Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Jeremiah 48-49; Philippians 1
Devotional Thought:
Paul starts this wonderful book of the Bible out, under inspiration, to explain the joy there should be in the local church. He addresses this book to Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints that are at Philippi along with the bishops and deacons. He expresses the importance of grace, peace, and prayer, but he emphasizes the fellowship that is in the gospel. We have a common bond in Christ Jesus that sets us apart from all other people and religions. There is a transforming agent in the gospel that exalts the Lord Jesus and brings glory to His program. Verse six is one of the key verses to this book and it states that He who began the work at your salvation, will continue to work at sanctifying you until He comes again at the rapture. That sanctification process is the work of the Holy Spirit as He takes the word of God and conforms the child of God into the image of the Son of God. “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (vs. 9-11) For the pliable saint, the process of sanctification is filled with humility that produces joy. Paul could rejoice in being in prison with the threat of being killed because through it the gospel had spread throughout the region. People were being saved and then growing to maturity. The gospel was being spread through the trial of being in prison, so Paul could rejoice. He was not interested in his own comfort, conveniences, or cares. Paul was completely engulfed in the spreading of the gospel. His passion was for the gospel to be presented, promoted, and proclaimed throughout the whole world. He said, “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.” (vs. 21) Living in this life did not compare to the life He had in Christ. Being on earth meant that He was not at home with His Lord. However, Paul was convinced that what He had in Christ was only possible for others if he faithfully spread the gospel. Oh how it would make a difference if we too had that kind of motivation. May God help us to emulate the apostle Paul’s confidence, courage, and consistency in spreading the good news of the gospel.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to have the same confidence in the life changing power of the gospel as the apostle Paul did. Help me to faithfully share it with those who need it.
• Lord, thank you for saving me. Thank you for allowing the gospel to come to me at such an early age and for convincing me of my need for a Savior.
• Lord, please give me a boldness to spread the gospel with a gracious but enthusiastic spirit. Please lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me. Please allow me the opportunity today to share the gospel with someone.