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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 26 July 2024:
Philippians 4:4 — Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
As mentioned yesterday, the importance of joy in a Christians life cannot be overstated, though Paul certainly tries here in what is arguably the most redundant verse in the Bible. Rejoice essentially means joy again; so, Paul is saying joy again, I say again, joy again. Paul is encouraging us as much as he possibly can to not lose our joy, but he is not telling us to “fake it until we make it,” to merely act joyful until we start feeling differently. He is encouraging us to keep our perspective on the reality of our situation as we operate in the presence of God with the power of God while being fully loved by God through circumstances fully ordained by God. Next he says, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” By reasonableness he means calm, steady, stable, unflappable, gentle, patient, and relaxed in any and all situations. Why? “Because the Lord is at hand.” The reality of the presence, power, and perfect providence of God changes everything. When you have nothing to worry about and nothing to lose, you tend to treat people and circumstances completely differently. Consider Jesus’ perspective when He washed the feat of His betrayer, Jesus – “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper… and began to wash the disciples’ feet….” (John 13:3-5) Jesus, fully abiding in the love of the Father, fully loved others, even His betrayer. Beyond that, “for the joy that was set before him,” Jesus endured the Cross. (Hebrews 12:2) Perspective is key to joy.
Philippians 4:6 – …do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
“Don’t be anxious! Paul said there is nothing that should cause a child of God to worry. He was well aware of things that cause anxiety. His nation was occupied by a foreign army and ruled by corrupt leaders. He was writing from prison, where he was being held because of false accusations. He was separated from those he loved; his motives had been questioned, and he had been misrepresented. Some were trying to undermine all that he had accomplished in starting churches. He suffered physically and faced imminent execution (2 Cor. 11:23-29). Yet Paul said there would never be a crisis so troubling that God could not bring peace in the midst of it!
God will not necessarily take your problems away, but He will carry the load with you. He wants you to experience His peace, which is beyond human comprehension. You will never fully understand how God could give you peace in some of the situations you face, but you do not have to understand it in order to experience it. This peace is not just for those who “handle stress well”; it is for everyone! You may know that God wants you to experience peace but wonder how this is possible, given what you are presently facing. Yet, Scripture says to be anxious for nothing. God’s word clearly indicates that there is nothing you can face that is too difficult, too troubling, or too fearful for God. No matter what your circumstances are, turn your anxiety over to God and let His perfect peace guard your heart.” (Henry T. Blackaby)
Philippians 4:8 — Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) The transformation of our minds includes the choice to think godly thoughts and eliminate negative, ungodly thinking along with those things in our lives which might help induce such harmful thinking. Christians must practice the discipline of thought control, which includes adding some things, removing some other things, keeping the right perspective, choosing the right attitude, and focusing on the right topics while ignoring other, unprofitable topics. Constant prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship are foundational. We must also practice the habit of continually proclaiming our thankfulness and hope (confidence) to ourselves and to others. Also, turn off various medias which promote negative, ungodly messages which, in turn, negatively impact your thinking, attitudes, and moods. Refuse to participate in unprofitable conversations, and eliminate all negative internal dialogue. In fact, when you start talking to yourself, talk with God instead, fulfilling the Biblical guidance of praying without ceasing.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- Ephesians 5:20 — Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ….
- Psalm 50:14 — Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High….
- Colossians 3:15-17 — And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Philippians 4:4-7 — Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The secret to thankfulness and reveling in what is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise, is to continually draw closer to Jesus. The more we truly know Him, the more joyful we will naturally be. Love and joy go hand in hand.
Haven’t you ever noticed the radiance and elated demeanor of someone who is in love? Haven’t you observed how someone who is in love seems to be happy about everything? If this is how people act when they fall in love with other people, how should we act in response to God’s perfect love for us and our love for Him? Simply being with Jesus should change your outlook on everything. When you are with the love of your life, shouldn’t every minute be a celebration? Shouldn’t your overflowing joy be evident to everyone around you, and shouldn’t your radiance be an incredible testimony to others of the wonderfulness of Jesus? It’s time to celebrate!
Every morning when you begin another day with Jesus, proclaim to yourself and everyone around you, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) Your attitude of joy, thanksgiving, excitement, and anticipation will be infectious.
“What you think about in your unguarded moments reflects what your mind dwells upon. What you speak about when your guard is down is a good gauge of what is in your heart (Matt. 12:34). Your mind needs exercise just as your physical body does. To keep your body healthy, you must be careful what you put into it, and you must exercise regularly. To keep your thoughts pure, you must guard what goes into your mind. To exercise your mind, you must contemplate things that are noble and truths that stretch your mind.
Some Christians allow the world to fill their minds with ungodly thinking. Some people seem drawn to concentrate on the negative, choosing to be pessimistic about everything. Some remain satisfied with thinking of the mundane. Others fail to intentionally place Scripture in their thoughts, choosing instead to adopt human reasoning. Others, however, choose to expose their minds to the truths of God–to that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and good.
The things you allow your mind to dwell on will be revealed by the way you live. If you focus on negative things, you will inevitably be a negative person. If you allow unholy thoughts to fill your mind, ungodliness will become common in your life. If you fill your mind with thoughts of Christ, you will become Christlike.
What you fill your mind with is a matter of choice. Choose to concentrate on the magnificent truths of God, and they will create in you a noble character that brings glory to God.” (Henry T. Blackaby)
Philippians 4:11 – Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
“Our world promotes dissatisfaction with our lives. We are constantly bombarded with newer and better things that will make our lives more complete if only we would obtain them! If we listen to the world, we will always be comparing the lifestyles and possessions of others with our own, and we will always be dissatisfied. If our contentment comes from possessions, activities, or other people, these can be altered or removed. If our contentment comes from our relationship with Christ, there is absolutely nothing that can take that away.
Paul had enjoyed power and status among his people. He had also been imprisoned and bound in stocks in the depths of a jail cell. He had stood before a king and been stoned almost to death by an angry mob. Paul had enjoyed the benefits and pleasures of life, yet he could give them all up and still be filled with the joy of the Lord. His contentment did not depend on his environment but on his relationship with Christ.
Contentment frees you to enjoy every good thing God has given you. Contentment demonstrates your belief that God loves you and has your best interest in mind. Discontent stems from the sin of ingratitude and a lack of faith that God loves you enough to provide for all that you need. Strive to be grateful for all that God has given you. A grateful heart has no room for envy.” (Henry T. Blackaby)
Philippians 4:19 — And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
“This verse is one of the most practical we will ever encounter in the Bible. Every one of us faces needs in our lives; at times, they are beyond our own means. Those are not the times to become anxious or to panic. Nor should we give up in defeat. It is at these times that God wants to draw from His unlimited storehouse to meet our need as only He can.
Do you believe God can meet the needs of your finances? Your health? Your children? Your parents? Your church? Scripture says you will never face a need for which God’s provision is not more than adequate. This promise appears over and over again in the Scriptures (Ps. 116:6; Heb. 4:16; Matt. 6:8; Ps. 69:33). If you are not experiencing God’s bountiful provision, what is the problem? Is the difficulty with God? Or could it be that you do not really believe that God stands ready to meet your every need?
Every resource of God is available to any child of God who will believe Him. No one has ever exhausted God’s supply nor suffered a shortfall when trusting Him. Unfortunately, some Christians live as if God’s abundant resources were not available to them. They are children of the King, but they live like beggars! Would the people close to you affirm that your life gives evidence of an unwavering belief that God will do what He said?” (Henry T. Blackaby)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) –26 July 2024: Regardless the situation, praise God today within your spirit and outwardly to others around you, and see if that doesn’t naturally effect your joy and empower your testimony.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 