“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11, ESV) These verses outline the purpose for which … [Read more...] about Four Prayer Requests for All of Us
Devotions
Partakers of Grace
“It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:7, ESV) Paul describes himself and the Philippians as “partakers in grace.” As we will see later in the Book of Philippians, humility is a key to joy. But … [Read more...] about Partakers of Grace
God Will Finish What He Started
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (ESV) God began a good work. We go back to Genesis, and it says that he created the heavens and the earth. And it was all good! He created you. Psalm 139:14 declares that you are wonderfully and fearfully made. In God’s good wisdom, he gave … [Read more...] about God Will Finish What He Started
Work in Progress
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, ESV) We are all a work in progress. Jesus began a good work in you when you believed and were baptized. You were justified before God. But that work is not finished yet. The work continues as you are nourished through the Word and Sacrament. … [Read more...] about Work in Progress
I Thank God for You
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,” (Philippians 1:3–4, ESV) I thank God for you! Who have you thanked God for today? Paul’s remembrance of the Philippians would elicit gratitude. And he remembered the Philippians often. He says that always in every prayer the joy is swelling. So do you … [Read more...] about I Thank God for You