#Philippians 1:20

[dwuerch-blog]

I Can Hardly Wait

I could hardly wait for our family Christmas Day celebrations with our Austin family. It was Jesus’ birthday, so naturally, there was a birthday cake in His honor. We even gathered around and sang “Happy Birthday” to Him – a simple yet profound reminder of why we celebrate. Thanks be to God – the waiting is over. We’ve journeyed through the Advent season, hearts prepared, ready to receive the…

[jesus-is-lord-and-savior]

as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

(Philippians 1:20, ESV)

[biblequotesdaily]

So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.

 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 22:10-14

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Romans 13:14

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:8

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:12

If we say we are his, we must follow the example of Christ.

1 John 2:6

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:28

[walkswithmyfather]

1. When you need, God knows:

Philippians 4:19 (NIV). “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

2. When you ask, God listens:

Proverbs 15:29 (ESV). “The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”

3. When you believe, God works:

2 Kings 20:5 (NIV). “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you.”

4. When you thank, God gives more. Jesus gave thanks and fed the five thousand!

Matthew 14:17-21 (NIV). “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”

5. Everything comes from God:

James 1:17 (AMP). “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].”

6. And whatever you give, you'll get just as much back, if not more!

Luke 6:38 (CSB). “Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

We serve a good, loving and giving God! Amen! 🙏🕊️🙌

[soaringeaglesingingjoy]

Pursue what matters most

In the book of Romans, Paul begs Christians to give their entire lives over to God because God sacrificed everything for them. Jesus gave up His life so that we could experience His unending love and grace. We cheapen His gifts if we refuse to align our lives with the way Jesus lived.

But we give our lives to God by making Him the one thing we pursue above anything else.

So here are 5 steps you can practice—right now—to help you put God first.

Give thanks

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”

Psalms 75:1 ESV

Right now, take a moment to thank God for what He’s already done for you. Reflect on His faithfulness, and recount the stories you have seen and heard of His wonderful power.

Spend 5 minutes in silence

“Abide in me, and I in you.”

John 15:4 ESV

Abiding in Jesus starts with stillness. So right now, pause, take a deep breath, and give anything concerning you over to God. Spend 5 minutes centering your heart on the One who matters most.

Remember Whose you are

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

God loves you. The price He paid for you cost Him everything. So remind yourself of Whose you are, and reflect on some of the things God says about you.

Meditate on God’s Word

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Psalms 119:97 ESV

One of the best ways to find out how Jesus wants you to live is by spending time in Scripture. As you do, ask God to speak to you through His Word about what His will is.

Focus on what is excellent

“…If there is any excellence … think about these things.”

Philippians 4:8 ESV

You have been given the mind of Christ. If you’re not sure what you should think about, try asking yourself: What is praiseworthy? What thoughts and actions would honor God?

Make a list of whatever comes to mind, and pursue those things.

By practicing these steps every day, you can create habits that will help you pursue intimacy with God every day, and put Him first above everything else.

[graceandpeacejoanne]

1 John Bonus: What is Love? (Part 2 of 3)

Probably the best-known passage on love in the Greek scriptures is found Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, 1 Corinthians 13. #WhatisLove #Agape #1Corinthians13

Expositors will often speak of heavenly love as agape, and probably the best-known passage on love in the Greek scriptures is found Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, 1 Corinthians 13. 1 Corinthians 13 In this chapter, Paul describes the nature of agape as patient, kind, humble, cooperative, even-tempered, generous-hearted in a way that conveys trust and loyalty, ever��

[dkcdude]

The Love of Christmas

Introduction Christmas is a time of joy, hope, peace, and celebration, but at its heart lies the most important theme of all: love. The story of Christmas is the story of sacrificial love—a love so deep and enduring that it changed the course of history. It changed my life, and probably yours, too. This love is woven throughout the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, expressed in the lives…

[kmac4him1st]

Present NOW

I will give you a new, undivided heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will remove your stubborn heart of stone and give you a tender heart that responds to me—a devoted heart. Therefore, you will keep my laws and faithfully obey my commands. Then you will truly be the people of my heart , and I will be the God you worship . Ezekiel 11:19-20 Right Now Right now… be anchored in God’s…

[touchofgoddotworld]

The Father's Grace to Rescue Us from Deserved Punishment (Part 2) (265) - September 28 2024

Choose your Podcast App to Play this episode To understand the rest of God, we have to first take hold of some of the blessings stemming from God’s love and His grace (undeserved favor) for us. This program covers the following Scriptures from the Amplified Classic version (AMPC): Romans 5:20-21; John 10:10; Ephesians 1:5; Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Ephesians…

[bojackson54]

Solomon Was Given a Mission, But the Temple Didn't Just Build Itself!

Solomon King of Israel, was given a mission, ordained and blessed by the God of the universe. Since you’ve also been given a mission, I thought it would be instructive to see what Solomon did with his! Any life hacks that Solomon’s story provides? Any ancient YouTube DIY videos we can follow? Here’s what Solomon had to say about it: “I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the…

[martyschoenleber]

Nine Biblical Reasons to Reject Donald Trump as a Candidate for President

Wednesday is for Political Controversy I don’t want to write this post.  Despite the fact that I wrote a book with the title Picking a President or Any Other Elected Official, I’m not a really political person.  I’m a registered Independent. Have been all my life. I wish all Christians were registered Independents. I don’t think it is wise for Christians to be identified with either or any…

[jaguar726]

To live is Christ and to die is gain

Daily Verse Second Reading – Philippians 1: 20-24; 27 Philippians 1:20-24 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what…

[annasanthology]

20 reasons to read your Bible:

To grow in Christ (2 Peter 3:18)

To learn wisdom (Proverbs 4:5)

To be equipped (2 Timothy 3:17)

To teach others (Colossians 3:16)

To know God's will (Romans 12:2)

To find comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3)

To give praise to God (Psalm 56:4)

To hope in His promises (Titus 1:2)

To walk in His ways (Psalm 119:105)

To be sanctified in truth (John 17:17)

To turn away from sin (Psalm 119:11)

To love all the more (Philippians 1:9)

To receive instruction (Romans 15:4)

To listen to correction (2 Timothy 4:2)

To pray more effectively (Matthew 6:9)

To remember the gospel (2 Timothy 2:8)

To remain disciplined (1 Corinthians 9:27)

To look forward to heaven (Colossians 3:1)

To have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)

To keep your eyes upon Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)

[walkswithmyfather]

“True spiritual richness is not measured by material wealth, but by the treasures God freely gives us in Christ. The Bible reminds us that having "family and loved ones"is a blessing (Psalm 127:3), and the daily provision of food is answered prayer—“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).

God’s “unfailing love”(Psalm 136:26)

and “peace which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) are ours when we walk in faith. Even in trials, we find strength, for “the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).

We have the Word of God as our light (Psalm 119:105), a home to rest in (Psalm 121:7), and the promise of citizenship in heaven and hope for eternity (Philippians 3:20).

This is the richness that grows the soul and draws us nearer to Christ, who said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”(Matthew 6:21).

Let us seek this eternal wealth and grow daily in spiritual strength.”

From: “Christian Spiritual Warfare from a Biblical Perspective” (FB)

[yourbelgianthings]

Send Me an Angel (no mention in lyrics just title)

Philippians 3:20-21 / But the voices of the angels that he heard on his last days with us, Smoke alarms

Heel Turn 1 / I watch my guardian angel leave the building, I am my only friend

Steal Smoked Fish / I see your destinies above you, Like angels who don't love you

Wild Sage / And then I think I hear angels in my ears, Like marbles being thrown against a mirror

Lakeside View Apartments Suite / Watching for the guy who’s got the angel dust, crystal clear connection

Blues in Dallas / Will you walk on in when the angel summons you?

Werewolf Gimmick / Full werewolf off the buckle like an angel straight from hell

Song for Roger Maris / I got an angel watching over me

Tallahassee / Plums on the tree heavy with nectar, prayers to summon the destroying angel

the mountain goats + angels

[whencyclopedia]

The Letters of Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles

Paul was a member of the Jewish Pharisees in the 1st century CE, who experienced a revelation of the resurrected Jesus Christ. In this vision, Jesus commissioned him to be the apostle (herald) to the Gentiles (non-Jews). After this experience, he traveled widely throughout the Roman Empire, spreading the "good news" that Jesus would soon return from heaven and usher in the kingdom of God on earth.

In the New Testament, we have 14 letters traditionally assigned to Paul, but the scholarly consensus now recognizes that of the 14, seven were written by Paul:

1 Thessalonians

Galatians

Philemon

Philippians

1 & 2 Corinthians

Romans

2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, and Colossians remain debatable among some scholars. The other major letters (1 &2 Timothy and Titus) were most likely written by disciples of Paul’s, using his name to carry authority. The letters that have survived range between 52 and 60 CE, and although we cannot pinpoint when Paul’s letters were collected, Clement, a bishop in Rome in the 90s CE, quoted from 1 Corinthians.

The Nature of the Letters

We understand these letters to be circumstantial. They were not written as systematic theology or as treatises on Christianity. The letters are responses to specific problems and circumstances as they arose in his communities. Paul spent time in cities establishing a group and then moved on. He received letters and sometimes reports with detailed questions or advice on how to settle conflicts. Unfortunately, when Paul’s letters were saved and circulated, the original letters from the communities were not preserved. The reconstruction of the original problems can only be determined by Paul’s responses.

Known as the most famous convert in history (from the Acts of the Apostles), Paul did not actually undergo conversion. Conversion assumes changing from one religious system to another, but at the time, there was no Christian system for him to convert to. Paul himself was ambiguous when it came to his self-identity:

To the Jews I became like a Jew... To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) ... To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) ... I have become all things to all people. (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)

In relation to what happened to Paul, it is better to follow what he says, in that he was 'called'. This is the tradition of the way in which the Prophets of Israel were called to their individual missions.

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12).

Paul argued that this experience gave him as much authority as the original circle in Jerusalem (Peter, James, and John). Paul’s call to be the Apostle to the Gentiles was shocking because, as he freely admitted, he had previously "persecuted the church of God" (Galatians 1:13). He never really explained what he did, nor why he did it. It is in Paul’s letters that the name Jesus is combined with Christ, the Greek for the Hebrew messiah ("anointed one"). Understood as a title, "Jesus the Christ", it became common as a phrase that indicated his identity and function.

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