Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, wil guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes a failure can overwhelm us. We become very willing, in our disappointment, to see the failure as the largest truth in our lives. The failure proves we are really not who we hoped we were. But Paul reminds us of God's love and peace. This peace is the beginning of our journey to find perspective. Gods love for us and His promise to us can shrink all of our worldly struggles to their proper proportions.
Holy Lord, your peace and love remind me of what is important. I am so thankful. Amen
Becky, transforming
Philippines 4:4–7
As I look back on some past failures, I now understand that my knowledge of what God can do for me was like that of a child. I worried, but I did not pray. When I think of what I could’ve done, I realize I was looking to handle it all myself and did not involve my savior. I missed out on God’s peace. I focused on my failure and felt small and inexperienced. I know better now. Each failure, however, taught me many different things, so all was not lost.
Prayer: gracious God, thank you for my evolution as one of your children who now knows who is in charge. Amen
Failure
June 21st, 2023
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.
Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi was to share with them wisdom and encouragement for living out their faith and to rejoice in the Lord, to be strong when struggles and persecution might occur. Paul suffered persecution for his belief in Christ and call to ministry, so advice fro…
Philippians 4:4-7 When Paul says “every situation,” that includes failure. Our prayer of thanksgiving at these times is obviously not for the failure, but that God has not abandoned us despite the failure. In the midst of the trial, this knowledge, the hope we talk about so often, including last night, provides a peace that could have come about in no other way from no other source.
Prayer - God of help, as I begin this day, let me remain mindful, in the shadow of my weakness and inevitable failures, of the door You always leave open for me. In my weakness Your strength is made perfect. Amen
TAA