful Tina, thank you! I am a letter writer too and a card sender. I love putting a stamp on and dropping it in the mailbox – hoping to bring a little encouragement to someone’s day…this we have in common! ❤️
Beautiful words straight from the heart Tina, you have covered us all in the name of Jesus
Oh dear Tina,
You are such a blessing!
Thank you for praying for all of us.
Hugs to you across the pond. ❤️
Much love to you, dear sister! Sending that prayer right up for you, too! ❤
Thank you Tina for the beautiful letter and the prayers for the Shes❤️❤️❤️
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I love this!
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Oh sweet Tina….. thank you, I needed this just this very moment, as I’m outside with a TK student who had a very hard time this morning and I’m on my 10 minute break watching her play
Thank you Tina! Love your writings and look forward to them daily. You truly are an inspiration to all of us.
Preach, Sister!!
Rise up in song, Sister Shes, in that great hallelujah chorus!!
And to a hearty Thank you! As always covered in love and hugs. Thank you!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️