In one sentence, how would you describe the Apostle Paul based exclusively on today’s scripture (Philippians 3:7-11)? As you consider your description, here is my one sentence . . . “The Apostle Paul was a man so changed by Jesus Christ that everything in his life was affected and became centered on Him.” And really, does that not describe a Christian? When Jesus Christ reveals Himself and enters into the life of a person, two words tell us what happens – “radically changed.”
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
New Testament
Matthew 6:9-13 – Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Conduct and characteristics:…
Ephesians 4:1-3 – I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. THEME OF THE DAY. DELIGHTFUL COMPANY. I grew up…
Why Pray? It is a question I ponder often. It is a good question for each us. Why do we pray? There are multiple reasons. Some have valid Biblical support. Some may not. In the simplest of reasons, we pray because God commands us to pray. There are other reasons. We want God to do something in our lives or situations; we need help beyond ourselves; and we ask Him to intervene in the lives of those we care about for things like salvation and healing. Yet, a true understanding of prayer goes beyond those reasons.
Today’s scripture is profound truth taught by Jesus in regards to prayer. The first truth is the constancy of prayer in the lives of His people. He said, “They (His people) ought always to pray and not lose heart.” The next truth about prayer in today’s scripture is in the final words of our Lord – “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” With the word “nevertheless”, Jesus is bringing a conclusion to the parable. May He not only teach us to pray, but show us the importance and intimacy of prayer.
Ever been far away from home for an extended period? Remember those feelings of homesickness deep inside? And those feelings of never feeling totally comfortable knowing it wasn’t home and only temporary? Such feelings and experiences are natural in the Christian and spiritual realm too. Why? This is not our home. In today’s scripture, we have two applications to help us live life in this world as foreigners, aliens, and pilgrims.