Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:12-30, Philippians 3:7-11, Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, Romans 8:35-39
This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue reading the Pauline Epistles.
The Book of Philippians: Philippians is one of Paul’s warmest letters, written to thank the church in Philippi for a gift and to inform them of his imprisonment. This letter communicates that because of the eternal hope of the gospel, joy is possible in every circumstance.
How Philippians Fits into the Story: Paul’s letter to the Philippians teaches us about genuine Christian living. While nearly every theme he introduced here can also be found elsewhere in Scripture, this letter reveals how those themes impact our lives as believers. Philippians also contributes to our understanding of Christian commitment and what it means to be Christlike, even amidst suffering.
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you long for in this world more than Jesus? How does Jesus ultimately satisfy that desire?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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115 thoughts on "Philippians"
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It’s amazing to think that some people could preach the gospel “from envy and rivalry” and others from “goodwill.” I guess it just goes to show that God’s word can accomplish anything! Even if it’s being said with good or bad intentions…really interesting to think about…
I say that nothing beats my desire for Jesus. However, my family does tend to be the desire that overtakes my attention and priorities. I tend to come back to my bible study instead of setting it aside as sacred time for just me and God to commune.
Reflection Question 1: What do you long for in this world more than Jesus? How does Jesus ultimately satisfy that desire? My earthy wish list often looks like having what other people have that I didnt have and get everything that others have. Jesus has taught me to realize that I don’t need what others have that all i need is Him and He is the only one who can satisfy. He has also taught me that earthy things are tempoary and not to focus on what is tempoary and to focus on what is in heaven because heavenly things will last forever earthy things wont.
How does todays reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Redemption is not about being forgiven for the mistakes that you have made, its truly about being brought back and getting restored to the way things were meant to be originally. Redemption will swich the view and bring the order. We need to put Jesus back on top He realines our focus putting ourselves last rather than seeing others as compettion.
Trying again…
Ok. It has been three hours, and my post is still in moderation. Let me see what I can remember…
I am re-memorizing Philippians. It was fun to do the reading today because even though the translation is different, I could recite it! Sweet!
And, Mom has an appointment on Wednesday am (9:45, central). Please pray it goes well, and that she can pee. (She couldn’t before. I don’t think she drinks enough water… don’t even get me started!!) And prayers for me that I could remember each day, that I am not her babysitter, and that I need to be less bossy. She is not like me. I am not like her. (I like to have my ducks in a row, and they are not even near the pond!)
Thanks, sweet sisters.
And apologies if a similar post shows up later.
My pastor preached this chapter yesterday, and my mind immediately went to my morning gardening. My squash plants did not do great this year. I was ecstatic when I saw them covered with lady bugs a few weeks back bc I thought they would eat all the pest, well to my surprise I learned yesterday that those were not lady bugs but squash beetles that look like lady bugs and were actually killing my plants! So as we read Phillipians I thought about the imitators. the ones who appear to be friends but are actually well disguised foes. I was like God, who is it. who is the squash bug, and I felt him say not who but what? What in my life appears to be beneficial, but is actually destructive. Ive been sitting on that. Maybe it’s the same question that’s asked here, what do you long for more than Jesus. Maybe for me it’s more knowledge, which equals what a lot of you said more security.
great questions!!
Great analogy.
I yearn to build a healthy and happy family, to witness the joys and challenges of life together. Although I may occasionally feel alone in this journey, I find solace in the unwavering presence of Jesus.
ines I’m right there with you, anxiously awaiting my ultrasound. prayers over you too!
My comment is awaiting moderation… whaaaaat? There was nothing that would cause that. Will post on our FB page as well.
I wish I woulda composed my comment before I tried to post, like other, smarter sisters have mentioned! Lesson learned the hard way, I guess.
Grrrr!
I know..I still compose here rather than somewhere and paste here…I’ll be mad next time I lose it, lol!
I draft in my notes app, and then I have it to use for reference later. ❤️
I think most of us have been there, in that moderation ‘room’
Hope it arrived for us to read.. otherwise, as I often say.. it was clearly only a comment for Gods eyes..
blessings.
My wish list is to live in peace. He provides that peace!
To be more Jesus like daily. I don’t want to be him. I just want to put his confidence, character and heart in action
Reflection Questions:
1.What do you long for in this world more than Jesus? How does Jesus ultimately satisfy that desire? My earthly wish list often looks like a beautiful home with a nice yard in a warm climate with low crime and a great school district (lol). Where I live, it snows and stays cold and dark for six to seven months out of the year, yet when summer hits, I’m not used to the heat. I realize how finicky my human desires can be, and I frequently find myself wrestling with these earthly wants. Everything on this earth is truly temporary, it decays, loses value, or can be taken away in an instant. But the home Jesus is preparing for us in heaven is eternal in His wonderful promise, John 14:2: “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you”. I also desire companionship and the comfort of not having to walk through life alone. Yet, through seasons of hardship, God has called me to walk paths where I had to lean on Jesus alone, fighting fear and loneliness, In doing so, He has proven time and time again that He is truly enough, so I can practice being in His presence. He alone is truly powerful to rescue, comfort, deliver, and heal if I let Him and yield to the process. He showed me the rule of JOY: Jesus, Others, and Yourself.
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2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? This question is always so tricky for me because it is the same every time (great question regardless lol). Redemption isn’t just about being forgiven for our mistakes, but being bought back and restored to the way things were meant to originally work. Redemption shifts perspective and the order. Putting Jesus back at the top realigns our priorities, and put others above us “Consider others more important than yourself” (Philippians 2:3) is necessary (instead of seeing others as a competition, or a tool, a threat, we see them as more important). Putting ourselves last is not about lowering our self-esteem, our self-worth, or having zero boundaries for anyone to take from us and walk over us, it means removing our ego from the center of the universe, giving the glory to GOD and stepping out of the main spotlight to the supporting roles “how can I help others succeed?”. And oftentimes my selfish flesh will fight this alignment. “Me first” screams so loudly in a heated argument, in a conflict. And then the reminder of “dying to self daily” (laying my pride down daily) as the mercy of God’s word would speak in the soft voice, for divine wisdom is peaceable and pure.
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Prayers lifted up…
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SUSAN BONNER- rejoicing with you over the progress and continued prayers for Tom’s steady recovery
ASHLI- provision for your husband’s job, his patience and resilience to endure, and financial provision for your family.
MARGARET W- God’s grace for Becca’s job situation to improve or clarity for a new direction.
INES HODZIC- for a healthy pregnancy, may God bless the fruit of your womb and grant you great peace for this journey!
TINA- strength and a good recovery
SEARCHING & B- energy to keep up with the little ones, may God bring you harmony, and balance to your daily routine.
RHONDA- loved the dream you shared ❤️ about “Searching”
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Be blessed dear sisters.
Thank you so much Mercy! I’m truly touched and beyond grateful for such an amazing community
good stuff, Mercy.”Redemption isn’t just about being forgiven for our mistakes, but being bought back and restored to the way things were meant to originally work.”
Joining you in prayer for these sisters.
Amen!❤️
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Thank you. Mercy.❤️
ONE more thing. Please pray. I am going to confront my mom about an event that happened last week when my Tia from Mexico was here. It was an unpleasant situation. This past Wednesday, my Tia went back to Mexico and I drove her to the airport. She was definitely godsend. She advised that I write my mom a letter as a form of communicating to her about the situation. In that letter, I will be asking for forgiveness for “my part“ but also addressing the unpleasant situation.
I’ll be praying for the right words to be spoken or written..if i may, Mari, do not write in anger, or even whilst your heart still burns in rage..wait a day or two breath, and then write as Jesus would..
praying for peace of heart..❤️
Just like Sharon Jersey Girl, I too felt question #1 sounded like a trick question. AND I for sure don’t want to sound hollier than thou…. I long for JESUS! He is my everything and the reason for my existence. Now there are things I want, but not more than I want my Jesus. I have always said. Jesus is my first love, than right next, I mean right, right next are Caleb and Alyssa the loves of my life on this earth. Even in the hard times, I know that I know I can trust my JESUS, even when I have to wait for an answer. It doesn’t make it easy because I’m human, but I know I can trust Jesus! And as a mom who is now being abruptly/drastically being “empty-nested” I long for my children to keep seeking Jesus, ALWAYS, no matter what comes their way. That they know JESUS has them! Speaking of which my son visited a church in SF and really loved it!
I long for the ability to reveal my faith in an educated way. I stumble all over my words. I have such a bad memory. I have always struggled to get the proper words out of my mouth.
Secondly I long for those around me to know Christ.
This was SO me Traci..but honestly, practice, practice practice. The more you talk to people it does get easier! I always said I’m the worst at saying what I’m thinking and putting it “right!” And even writing here every day and journaling..all those things help. And of course, putting trust and asking the Holy Spirit to give you the right things to say!
“those who have ears will hear, even in your ‘bumbling’ because they are ready to hear. Rhonda makes a good point in that the more you open up, the easier it will get to speak easily about the One whom you look to, daily.. hugs my sister..❤️
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you long for in this world more than Jesus? A safe, stable, carefree home and a healthy bank account on the side.
How does Jesus ultimately satisfy that desire? By giving me understanding on how He is woven in each part of that dream. No matter if it takes me longer than necessary to see how He meets those needs and desires.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
That Paul was an incredibly smart interpreter of the word and how he keeps you trying to focus on the needed and necessary parts of life that enrich and serve you better with Christ’s involvement.
From Warren Wiersbe NKJV Study Bible on verses 29-30:
“We can see three encouragements in these verses: First, these battles prove that we are saved (v. 29). We not only believe on Christ but also suffer for Christ. Paul called this ‘the fellowship of His sufferings’ (3:10).
Second, the presence of conflict is a privilege; we suffer ‘for His sake’ (1:29). In fact, Paul told us that this conflict is ‘granted’ to us — it is a gift! If we were suffering for ourselves, it would be no privilege, but because we are suffering for and with Christ, it is a high and holy honor. After all, He suffered for us, and a willingness to suffer for Him is the very least we can do to show our love and gratitude.
A third encouragement is this: Others are experiencing the same conflict (v. 30). Satan wants us to think we are alone in the battle, that our difficulties are unique—but such is not the case.”
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SONG SHARE:
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death (Official Lyric Video) – Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Amen ❤️
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Lately, I would say I long for is more laborers to the harvest! I will say that I struggle with peace, security, salvation of friends and loved ones. But I see such a need for additional committed help in our kids ministry at church.
Phrases from these Scriptures –
for the furtherance of the gospel
Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice
Christ will be magnified
let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ
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that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith
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He has put eternity in their hearts
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Reading today’s Scriptures, thinking of and praying for so many family members and dear friends who don’t know these truths, and in some cases straight out say they don’t want to know, and all our prodigals. Just heartbreaking. Reminds me of another verse, Pray without ceasing.
Don’t stop praying, sisters.
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WENDY B – praying for a speedy MRI appointment, wisdom for your medical team, guidance and healing from our Great Physician. ❤️
SUSAN BONNER – praise the Lord for the amazing improvement in Tom’s health and healing! Prayer for full, speedy recovery
B ❤️
So good to read your thoughts again! ❤
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“Don’t stop praying, sisters!” reminded me of this song:
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Matthew West – Don’t Stop Praying (Music Video)
“pray without ceasing”❤️
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I love this Searching.. Truth. ❤️
The book of Philippians is one of my all time favorite books of the Bible! I love Paul’s zest for living for and serving Jesus Christ.
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Question #1 almost sounds like a trick question. Is there anything I could want more than Jesus?? If I say yes to this, it would be that my 2 prodigal sons would turn to Christ and allow Him to be the Lord of their lives. There is nothing in this world that I desire more than that. And – for me to know Christ as Paul knew Him. The first I have no control over, the second – I do.
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Praying for your requests. Have a blessed day, rushing off to the chiropractor!
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Funny, Sharon, that seriously was my first thought, was this a trick question! ❤️
Paul is telling us that there is nothing more valuable in our life than to know Jesus, our Lord and to be found in Him. Paul’s goal was to know Jesus and the power of his resurrection that is the changed life, being born again, the new person we become in Jesus. And this new life includes a fellowship with Jesus’ suffering. Jesus never left Paul, even in prison Paul was bearing fruit for Christ. No wonder Paul could say “rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice .” Phil 4:4
Amen.❤️
I’m not sure its a one line answer for me? So I have to say, firstly, more of Jesus in my own life. Secondly, is that everyone, starting with those closest to would want to know and love Jesus more than anything. In seeking to live my life worthy of as we read in Phil 1:27, it id always in the forefront of my mind to keep pressing on, to bring honor and glory to the Lord no matter what may come in my days. To testify to His goodness, faithfulness and point others to Him. May I be found worthy and faithful.
“Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Phil 1:27
Praying for the requests you have all shared ✝️
I appreciate your continued prayers. Last week was very difficult as we continue to learn of more things wrong with me than right. In addition to the growth on my adrenal gland, a growth has now been detected on my pituitary gland as well. My body is essentially waring against itself and in crisis with no symptom relief at all. More tests, more consults – my medical team has never seen what is happening with me and needs great wisdom as they figure things out. I am awaiting and urgent referral for an MRI, so please pray that call and appt will be soon. Please pray for an wisdom, insight and guidance for the drs, for peace, encouragement and strength for myself and my husband and ultimately for healing. I also have my second injection today to address the tumors. God is able and our hope is in Him. Thank you❤️
Oh Wendy..Im sorry you are having to go through all this (again.) It must bring back lots of fears and pain, and feel overwhelming, and that’s not even the physical issues.
I am praying with you, but as you said, keeping our sights and hearts on heaven and Jesus…he will sustain us through everything.
Praying for you right now Wendy. I am so sorry for the discouraging results you have had so far. May God give much needed wisdom to the Dr.s and may He give you peace, encouragement and strength as you navigate through this difficult time.❤️
Sending hugs and prayers Wendy B❤️
Praying for His peace that passes understanding during this hard time! And praying for complete healing.
Wendy, I am praying for you! Lord, hear our prayers!
Yes, Lord ✝️.
Please Your Hands, Your will in Wendy and in every health professional, in admins who book appointments, in every step,….
Prayers for you, @WENDY
Praying for you, Wendy! ❤️
Praying for you, Wendy❤️
Praying Wendy
Praying for you Wendy as you go through all of the testing and waiting. Praying for wisdom and guidance for your medical team as they continue to search for answers and treatment for you. Praying you start to feel better as you continue the injections for the tumors. Sweet peace for you and your husband. It’s so hard to wait for answers especially when you are feeling so badly. Sending hugs, love, and prayers today. ❤️❤️
Thank you all so much ❤️❤️❤️
Wendy, praying with and for you as you go through this storm..
BUT GOD..
He is not sleeping, He is working and we hold fast to His promises not to never leave, not even for a minute, nor forsake.. He is close.
Your sisters here will continue to lift you up in prayer..❤️
Yes to all of this. Praying, Wendy!
Praying, Wendy.
I have an amazing update on Tom. They removed the impella and the ventilator yesterday. Hearing him say I love you was the very best!My nurse granddaughter that is here from TX sent me this early this morning.(she stays with him at night)
Bipap turned off at midnight. Wore oxygen till about an hour ago and now on room air. Down to only ONE drip medicine for heart as of twenty seconds ago. Very lovey dovey and has asked when you’ll be here but is very understanding that it will be later in the morning. And talking my ear off.
Praise God Susan for this amazing update! How good God is to spare Tom’s life, and spare you grief. Rejoicing with you!
Yes, amen! I admit, it didn’t sound good…But Praise the Lord, our Healer and Miracle Worker!! I pray he will continue to get better, and that the scare just makes us appreciate each other more and never take for granted how quickly things can happen! (heart)
Oh, Susan, I know that brought immense JOY to your heart and spirit and, dare I say, a bounce to your step! ☺❤
Praise God for His mighty healing! ❤
What incredible news! Praising the Lord with you!!
Praise God! So good to hear this news! Love that your granddaughter/nurse Is staying overnight with him. So sweet!
Thank you for the update on Tom with this wonderful, encouraging, news!
Praying for continued improvement.❤️
Praise God!
Amazing! So thankful!
Oh that brought tears to my eyes Susan. What amazing news!
God is good!
Will continue to pray for total healing for Tom, and for you.. ❤️
Me too, with the tears! ❤️❤️❤️
“…because of the eternal hope of the gospel, joy is possible in every circumstance.”
Struggling to grasp this in a 24/7 kind of way, rather than only when I’m reminded.
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Blessed with 2 granddaughters for a couple days, so will be tired(and behind on SRT)! :) They are such a joy and a distraction from my circumstances. Praying for requests as able.
Yes, I love how grandchildren distract us and bring joy. Even in my traumatic and deep loss with my sister, to have my great nieces there 4,2, and a precious 4 week old to hold all the time, it was helpful…BUT TIRING!! They helped my sister to disrupt her deep grief for moments.
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Enjoy the grands, they are, for sure, some of lifes ‘good gifts’ that are around us, as so totally and utterly sent from heaven above..❤️
What a letter from Paul..oh to have such security in the Lord. No matter what comes our way, what our circumstances are, how we “feel,” just knowing if our focus is to keep our eyes on Jesus, it is well with our souls!
Can I do this, will I do this, have I done this…?
I can say every day Jesus is the center. Morning, noon, afternoon, when I lay my head down…Jesus has been there all day…by studies, prayers, radio messages and music, even tv at night.
It wasn’t always this way of course, but I always kept Christian music on my radio in my kitchen and in my car in my 30’s and 40’s which always helped realign my focus in those busy days. It is a good practice.
Do we count everything else in our lives as dung compared to the gospel? hmm? I do like security, things, my Florida home. But when you go through hurricanes you realize it can all be gone pretty quick, so you have to know that. And most of us know, anything can change your world in an instant. But God..when we know him, we will not be squashed, maybe just squeezed.
Seeing all that Paul went through and reading all his writings shows us and hopefully resonates that life is hard, especially to live for Christ. Would we surrender all, lay down our life. I don’t know, we live in the western world where Christian life is cushy. Comfortable. And that’s a bad place to be. We need to be tested.
Today’s lesson is convicts me again, that I must live for Christ fully, and it will keep testing me to push me even more profoundly towards him. I want to hear “Well done my good and faithful servant!” I want to tell as many people as I can that Jesus Christ is the answer to every question!
Song- “Jesus Be the Name” Elevation Worship.
“More Like Jesus” by Passion
❤️❤️❤️ the dream
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Song to underscore today’s reading: “If I got Jesus ” by Ben Fuller
Yes, good one!
GM ladies. Here is our list of prodigals. Add any names in the comments.
Isaiah 43:19 Look, I am about to do something new;
even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Alice V – Brian, Rachel
Kim Mullins – Tyler
Tami – Chela, Quentin
Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali
Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
Aleida – Victor
Maddie – Michelle, Julia
Rhonda – Michael
Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
Deb – Brandon, Angel
Linda J – Matthew
Mollie – Sam
MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
Bessie – Ben
Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
Sandy Lynn – Andy
Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
Jane K – Leah
B – M, B
Susan B – Tammy, Amy
Carla – Cierra, Stephen
Lisa H – Cora
Kimberk – Megan, Randy
Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy
Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
Jenny Carmichael – Katy
Mercy – boys in social care system
Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
Vicki – Ben, Sian
TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
Susan B – Emma
Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
Nat – Marissa, Melody
Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
Laura – Jordan, Taliah
April L – Molly, Becca
Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
Heather – Jack, Hudson
Cheryl Blow – Sara
Dianne – Ian
Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
Melzie K- Jake, Cece & Elijah
Shar – K
Leala – Ryan, AJ, Sam
Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
Cat-tee – A & A, K & T
K-Ann – G, T, S
Cathy McVey – Jeremiah, Brayden, Nolan, Ashlyn
Keri – Finley, Rudy, Scout, Nellie, Polly, Dottie, Goldie
Lena- Andrea, Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
LaRae – Levi
Julie G – Matt, Katherine, Ray
AML – Jonathan, Jake, Emma, Becca
Kristin G – Brandon, Melissa
Allegra – Lydia, Nick, Micah, Jonah
Karen – Nathan, Bailey
Jazz – Blake, Zoie, Greg, Elizabeth
Gina – Carolyn, Steven
Cindy – Toby, Clarissa, Katie, Samantha
TS Woodruff – Danielle
Tammy H.- Alyssa
Danielle B – Joelle, Adam
Myra – Mitchell
Debby – Kristen
Jenn F – B&E, J&T
K – Alizabeth
Stephanie – Greg
Melanie C – Casey, Corey, Celeste, Kat
Mollie – Haley, Jeff, Rhonda
Margo – Lindsey, Drew, Lauren, Spencer
Meghan – Maddie, Brianne
Susan – Natassia
Donna – Kathy
Lena- Andrea, Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
Donna – Linda
Melanie – Jeff, Gary, Drake, Logan, Ryan
KMC – Rachelle, Karah, Joshua
Donna- Sherry
Kelly – Kyla, Brendan
Marie S – Joshua, Carleigh, Zoe, Terry, Edie, Brady
Erin E – Ava
phil 4:8 think on these things
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My fleshly heart longs for security and control in this life, but these verses in Philippians remind me that my peace, comfort, and rest are not found in outcomes that I seek to fashion, but in the person and work of Jesus, my Savior! His redemption work is the greatest proof that He loves me and is working ALL things for my good. The old hymn is true, I may not know the future, but I know who holds the future—and He is for me! Jesus satisfies every longing of my heart—forever! Lord, help me daily return to your fullness and trust in your loving and faithful character!
I also long for security and control. I am working to surrender.
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I pray that nothing in this world is desired by me more than Jesus…that His heart and life and love would be found and seen in me! Jesus is life and everything, my all-in-all!!!
My greatest longing is security! There are so many things in this world that stir up anxiety within me. I’m so grateful that Jesus walks alongside me through each of those surmounting feelings. Resting in His presence today!
Me to Susan!
Philippians reminded me how easy it is to look for peace and security in things I can control, but those things never truly satisfy. Jesus alone is enough, and only He can fill the deepest longings of my heart!
Today’s reading also shaped my understanding of redemption by reminding me that knowing Christ is the greatest treasure. Through Him, we receive the gift of salvation and a relationship with God that satisfies more than anything this world could ever offer.
Please pray for my husband. He is a midlife career-switcher, and we have had a really tough, years-long season of seeking a good job for him. The constant rejection has led to him feeling so discouraged, and low in self-confidence. I went back to work as a teacher, but with three kids, my salary really has barely been keeping us afloat. We’ve had to truly rely on God during this season for all of our financial needs. He is currently in an interview process now for a job that seems better than anything else we had imagined for him, but he’s feeling so much pressure to land it this time. I know he has been carrying a lot, especially with myself and three young children to think about and provide for.
We’ve had the rug pulled out from us so many times (he’s made it to the final interview round on more than one occasion, only to have a “we went with the other candidate” come our way), and are honestly feeling scared to hope. Trusting that God knows the plans, and praying each step of the way. Though our circumstances may change, Christ is our firm foundation we stand on during this season!
Praying Ashli❤️
Praying for employment and the peace that it will bring you and your family.
Praying that this will be the job for your husband and praying for your family to remain anchored in Jesus ❤️
Praying, Ashli, for your husband’s employment and continued strength of faith in God.
Praying for you Ashli that things go your way and that he gets the job! Waiting can be so hard. Keep trusting.
Praying Ashli to see your name here tomorrow with a positive update!
joining our sisters in prayer for your husband to find a job, and for your heart to have peace and faith in Father God, whom, I pray is already working for the right job to come..
Praying, Ashli..
There is nothing else to want when you truly trust the gift of Jesus.
I long for the eyes of those spirually blinded to be opened to the Truth of Jesus’s love and offer of salvation. That they would find Him irresistible and surrender their hearts to Him and find eternal salvation.
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Jesus ultimately satisfies that desire the work of His Church being His hands and feet and His Spirit convicting their hearts.
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Today’s reading speaks to the partnership Christians have with the Lord in leading unbelievers to Jesus and helping them on their story of redemption.
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Asking myself today how am I reflecting Jesus to those around me?
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INES HODZIC – praying for your peace of mind as you get your blood test results.
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REBECCA W – rejoicing with you about Brett’s job. May this be the first step of many in the right direction.
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MARGARET W. – praying Becca will turn to Jesus for help with her job situation.
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KIRA H. – continued prayers for Debbie’s recovery and that she leans in to Jesus for strength in adjusting to her new normal.
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TINA – hope you are feeling better today
“ for the eyes of those spirually blinded to be opened to the Truth of Jesus’s love and offer of salvation. That they would find Him irresistible and surrender their hearts to Him and find eternal salvation.”
Amen, amen, amen ❤️
Thank you for the continued prayers for Debbie! She was able to get dressed for the first time since the accident and has begun physical therapy, so prayers for continued strength and patience as she works through those exercises and, as you mentioned, adjusts to her new normal are very appreciated.
Amen
Amen❤️
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8. We are reading and standing firm in the true knowledge that God loves us, wants us to believe this and is close to us and in our heart. No one can separate us from His love He is the first answer for loneliness and we can take heart in that! ❤️
On my last visit to my earthly father, we talked a lot. One of our conversations was about the stage of life he was at, he referred to it as the autumn of his life, I asked why he referred to it so, he said..
His younger days had been the spring of his life, forming, sprouting, growing, and learning. Those early days had set him up to and for the summer of his life, job, marriage, children, and he felt he had done them well. He had been happy, and though there may have been struggles along the way, he could not see what he would change, because it all brought him to the autumn of his life..
This season, he described as as calming down from the rat race, ‘take it easy’ the slower pace of life, he regretted nothing, he said, and he looked forward to the balmy days of older life.. and peace!
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I guess, I am now in the autumn of my life, though it feels like I’m in the summer, still busy, still doing, BUT, if I down tools for a moment and take a breathe for a moment, and think hard, I don’t think there is anything I long for now,!
My story, has opened my eyes to not hold too tightly to dreams, hopes, desires, longing.. as Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 3, ‘..there is (indeed) a time for everything..’ but also I think there is also a time to trust in the autumn of ones life, that dreams unfulfilled, were not to be..
At this time in my life, to be honest, I feel that ‘nearer my God to thee’ is my anthem, I am not saying anything other than that, fact is, we don’t get younger, we get older, and at some point we will be called home! I want to be ready, I, like Traci ( from yesterday’s comments), want to hear that I run the race well, and a well done from Father God..
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So in answer to question 1, longing is a word I would not use for what i still hope to achieve, whilst im still here on earth..
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN..
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Praying the most blessed of Mondays my dears., remember, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens me/us, daily..
It is well.
Much love, always,
Tina..❤️❤️❤️
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Your father had good insight. Thank you for your comment yesterday. And your prayers.
I don’t think there’s anything I long for more than I long for Jesus. With him, I have everything, so why long for other things when he is everything?
See my missive, and you, my dear sister, said it in 3 lines..
Thank you..
one of these❤️for you today..
Amen! May we all strive to be completed in Christ.