Bible Chapter: Philippians 1

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
     What a great relationship Paul had with the church in Philippi.  He could thank God for them every time he thought of them.  He didn’t get disgusted when he thought of them and wished them evil.  Sadly, there are actually some who call themselves Christians who have evil thoughts about other believers.  Instead, here, Paul was filled with joy as he prayed for them.  This is a good example to follow.
    Paul encouraged them to continue their zeal for the Lord so HE could continue His work in their hearts.  Then the hearts of the believers would continue to grow in purity and sincerity in their walk with Jesus.
    Verse 21 is a well-known verse.  The New Living Translation puts it this way:
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
    Life means Jesus and living for Him.  When the time comes that Jesus calls a person home, that is even better.  Life with Jesus is the best life.  Yes, there is an intense spiritual battle, but there is still no comparison to having Jesus with me and knowing that this world is not the end of everything.  The best is yet to come.  When I observe and compare life with and without Jesus, Jesus wins every time.  He is the One who gives hope and delivers from despair.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Stick with it.  Keep on pursuing life with Jesus.  Rather than toying with the idea of giving up trying, I will keep on keeping on.  Yes, in the challenges of life there are times when the desire for something different comes along.  Then God will remind me of His provision and direction.  In the words of a song I really like, “In Jesus’ Name we press on”.  God still has more for me to do.  For those reading this, stay close to Jesus and keep pressing on in the life and work God has for you.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Let me remind you of verse 6.
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (NKJV)
    God has a plan for everyone.  It is up to us to let Him do His work in our lives and follow the plan and guidance He gives.  No one has ever regretted following His plan for life and then receiving the eternal reward.