DAY 344 Read Philippians.
Today's reading: Paul--still a prisoner in Rome--wrote to the believers in Philippi as a friend to friends. He gave good spiritual counsel. A recurring theme in this letter is the advice to rejoice.
Memory gem: "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).
Thought for today:
Every true Christian has a right to be happy, and ought to be happy. Faith in God should bring joy. The psalmist says, "My soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9).
Why shouldn't we be glad? Jesus says we should be happy. Our sins have been forgiven. Jesus is alive and, through His Holy Spirit, is with us now.
By faith, Christians can keep themselves in the atmosphere of Christ's love. We should not spend our time going over all our sorrows, disappointments, and troubles; but we should think of the happy times we have had, of the interesting things, the beautiful things. God's mercy has been over us; Christ's presence has been with us. Let us put our confidence in Him and look for joy.
We may be called upon to suffer for Christ's sake. If so, think of these words in 1 Peter 4:14: "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye." Why? "For he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation" (Isaiah 61:10).
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Difficult or obscure words:
Philippians 1:1. "Bishops"--from a Greek word meaning "overseers," "superintendent," or "guardian" over the church. Not a high ranked clergyman with authority over many pastors and churches as bishops of a later era.
Philippians 1:1. "Deacons"--from a Greek word meaning "servants" or "helpers."
Today's reading: Paul--still a prisoner in Rome--wrote to the believers in Philippi as a friend to friends. He gave good spiritual counsel. A recurring theme in this letter is the advice to rejoice.
Memory gem: "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).
Thought for today:
Every true Christian has a right to be happy, and ought to be happy. Faith in God should bring joy. The psalmist says, "My soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation" (Psalm 35:9).
Why shouldn't we be glad? Jesus says we should be happy. Our sins have been forgiven. Jesus is alive and, through His Holy Spirit, is with us now.
By faith, Christians can keep themselves in the atmosphere of Christ's love. We should not spend our time going over all our sorrows, disappointments, and troubles; but we should think of the happy times we have had, of the interesting things, the beautiful things. God's mercy has been over us; Christ's presence has been with us. Let us put our confidence in Him and look for joy.
We may be called upon to suffer for Christ's sake. If so, think of these words in 1 Peter 4:14: "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye." Why? "For he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation" (Isaiah 61:10).
----------------
Difficult or obscure words:
Philippians 1:1. "Bishops"--from a Greek word meaning "overseers," "superintendent," or "guardian" over the church. Not a high ranked clergyman with authority over many pastors and churches as bishops of a later era.
Philippians 1:1. "Deacons"--from a Greek word meaning "servants" or "helpers."
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