122nd Week, Philippians Intro-Chapter 2 (Click on Title for Video Intro)

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 Click on Title for Video Introduction


Monday, Philippians Introduction
Philippians
Introduction
Jeanie Boldt

Paul wrote this book of Philippians to all the Christian at Philippi and all believers everywhere. He wanted to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent Paul and to strengthen these believers by showing them that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone.

Paul and his companions began the church at Philippi on his second missionary journey. This was the first church established on the European continent.  Paul was in a Roman prison at the time of this writing.  

The key verse in this book is “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  (4:4)

In a life dedicated to serving Christ, Paul’s desire was to know Christ above all else. Let’s rejoice with Paul in Philippians, and rededicate ourselves to finding joy in Christ. 

PRAYER
Father God, may we grow closer to you as we read the book of Philippians.  May Jesus Christ be our first focus as we begin our day, as we live our day and as we close our day.  AMEN 

Tuesday, Philippians Chapter 1A (Verses 1-11)
Philippians 1A 
Verse 7
Jeanie Boldt

Verse 7: It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart.

THOUGHT
Paul was so thankful for his fellow Christians from his church in Philippi. Oh, how he loved and cared for those people and so wanted to encourage them. He wanted the Lord to complete the work that had been started in them. Paul loved each of them. As is stated in the verse, they had a place in his heart.

I had to choose this verse because I feel that way about this group and all my family members. The heart is the major beat of life. Without it our bodies could not function. It holds the most special intimate feelings also. Each of you has a place in my heart. That is why it overflows with love because I care so deeply about each of you. 

Can you imagine the Lord’s heart? He has a place for each of us and knows each of us in a special way. His heart is overflowing with love. We have a God who cares deeply for each of us. He wants us to experience it also. So mark this day as a very special one. Your name is written on my heart. 

PRAYER
Father, thank You for your great love and concern for each of us. Thank You for allowing us to experience that feeling here on earth. May we never damage it in any way. Keep this love pure and special. Help us to add names to our heart just as You do when You create more for the purpose of loving You. Father, some of the people that are a little harder to love, soften us, make our heart strong enough for even challenging family and friends. Thank You for Your Word and the chapters that speak of love and joy. AMEN 


Wednesday, Philippians Chapter 1B (Verses 12-30)
Philippians 1B 
Verse 21
Jeanie Boldt 

Verse 21: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

THOUGHT 
This verse so simply puts Paul's life. While he lives, he will do the work of the Lord and live as Christ would live. When he dies, death will be a plus for he will be face to face with his best friend and the reason behind every breath that Paul took. 

There are days that the world overcomes me with war, stress at work, illness, marriages and families in distress, people without jobs, severe accidents that leave people disabled, natural disasters and needless acts of violence. It is at these times that I want Christ to come so I can see His face and gentle reassuring eyes. We could glory in Him and say goodbye to the worldly things. 

Are we ready and are the ones who mean the most to us ready? Are there people that we need to pray harder for so that they too would realize that death is a special treasure? Let us spread the joy of our faith daily. 

PRAYER
Father, we can't wait for Christ to come again and remove us from the things of this world. We can't wait to celebrate with You and Your Son and the Holy Spirit. We will dance with JOY when that time comes. For now, give us the guidance, faith and strength that we need daily. May we continue to rejoice with each other and encourage and lift each other up. TEAM WORK!! 
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS, AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE!!! 
AMEN


Thursday, Philippians Chapter 2A (Verses 1-11)
Philippians 2A
Verse 5
Jane Jones

Verse 5: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... 

THOUGHT
This chapter is all about "more of Jesus and less of me" ...it is about decrease 'me' and increase ‘Jesus’. Our sermon today was about all of us who exalt ourselves will be humbled and those of us who humble ourselves will be exalted. 

We have become a kingdom of 'thingsdom'. It is all about 'me' and how much 'I' can acquire in the process of thinking about 'me'. The first part of this scripture tells us that our attitudes should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. It is all about being unselfish, about being a servant, and about being obedient to death. 

I'm sure all of you know how much I loved my Mother. She was like my 'heroine'. If I could emulate anyone, she would be the chosen one. But there were many times in the last 10 years of her life of caring for her, that I became very selfish at times. There were times I just felt sorry for myself having to give up my entire weekend to bring her home so she could enjoy being with her family and around her grandchildren. It was round-the-clock care for two days. There were times I really dreaded going up to the nursing home every weekend, taking her to appointments and dealing with the everyday care that comes with being the primary care giver. The full time responsibility never left my mind. I always felt so horrible when those selfish feelings would invade my heart. How awful I would feel. I would always make myself do it, but my heart wasn’t in it. There were times I felt an urge to just run away from all of it. 

Jesus never felt those feelings. What an awesome person we are to try and be like. Once in awhile, after leaving Mom in those last five to six years, I found myself going out to Geo Wyth State Park and sitting and having prayer. I walked with the Lord in those times that were hard for me, admitting to God that I was struggling, that it was so hard to visit Mom like that.  I felt so selfish. It was those times that I left the park feeling exalted because I humbled myself before God, trusting him with the truth. I was a sinner with my selfishness, but His Grace exalted me. 

PRAYER
What a job we have before us, Lord. We could work all our life time to have an attitude like Your Son, Christ Jesus, and still fail. Jesus was that amazing example for us to try and live up to. We thank You for exalting us when we humble ourselves before You. We know, in fact, that all created beings in heaven and on earth, even those long ago dead and buried, will one day bow in worship before this Jesus Christ. What a MAN!!! AMEN 


Friday, Philippians Chapter 2B (Verses 12-30)
Philippians 2B
Verse 13
Jane Jones

Verse 13: For it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose. 

THOUGHT
God is at work in us... 

Accountant, how do you explain your number sense? 

Investor, you read the stock market like Bobby Fischer reads the chessboard. Ever wondered why you have such a skill? 

Nurse, you care for people with a heart of gold. Where did you get the gold heart? 

Homemaker, you make your household purr like a Rolls-Royce. Where did you get that gift? 

Retail Worker, with eagerness you pick out the perfect item for a shopper...coincidence? 

Crafter, you create or invent a perfect tool or craftsmanship for use in our world. Where did you get the hands to do such work? 

Pharmacist, your knowledge leads to a means of healing people. Are you a tool for the Lord in the healthcare profession administering the correct medicine? 

Prayer warrior, do you not keep the path open for the Lord to work? What a special gift you have been given to be a messenger to the Lord.

God is at work in you and wills you to act according to his good purpose. Use your best gifts to serve the highest purpose: making a big deal out of God. For by doing so, you will in your life time touch thousands of people. 

PRAYER
Thank You so much, God, for giving us our gifts to use for Your Kingdom and to Your Glory. Continue to work in us and through us, directing us for Your service and for Your work. Thanks for this amazing book that Paul wrote.  AMEN












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