Please read Philippians 2:12-30, Philippians chapters 3 and 4.  All in one place!  Come on back after you read, and let’s share some highlights.  What is one thing you are learning today?

“Do all things without  complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  holding fast the word of life” Philippians 2:14-16

2:14-16 is our job description! Can I give you a little “extra credit work” today? (Just teasing!) Take a second and look up 3:7 in the NLT, and highlight 3:12 in the Amplified.

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13

I like a little word study: 3:13 about forgetting. Forgetting here means to lose into oblivion, no longer care for, never re-visit, neglect. Imagine if you honestly took your past and lost it into oblivion, neglected, stopped even considering those things in the past – couldn’t we take a deep breath and move forward more easily? (It’s possible!)

“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

4:4-7 Some people never see God work because they never ask. Pray in everything. Prayer will make us sensitive to the things of God.  When we are aware that God is at work, a peace comes over our minds.  What a gift!