July 2, 2014 (Wednesday)
Paul wrote to the Philippians from Rome. This church had been devoted to supporting Paul ever since they had come to know him. He went to Philippi in response to a vision from God, but was imprisoned with his companion, Silas, while there. Nevertheless, a witness was given and people accepted Christ, forming a new congregation of believers in Jesus Christ. After he left town and arrived at the next place on the road, Thessalonica, he received a gift from the Christians at Philippi. Now, as he is under arrest in Rome, he receives gifts from this same generous church, and he sits down to write them a “thank you” letter. The letter is brimming over with gratitude and love and rejoices in the fellowship he enjoys with this great group of believers.
Philippians – a devotional thought
We should read the letter to the Philippians often, as a “tonic,” as one writer suggests. Reading it will make you feel better and will encourage you to become a more loving person, rejoicing in your personal relationship with your Savior.
Verses from Philippians to hold in your heart:
“I thank my God every time I remember you” (1:3 NIV).
“..to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (1:21 NIV).
“..it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (2:13 NIV).
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (3:13-14 NIV).
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4 NIV).
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (4:12-13 NIV).
“..my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (4:19 NIV).
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:6-7).
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things” (4:8 NIV).