Hello Sweet Sisters!
This is our break week before we jump into 3 books for a long, yet exciting summer study on Monday, May 23rd! I'm praying now for the Lord to prepare our hearts to hear and see all that He has for us in His Word for the next 3 months. I would like to ask you to pray along with me. I wanted to recap the book of Philippians today. We finished with Philippians last week, and there was so much packed into those four short chapters that I just wanted to touch on a few things that stood out to me in each chapter. Please feel free to comment what God brought to your attention as well. Paul wrote this letter to the people of Philippi. God ordained this to be a part of His Word because what was being taught to those in Philippi at that time, is still very much relevant to us believers now. I am always amazed at Paul's sincere love for the people who God gave Him to minister to. Every letter he wrote was covered in love for those people. That speaks volumes to me. Paul was tough, and he had to be tough on God's people sometimes, but he overflowed with love for these people and it showed in his ministry. I want to be like that. I want people to see God's love through me in every way. Even in the tough situations. "Every time I thank of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy." ~ Philippians 1:3-4 Do we have a spirit of thankfulness for those God has entrusted to us? Our spouses, our children, our extended families, our friends, church family, our co-workers, our neighbors, those we minister to. Are we truly thankful for them and do we pray for them? Not just a prayer, but a prayer filled with joy for those people. "I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation- the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ - for this will bring much glory and praise to God." ~ Philippians 1:9-11 I keep a small journal full of verses that I pray over my children. As I read Scripture, I add verses that God lays on my heart to pray for my kiddos. I added the above verses last week. I want these things for my children, and myself: overflowing love growth in knowledge and understanding to understand what really matters in life to live pure and blameless lives to be filled with the fruit of salvation - righteous character produced by Jesus So much of this book reminds us how to live as believers in Christ Jesus. Sometimes we allow are lives to become so busy with stuff, obligations and life in general, that we forget our purpose. We are citizens of heaven. We must act like it. We have to conduct ourselves in ways that are worthy of Christ and we can't be intimidated by our enemies and those who don't love the Lord. We are examples to the world around us. We are making a difference in the lives of unbelievers just by the way we act and how we treat each other as believers. Philippians, chapter 2, shows us how to do that well. We are encouraged here, to work together, to love each other, to humble ourselves, encourage one another, support one another and to think of others before we think of ourselves. We are urged to work hard to show the results of our salvation through Jesus. Spiritual stability depends on love, harmony and peace between believers. "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." ~ Philippians 2:12-13 We are called to deeply respect, fear and obey God. We are not to complain or argue. We are to live clean, innocent lives and we are to hold firmly to the Word of Life. Are we doing these things on a regular basis? Are we striving to live this way to bring glory to God? Is this the life we are living out in front of our family, friends and even strangers? Paul closes this letter reminding us how to live our lives to the fullest, while anxiously waiting the return of our Lord. "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." ~ Philippians 4:4-8 I encourage you to learn these verses. Commit them to memory, meditate on them and live them out. Trust the Lord. He will supply all your needs and bless you with peace that is beyond understanding. May God bless each of you this week as your desire to trust Him, serve Him and live your life completely for Him continues to grow and magnify! I'll meet you here Monday for the beginning of our summer study. Invite all of the ladies you know to join us and come eager to learn! Keep reading His Word! Joyfully His, Andrea
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For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " AuthorHi! I'm Andrea, wife to my handsome hubby, homeschooling mama to my 7 amazing blessings, and daughter of the King of kings. I am so glad you have stopped by my little piece of the web. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog to encourage you in your personal, daily walk with Christ. Archives
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