|
Visit One of
Our Churches
Altus
Elk City
Lone Wolf
Lutheran Ministries
Home Page
|
Read: Philippians 1:1-26
Meditation: In this passage, we see that Paul is first and
foremost thanking and praising God for his fellow believers in Christ.
Paul is doing so even though he is in chains for preaching the Gospel.
Paul knows that, even though he is imprisoned, the Gospel will be
advanced throughout the world. We can be encouraged by Paul’s example.
Even while in chains, Paul continues to rejoice no matter what his
circumstances may be. In the same way, no matter what struggles we may
go through in our lives, we can also rejoice because of the Gospel. As
you read this portion of Philippians today, pay particular attention to
verses 4-6. I believe that Paul would speak these words to our
partnership as well if he were alive today!
Prayer Thoughts: Give thanks for the partnership that God has
created here in Southwest Oklahoma. Ask God to use the people of Lutheran
Ministries to reach those who do not have joy in their lives because
they don’t have the gospel. Pray today for the universal church around
the world that all believers may be encouraged in the Gospel of Jesus
Christ! 
Read: Philippians 1:27-2:11
Meditation: In this passage, Paul tells us that we are to conduct
ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Paul then paints us a beautiful
picture of Christ, as he gives us an illustration of Christ’s humility as
an example for us to follow. Paul is saying that Christians are to imitate
Christ’s example of servant-hood. Since Christ unselfishly sacrificed
Himself for the world, can’t we, as believers, display a portion of that
love to those around us?
Prayer Thoughts: Pray that God would give you a sense of service to
share His love with others. Pray that the Holy Spirit would work in the
lives of unbelievers that they too may know Christ.
Read: Philippians 2:12-30
Meditation: Shining like stars... This is what Paul says our lives
should look like. We are to let our lives serve as a witness to others. You
know the old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words." I
truly believe that we can witness to others by just living out our lives in
faith. People will be much more willing to listen to what we have to say if
our message is reflected by our actions. Often we are quick to tell others
how they should live and yet we fail to live out what we preach! Like Paul,
Timothy, Epaphroditus and the believers in Philippi, we should take joy in
the gospel and live our lives in faith, shining as stars.
Prayer Thoughts: Pray for those sent by God to share the gospel. Pray
that God would encourage and strengthen them in their ministries. Ask that
new opportunities would arise to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear
it, both here in America and in all the world.
Read: Philippians 3:1-11
Meditation: Paul emphasizes that we can’t put confidence in our own
flesh. We are sinful by nature and there is nothing that we can do by
ourselves. He says "I consider everything a loss compared to the
surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have
lost all things." (vs. 8) We can’t put our faith in ourselves,
because that leads to death. It is through the power of the Gospel that we
can live. Faith in Christ as our personal Lord and Savior gives us the
assurance that we have eternal life in Him. The Holy Spirit is poured out on
us so that we can live each day for Christ. Keep this in mind so that we do
not catch ourselves boasting in ourselves, but rather, boast in our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ!
Prayer Thoughts: Pray that we boast of what the Lord has done for us
and not boast in ourselves. Ask God to strengthen your faith in Him so that
you may live your life in the Spirit. Thank God for all the wonderful things
He has done for you.
Read: Philippians 3:12-4:1
Meditation: Paul compares our faith life to a race. Just like a race,
a runner of faith is constantly focusing on the finish line, which is
eternal life in heaven. As a runner is running the race, the obstacles along
the way don’t sway the goal. Each step of the way, our coach the Holy
Spirit guides us, if only we listen to Him. We are encouraged by everyone
else who is running the same race and so, despite being tired, we continue
to plug on toward the finish line. Remember Paul’s words as we go through
our journey of faith, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (vs. 14).
Prayer Thoughts: Ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit as you
continue on your journey through life. Pray, not only for strength and
encouragement for yourself, but also for fellow believers who are running
the race beside you. Ask that God would keep your eyes focused on the finish
line so that you do not take a detour along the way.
Read: Philippians 4:2-23
Meditation: All through this letter, Paul
stresses the idea of rejoicing. The word "joy" (or some form
of the word) appears about 16 times in this letter. This tells us that
Paul saw this concept as very important. He urges the Philippians to
remain joyful in faith, no matter what obstacles we face. We can remain
in this joy because of what Christ did for us. We have been redeemed,
not because of anything we have done, but because God loves us so much
that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son for us! If that is not a
reason to be joyful, then I don’t know what is. Let us continue to be
joyous every day, so that we may share this joy with everyone throughout
our partnership!
Prayer Thoughts: Pray for all Christians to remain joyful in
their faith. Pray for the ministry of "Festive Hope,"
that our partnership would be strengthened and encouraged through it.
Pray for a revival among us that we continue to bring joy and light to a
dismal and dark world.
|
Prayer Intercession Page
Prayer Requests
Archives
Send Your Thoughts
and Feedback
Browse the Archives