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(Read Philippians 4:11-12) A few years ago, my family had someone bless us financially when we needed to pay a medical bill. I had cut about everything possible and was looking into a part-time job. While there was a need, we were content. We knew God would provide in His timing and way. Our trust
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(Read Philippians 4:10) What joy it brings to life when others show concern for you. There have been times when the church has expressed compassion and love for me and my family. In difficult times such as my parent’s funerals, a minor surgery, and brief sickness, people in the church mowed my grass, provided a
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(Read Philippians 4:9) Paul moves from what we think in verse eight to what we practice in verse nine. This is a natural progression as Jesus said our actions begin from within (Luke 6:45). Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Paul instructed the Philippians in many matters. He
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(Read Philippians 4:8) What do you think about the most? When I wake up, sometimes the first thing on my mind is breakfast. Tonight, it’s fishing! I thought about Peter going fishing and miraculously catching 153 fish and Jesus cooking him fish for breakfast (John 21:1-15). What a fishing trip! Earlier in his letter, Paul
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(Read Philippians 4:6-7) In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul gives the church another command. This isn’t like the first two in 4:4-5 (rejoice and be gentle). While they were a choice of something to do, this new command is a choice of something not to do. Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything.” Stop for a
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(Read Philippians 4:6) Have you ever encountered a rude person? They are usually harsh, ill-mannered, and impolite. Considerate, compassionate, and courteous are not words you would use to describe them. They are not gentle and kind. I encountered someone like this last week. In our brief encounter in the restaurant, he was short-tempered, insensitive, offensive,
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(Read Philippians 4:4) There are many reasons to have joy in the Lord, even during trouble. No situation is too challenging for the Lord to work through. Even when times seem dark and hopeless, there is joy to be found in Jesus. When I went through a tough time of ministry, I had an older
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(Read Philippians 4:2-3) It is right to teach and preach unity in the church. We need healthy doses of it to remind us of our gospel mission to carry out the will of the Lord. When specific altercations of disunity arise, they must be handled directly and promptly. As a pastor, I frequently preach unity
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(Read Philippians 4:1) Amos asked, “How can two walk together unless they agree?” (Amos 3:3). Agreeing in the Lord is not “agreeing to disagree.” It is surrendering self-desire and crucifying flesh to obey the truth of Christ’s Word to accomplish His will in the body of Christ. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul addressed moments of
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(Read Philippians 3:21) I recently started exercising…again. When I begin to establish a routine, it seems to be interrupted, mainly by fried foods and sweet desserts. Did you know stressed spelled backward is desserts? You can thank me later. I try to run, bike, exercise, and eat healthy. I’m not as disciplined as I need to be,
stephen R Harrison 