Today’s Scripture: Philippians 4:1, NIV- “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!”
With the chaos and bombs of life flying everywhere it is very comforting to know we have more than a safe place to stand. We do not need to hide in a bunker. We must only stand tall on the love and joy of our Lord!
Even if we are captured as Paul was in jail as he wrote to the people of Philippi, we can be enraptured with love and joy. Paul could do this, and we can do this when we know our true citizenship is in heaven as he wrote in Philippians 3:20 “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” (NLT)
We do not need to wait for the glorious day Jesus returns. Regardless of the chains that bound us today, we can trust in the promise of Philippians 3:21 that Jesus “will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” (NLT)
Regardless of the number of days each of us have in our mortal bodies, we can set our minds on love and joy every single day. Not in our power but in the power of God. Regardless of the circumstances, trials, or surroundings that may enslave us we can live as Paul instructed us to in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (NKJV)
When we turn to the Lord we can live out Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (NIV) No buts, ifs, or when’s should keep us from the love of God. We must remember Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV)
When we put this into practice we do come to know the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, which will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NIV) Just as Paul stated in Philippians 4:11, we can learn to be content whatever the circumstances. (NIV) We can do this as Philippians 4:13 promises, it is Jesus who gives us strength.
Our God meets all our needs with the riches of His glory that are available to us through Christ Jesus as promised in Philippians 4:19. We can love each other and experience joy when we remember and ask that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with our spirits.
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to us so we may know His grace, love, and joy in our spirits. Remind us to turn to You in all circumstances. You LORD are our confidence and hope for today and all eternity. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord we are praying. Amen.
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