Philippians_ 4
Scripture Phillipians 4:4-20 Observation Paul continues his exhortation to the church in Phillipi. Understanding Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! When I read this passage I instantly knew it was for right now, for today, for the last couple of months. With all the things happening in our world, our country, our community, with all the information circulating and our easy access to take it all in, this passage was for now. It couldn’t be said better by me or anyone. The point is driven by someone completely filled with the Holy Spirit and his words are so relevant. Phillipians 4:4-20 (The MSG) 4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! 6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Application 8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious— the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Amen!!
Deborah Lee