May 2025
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(Read Philippians 2:22-23) How’s your physical fitness? If you’re like me, you may struggle to exercise without a support system. I love to run, but what keeps me faithful to run is talking with other runners. The same holds for cycling, weights, and different ways to exercise. It’s also true of our spiritual fitness. I need spiritual dads, brothers, and
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(Read Philippians 2:20-21) I have had the opportunity to serve two wonderful churches as a pastor. There have been great servants of the Lord at both, and their giftings benefited the Kingdom, the local church, and my life. Some have gone above and beyond expectations and duty. I frequently say about such people, “I pray God sends 100
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(Read Philippians 2:19) Technology has made connecting with friends and family in distant places an instant reality. Last week I video-chatted with missionaries in Portugal and India. I recently counseled a couple I’m marrying through video who lives in a different state. These advancements in communication were foreign to Paul. His letter to the Philippians may have taken months
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(Read Philippians 2:18) I vividly remember weeping and rejoicing with a family. When they called to tell me about the death of their child, I wept on the phone and by their sides at the funeral. When they called to tell me about their pregnancy, I rejoiced on the phone and by their sides in
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(Read Philippians 2:17) Paul may have used the words “being poured out as a drink offering” (Philippians 2:7) to suggest his potential death because of his imprisonment. He likely used them in the present tense to describe his current suffering, which could have led to death. In 2 Corinthians 4:10, Paul said, “We always carry around in
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(Read Philippians 2:16) Have you ever run a marathon? I did. I once ran 26.2 miles to raise money for planting a church. I mapped out the race route on my computer, drove it, and ran sections in preparation for the marathon. I knew the path and pace I needed to run to finish strong. I knew where my
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(Read Philippians 2:15) Once while our family was camping at the lake, we heard about a significant and lengthy meteor shower happening that night. The news reporter said the meteor shower would be best viewed in a rural setting that night. We lay on the swim beach that clear starry night, attempting to count the
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(Read Philippians 2:14) As a kid, I remember a moment in a church business meeting that didn’t reflect the fruit of the Spirit. The decision to apply wallpaper or paint to a wall led to much arguing and complaining about several other things. The meeting did not end in prayer or greater unity but in
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(Read Philippians 2:13) Have you ever thought about how a motor works? I usually don’t – until it stops. Internal combustion produces external power. It propels a car to transport people from one place to another. When my car engine quit once, I got out and pushed it to the nearest gas station. I sat
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(Read Philippians 2:12) I remember the first time I went to church camp as a kid. My dad gave me a little speech before I left. He said, “While you’re there, remember, you represent God’s, our church’s, and the Harrison name.” He reminded me to act in a way that accurately represents those names. He expected me to continue
stephen R Harrison 