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(Read Philippians 1:30) There’s nothing that forms a friendship like someone who says, “Me too.” I’ve noticed a deeper connection to people when I have a common bond. Anytime I meet someone who’s been adopted, I can identify with them. We usually talk about how that experience has affected us. There’s an instant connection when I see…
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(Read Philippians 1:29) I hate watching others suffer from a debilitating disease. When my mom suffered from Parkinson’s, she agonized for ten years with tremors and neurological damage that eventually produced an inability to walk, talk, and even chew her food. I remember all my dad could do to help alleviate her suffering her last few days…
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(Read Philippians 1:28b) Signage is important. Disregarding a sign can get you lost and into much trouble. Several years ago, when my wife was pregnant with our son, we were at a checkup appointment with her doctor. I needed to use the restroom, and the nurse said, “Let me show you the way because it’s pretty confusing as…
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(Read Philippians 1:28a) I have a friend who isn’t afraid of anything. He’s jumped out of perfectly good airplanes that weren’t crashing and even bragged about when he wrestled an alligator he jumped on from his boat when fishing in the bayou. Perhaps he sees himself as fearless. Some would perceive him as insane. When I hear about something…
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(Read Philippians 1:27c) As a kid, I went to the circus and saw two people in a horse costume. I knew it was a fake horse. One was the head and front two legs, and the other was the rear and back two legs. They had to work together to simulate a horse everyone knew was…
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(Read Philippians 1:27b) Standing your ground may sometimes be needed, so ensure you are on the proper ground. I loved playing paintball in college. One game we played was “Capture the Flag.” Each team would have to protect their flag from being seized by the opposing team. I liked being the guy who would stand my ground near…
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(Read Philippians 1:27a) When I was a kid, my dad and I would go fishing religiously twice a year for a solid week (Spring and Fall Break). We loved catching crappie and catfish. It seemed those were the best for frying. My dad would set trotlines to catch giant catfish and would use baitfish like skipjack and shad…
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(Read Philippians 1:24-26) When facing death, Paul felt his earthly work and ministry were unfinished. His desire for heaven was evident (v. 23). His conviction to stay on the earth was for the Philippian believer’s benefit, not his own. Heaven was assured because of his faith in Christ. His desire to remain wasn’t driven by the uncertainty of…
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(Read Philippians 1:22-23) Philippians 1:22-23 reveal Paul’s efforts to advance the gospel and his desire to be in heaven. These verses also resolve his dilemma of staying alive to advance the gospel on earth or dying and being in heaven with Jesus. He knew the continuation of his life would result in fruit. While Paul…
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(Read Philippians 1:20-21) A missionary with an interesting question once challenged me. After sharing a short devotional about “living for Christ,” he asked me, “Would you be ready to die for Christ?” I had not thought about that at all in preparation for my devotional. My initial response was, “I thought He died for me?” The…
stephen R Harrison 