Philippians 1-4
Have you ever tried reading one entire book of the Bible in one sitting? Now that might sound a little daunting, but for the most part (excluding big books like Ezekiel, Isaiah, Psalms, etc.) it isn't. It's actually a great way to read your Bible, and with books like Philippians that are letters, it makes total sense. Think about it. If you got a letter in the mail today, how would you read it? I highly doubt you'd read it a paragraph or two a day until you finished it up at the end of the week. No way, you'd read the entire letter.
So here's a little challenge for us today. Would you give 10-15 extra minutes to God and read the Book of Philippians like a letter--from beginning to end? I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how helpful this will be. Then, tell us about it--Was it beneficial? Did you see something this time through that maybe you missed reading the book in pieces? Did the book make more sense? Whatever your experience, tell us about it. Have fun with the challenge. I can't wait to see your comments! Tami W.
Thanks Tami. I took the challenge and having read Paul's letter to the Phillipians in part it was just great reading the whole four chapters again today. We have to commend Paul for his faithfulness and love for Jesus and at the same time giving God thanks for paul and people like him who have confirmed that Jesus is alive and will be returning in person and are so passionate about Christ. I know some people have lost faith as they feel that if Christ is coming why isn't he here as yet? My take on this is to thank God for the extra time He gives us each day to get to know Him better and draw closer to Him. Thanks for Powered by 4 and Back to the Bible Ministry for the teachings and guide through the Word.
Paul speaks about the support, financial and otherwise that was provided by the Philippians and we too must provide thanks and praise for the work of Back to the Bible and other ministries that do speak the true Word. We must look at our donations as helping these ministries to reach more and more people. We must keep praying for them becuase God hears and answers prayers and there are many f us out there that need God's guidance. If on 1 July BTTB were to discontinue their ministry it would be a backward move for me personally. I look foward to going to my computer to read God's Word so please let us help no matter how small our donations are God will bless them and mutiply them.
We cannot all be like the Philippians but we can take a page out of their book and help. We cannot all be like Paul but we can learn from him. God blesses us with different gifts and whatever ours are, let us just thank and praise the Lord for loving us and providing these gifts to us through His grace. Remember we have not done anything to earn them.
I leave with you Paul's message to the Romans 12:5-8 "So we, being many, are of one body in Christ, and every one members one of another, Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophecy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness" KJV
May God continue to touch our hearts and may He bless us this day and through the weekend.
I just read it and it was refreshing to my spirit. It provided me with comfort and to realize that we are one body in Him. We are knitted together in love and to help one another. I needed this word today because my spirit is down, but the devil is a liar. I am thinking on any and all things that are pure, of a good report, praiseworthy, noble and just today. I am setting my mind on Christ so that my joy will be full in Him. Please pray for me to be refreshed in my mind and to stand on the word of God and His truth that I am never alone, He is with me ALWAYS even until the end of time. He is there. Thank you my brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Like most of Paul's Epistles and letters they are applicable to our life! It amazes me how much truth comes out when we dig into the Bible. Convicting, comforting and informative! Philippians is one helpful to me to read/isten to everyday because it reminds me to love others more than myself and how much God loves me and understands everything I think. Keep on going BTTB. I feel connected to other Christians even more than in my church!