datethewordtest

Tag: Philippians

  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are
    of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy –
     meditate (THINK) on these things. – Philippians 4:8
    Our verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (THINK) on these things.” 

    RIGHT THINKING LEADS TO RIGHT LIVING

    Our minds are incredible as we have the ABILITY TO THINK!  We can be CREATIVE and CONSTRUCTIVE in our thoughts. We can dream and come up with NEW ideas. We can imagine and INVENT.  We can think through problems and solve complex issues.  Maybe someone has said to you, “How did you think of that.”  

    While our minds can be constructive our minds can be destructive. Our thoughts can be corrupt, twisted, and yes, evil. The first time we come across the word “thought” in the Bible is in Genesis 6:5 and it is not good.  Genesis 6:5 says, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  

    Both good and bad actions follow thinking.  Anyone ask you lately WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

    Our attitude comes from thinking. We can have a positive, optimistic outlook. We can have a negative, pessimistic outlook based on our thinking. 

    As we DATE our verse for the date of 4/8, we place it in the context of Philippians 4 where the apostle Paul is laying out how to NOT be ANXIOUS from verse 6. Anxiety brings about a divided mind as our mind/thoughts are like in a tug-a-war. Instead of having a mind that is tearing itself apart, the Apostle tells us to PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING and one will then find peace — a peace that passes all understanding. 

    Now along with praying comes instructions to change our thinking and he writes what to THINK on, what to be thinking about.  He gives 8 proactive words for us to be thinking on.   

    We are to be thinking on things that are TRUE.   (Factual, Correct, Right, Honest)
    We are to be thinking on things that are NOBLE. (Honorable, Decent, Upright)
    We are to be thinking on things that are JUST.     (Fair, Impartial, Appropriate)
    We are to be thinking on things that are PURE.    (Authentic, Wholesome, Clean)
    We are to be thinking on things that are LOVELY.  (Pleasant, Delightful, Winsome)
    We are to be thinking on things that are of a GOOD REPORT,  (Beneficial, Decent)
    We are to be thinking on things that are VIRTUOUS,  (Righteous, Worthy, Excellent)
    We are to be thinking on things that are PRAISEWORTHY.   (Commendable, Admirable)

    8 proactive positive words; TRUE, NOBLE, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, GOOD REPORT, VIRTUOUS, PRAISEWORTHY. 

    Putting your “thinking” through this filter how is your thinking? 
    Are you thinking on things that are FALSE?  
    Are you thinking on things that are DEBASED?
    Are you thinking on things that are CORRUPT?
    Are you thinking on things that are UNCLEAN?
    Are you thinking on things that are UGLY?
    Are you thinking on things that are of a BAD REPORT?
    Are you thinking on things that are IMPURE?
    Are you thinking on things that are WORTHLESS?

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8. It says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (THINK) on these things.” 

    How does your “thinking” need to CHANGE?  A good verse to go with Philippians 4:8 as a filter for your thinking is Psalm 19:14. It says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

    Continue Strong with RIGHT THINKING
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 6 (4/6) is Philippians 4:6

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 6 (4/6) is Philippians 4:6

    “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
    DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING!  PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING!

    Life is, well, difficult and challenging.  We can easily become consumed with daily concerns. Martha, for example, was so overwhelmed, worried, and concerned with getting a meal prepared for Jesus and friends, that she got all out of sorts with her sister, Mary, and even with her honored dinner guest, JESUS.  Jesus told her that she was worried/anxious and troubled about many things.”   Is it possible your life is being consumed by daily concerns like Martha’s?   

    The Apostle Paul knew the reality of being anxious and addressed the subject head-on in Philippians 4:6.  He literally gives a command to STOP BEING ANXIOUS.  

    Why such a command?  Well, to be anxious is to have a divided mind as one does not know WHAT TO DO.  Instead of having this divided mind that paralyzes a person Paul says, pray. Instead of turning things over and over in your head turn things over to God.  Instead of tossing and turning with all your cares and concerns cast your cares on the Lord.  STOP WORRYING AND START PRAYING! 

    As one probes the depths of this very practical verse there are two words that do present a challenge and they should be examined and yes, applied as we pray.  Now, without a doubt, Paul wants us to take everything to God in prayer.  He tells us not to be anxious.  We are not to be worried.  He tells us to make our request to God regarding the things that have us worried and anxious.  Yet within this most wonderful and helpful verse are the words WITH THANKSGIVING.   As we make our request it is to come “with thanksgiving.”

    WITH THANKSGIVING.   Those two words are challenging as most of our prayers are for God to change something, something that we do not like.   I am not saying all our prayers are this but if I am being honest and you are being honest a lot of praying takes place because we do not like the situation or the circumstances we are facing.  To add to the prayer request THANKSGIVING seems to indicate an acceptance of the circumstance that we want God to change.   

    And that just might be the purpose behind the Holy Spirit guiding Paul’s hands in writing WITH THANKSGIVING to this invitation to pray.   As we give God thanks for the circumstance we want to be changed, we might find God wants to use the circumstance to change us.   Offering thanksgiving with our request may just change our perspective and instead of asking God to get us out of the circumstance, we ask God to get us through the circumstance.  

    Ultimately Philippians 4:6 is one of the great verses in the Bible that reminds us that God does want us to bring everything we are facing to Him in prayer.   We don’t need to be living a life of fear and anxiety.  We don’t have to have a divided mind.  We don’t have to be consumed with cares, and concerns.   

    Oh, by the way, just in case you were wondering what God does when we do bring these requests to Him we only have to look at verse 7.   Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  To our prayers God beings PEACE.  As Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

    Do not forfeit the peace of God all because you do not take everything to God in prayer.   

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 6 (4/6) is Philippians 4:6. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

    DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING!  PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING!

    Continue Strong praying about everything,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12
    Philippians 3:12 says, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” 
    Dogged Determination to BECOME MORE for Jesus 

    As a believer, I have come to understand that I am permanently saved because of justification. With permanent salvation though comes progressive sanctification. There will come a day of perfect salvation. I was taught to look at salvation as I am saved, I am being saved and I will be saved.  I am saved is justification.  I am being saved is sanctification and I will be saved is glorification. As a believer, I am now BECOMING what Jesus wants me to be and do.  As the Apostle Paul writes of his spiritual journey that he had not attained I can surely say the same.   His personal evaluation and then his statement of commitment is inspiring to me and I trust to you as well!

    As we unpack our verse to DATE we have the apostle Paul giving his personal testimony in Philippians 3. He will review his past and then evaluate his present. I like to call what he is doing as DEFINING REALITY.  He is being very honest with himself and freely admits that he is NOT what he should be or could be for Christ.  In doing the difficult self-inspection he RESOLVES with DETERMINATION to REACH WHAT CHRIST WANTS ME TO BE! 

    As I read Philippians 3:12 I am reminded of a quote I came across probably 40 years ago that said, “Great leaders are never satisfied with present levels of success.”   More from a spiritual growth component I found that I resonated with that quote because of my studying Philippians 3.   The Apostle Paul was never satisfied with his spiritual development or his spiritual service.  My thinking is if the apostle Paul is not satisfied with his spiritual development and his spiritual service then how could I be satisfied?

    Are you satisfied with your spiritual development?  Are you satisfied with your spiritual service?  Are you presently drifting away from what you had attained and were doing for Christ?  Does your conversation have a lot of “I USE TO” statements?  Is there complacency or worse apathy to pursuing growth and service?  

    As the Apostle Paul defines present reality, he gives a very powerful resolve that starts with a word we associate with contrast saying BUT…  This word BUT is more than a contrast here as Paul is using this word to convey COMMITMENT.  While he is NOT, he makes it clear WHAT HE IS.  He is PRESSING forward.  He is PURSUING.   His dissatisfaction with the present level has brought about a determination, a dogged determination, to be more like Christ and do more for Christ. 

    His determination will be followed up with discipline as he writes in Philippians 3:13-14 “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, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  

    DID YOU CATCH THE DISCIPLINE?  He said ONE THING I DO!  

    Are you in pursuit of becoming all you can be for Jesus?  If your answer is yes then you are going to have moments of dissatisfaction that turn into new determination followed by a new discipline to PRESS ON!

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 12 (3/12) is Philippians 3:12. It says, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”

    Define your spiritual life reality and determine to improve, never be satisfied.  

    Continue Strong, 
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 21 (2/21) is Philippians 2:21

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 21 (2/21) is Philippians 2:21

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 21 (2/21) is Philippians 2:21
    Philippians 2:21 says, “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.”
    WHO IS FIRST?

    Philippians 2:21 is definitely NOT a life verse. It is so NOT what a Christian is to be about. It is the exact opposite of what a Christian is to be.  It speaks of SELF-CENTEREDNESS.  It speaks of SELFISHNESS.  

    The context for this indictment is the Apostle Paul is giving a recommendation for Timothy as he wants the Philippians to receive him as he comes to ministry to them.  As Paul looks at who might be best Timothy is the obvious choice because he has a mindset for OTHERS.  In Philippians 2:20 he writes that Timothy would genuinely be concerned about their welfare.

    We are not sure who the “ALL” are but whoever they are they have the wrong purpose in life. Instead of a Joshua mindset of “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” these folks have a “for me I will serve myself.” Instead of seeking first the kingdom of God as Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 they are seeking their kingdom first. For the self-centered it is a myself – mine – own – me – I focus of life.   

    As you look into the mirror of the word I trust Philippians 2:21 is not a statement that would be made about you.   We are challenged in the world we live in to always put ourselves first. Living differently means others come before us.   

    BTW – I found it interesting that the Apostle Paul had written of himself in Philippians 1:21 that for him to live was Christ.  My challenge is to ask yourself are you a Philippians 1:21 person or a Philippians 2:21 person? Are you living for the Savior or living for self? 

    Philippians 1:21  For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
    or
    Philippians 2:21 “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” 
    Which are you? 

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 21 (2/21) is Philippians 2:21.  Philippians 2:21 says, “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.”

    Continue Strong seeking first the kingdom of God and the betterment of others!
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 15 (2/15) is Philippians 2:15

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 15 (2/15) is Philippians 2:15

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 15 (2/15) is Philippians 2:15
    Philippians 2:15 says, “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,
    In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus instructs His disciples (this includes you) to be lights in the dark world. Recall His words from Matthew 5:14-16.  It states, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The Apostle Paul here in Philippians 2:15 makes the same appeal to “SHINE as lights in the world.”  

    Paul’s instruction for shining as a light to the world comes with instructions for allowing the light to be bright.  We must pause and go back to verse 14 to get the full picture.  Please note as you read Philippians 2:14 you will see a comma at the end of the verse, not a period.  Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, (comma) v15 that you may become….. What will they 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,

    For the Philippian’s light to SHINE brightly to the world Paul instructs them to stop complaining (or murmuring or grumbling) and arguing with one another.  Paul is basically very positive in his letter to the Philippians but in several verses, he does address the division and divisiveness and the disconnect present in the church at Philippi.  Wanting the Philippians to shine as a light to the world Paul tells them to stop the pettiness and the divisive fighting with each other.  These actions were giving them a bad testimony.  For Paul, a good testimony was going to make the greatest impact. 

    To have this good testimony he wanted them to become BLAMELESS.  This means the door for attacking one’s character is closed.  They can look into your closet, but they will not find anything.  Daniel and Job are examples of living blameless lives.  

    He wanted them to be HARMLESS.  This means no one is going to be harmed.  

    Let us think about that for a moment.  A lost person sees Christians ATTACKING one another.  They have to wonder if they show up at a church will they be attacked? 

    The bickering and backbiting of believers will undoubtedly cause the lost to feel unsafe.  

    What Paul is ultimately after is that the Philippian believers would be without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse world.  To be without fault is to be without blemish. Not perfect, but living in such a way there is nothing for the lost to say bad about them.  In other words, they have a good testimony.  

    With the good testimony, they can now SHINE in the DARKNESS!  And the place for LIGHT to SHINE is in the DARKNESS.  Believers are to be AMONG those in darkness.  Let that sink in.

    BTW – like Paul, Peter conveyed this message and he too was concerned first about the believers’ BEHAVIOR.  Look at 1 Peter 2:12 as it states, “having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”  Having honorable conduct sounds like someone has a good testimony.  

    And who is seeing their good testimony?  The lost. They are seeing the testimony because believers are AMONG the lost.  I beg you not to miss this.   We must not be like the lost, but we must be with the lost!  When we ISOLATE ourselves from the lost, we are hiding our light under a bushel basket!  We are still in the world to be a witness for the Lord to this world.  

    Friends, we are instructed to shine the light of the glorious gospel to a dark, sinful world.  When we are no different than the world in how we treat each other the light is dimmed.  But when we live a blameless life, loving and respecting one another the light of the gospel is bright.

    What changes do you need to make to shine your light bright to the lost world?  

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 15 (2/15) is Philippians 2:15. It says, “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,”

    Now sing: This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel – NO! I am going let it shine until Jesus comes!

    Continue Strong SHINING BRIGHT for JESUS
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 4 (2/4) is Philippians 2:4

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 4 (2/4) is Philippians 2:4

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 4 (2/4) is Philippians 2:4
    Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”
    Putting LOVE into practice (Phil. 2:2 says having the same love) the apostle Paul gives some powerful instructions on how we are to LIVE differently as BELIEVERS by LOOKING OUT for the interest of OTHERS. 

    In verse 3 we are to ESTEEM others better than ourselves. We stop being SELFISH and live SELFLESS lives honoring others better than ourselves.  NOW we are to LOOK OUT for their interest. 

    As I think of “looking out” for the interest of others, I think of James 1:27 where James writes that “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction,” The Greek word for VISIT is “episcope.” A scope brings something very small up close so it can be better seen. We are to LOOK CLOSELY AND CAREFULLY at OTHERS to know what they need. As we determine the needs, we activate LOVE and SERVICE to meet the need.

    The pressing question is while looking out for your own interest, have you moved to LOOKING OUT FOR THE INTEREST of OTHERS?  
    Are you still living for yourself or by being a follower of Christ has there been a change in you to living to serve others?

    BTW – if you are looking for just one word as a mission statement for your life I highly recommend the word OTHERS.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 4 (2/4) is Philippians 2:4. It says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”

    Just a quick reminder: Except for one person the entire world is made up of OTHERS.  

    Continue Strong with CONCERN for others,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

    Bonus on February 4 (2/4).  2/4 has numerous verses that could be the verse for the DATE.  
    Notice some other really important verses to DATE!
    Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

    2 Timothy 2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

    Nehemiah 2:4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.

    Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

    1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

    1 Timothy 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

    Haggai 2:4 ‘Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts.

    Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

    1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

    2 Corinthians 2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
  • Verse to DATE the Word on February 3 (2/3) is Philippians 2:3

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 3 (2/3) is Philippians 2:3

    Our verse to DATE the Word on February 3 (2/3) is Philippians 2:3
    Philippians 2:3 says “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
    HONORING OTHERS BETTER THAN YOURSELF!

    In Philippians 2:3 the Apostle Paul introduces us to the TWINS of TURMOIL.  Their names are selfish ambition and conceit.  They are two very mean and destructive attitudes and whether separately or together DIVISION will be happening.  Proverbs 13:10 says “By pride comes nothing but strife.”  Let’s meet them so we may avoid LIVING LIKE THEM.

    Selfish ambition looks to get ahead by PUSHING OTHERS DOWN. 
    Conceit looks to get ahead by PUSHING ONESELF UP.
    Selfish ambition talks DOWN a person.
    Conceit talks UP themselves.
    Selfish ambition likes to tell others how BAD and PATHETIC others are to make themselves look better.
    Conceit likes to tell others how GREAT & WONDERFUL they are to make themselves look better.
    (Instead of singing HOW GREAT THOU ART, they like to sing HOW GREAT I AM!)
    These twins of turmoil are concerned only about themselves. When a person thinks only of themselves, they become SELFISH.  They maintain that they must always look out for #1 which, of course, is them. 
    They are constantly looking out for what they can GET.  
    The world does revolve around them.  Their keywords will be I. ME. MY. and MINE!

    As a Christian one is challenged to live a very contrasting life. One of the teachings that Jesus gave said, “on the contrary, it shall not be so with you.” The Christian is not living a life of selfishness but of selflessness. It is a life of humility. Humility is not thinking less of self but rather living a life where one is not thinking of self first.  

    The growing Christian moves from selfishness to service. One will begin to ESTEEM others better than oneself.  To ESTEEM means to hold another above, higher than oneself even to the point of seeing them as superior.

    Very few verses challenge us on living as a Christian should be living as Philippians 2:3-4. One stops thinking only of self, only of self first, and being selfish to where one starts thinking of OTHERS before self.  Keywords for the humble are YOUR and YOU and OURS and US.  

    So, who will you be looking out for today? YOURSELF or OTHERS?  
    Will this be a day of selfishness or a day of SELFLESSNESS?  
    Will this be a day of HONORING yourself or HUMBLING yourself?

    Verse to DATE the Word on February 3 (2/3) is Philippians 2:3. It says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

    JOY in life comes when Jesus is first; Others are second and You are last!
    Bonus thought:  When you are all wrapped up in yourself, you make for a very small package!

    Continue Strong HONORING OTHERS OVER YOU!
    And remember to DATE the WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 27 (1/27) is Philippians 1:27

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 27 (1/27) is Philippians 1:27

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 27 (1/27) is Philippians 1:27
    Philippians 1:27 says, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” 
    The Conduct of a Christian

    In Philippians 1:27 the apostle Paul REVEALS what he would like to hear about fellow believers. He would like to hear of a believer’s behavior being HONORABLE to the Lord. Do you question before acting if an action is pleasing – is honoring – worthy to the one who saved you?

    He wants to hear of believers STANDING for the faith – unified in belief. “Standing fast” is a military term for standing a post, of holding a position. Are you standing fast in defending our common faith? Jude wrote in 1:3 that he “found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Are you a defender of the faith? Do you know what you believe and why you believe it?  Are you standing up and speaking out for the faith?

    Then Paul changes to an Athletic word saying he wants to hear of believers STRIVING – sharing – proclaiming – making known the gospel. While standing for the gospel we are to be SHARING the gospel with the lost!! 

    Are you having gospel conversations with the lost?  Do you have a passion lo be winning souls?

    So, if we were at Philippi in the days of Paul what would he be hearing about your life as a Christian?  Something to ponder!

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 27 (1/27) is Philippians 1:27. It says, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your actions, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

    Take proper actions to be a defender of the faith while being a spreader of the gospel!

    Continue Strong pleasing the Lord,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 21 (1/21) is Philippians 1:21

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 21 (1/21) is Philippians 1:21

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 21 (1/21)
    Some verses to DATE the Word on January 21 (1/21) start with Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
    Our DATE THE WORD approach will be a little different today as I am on a study tour in Israel and as I looked at the various verses that are available to be the verse for the date there are several that connect with Israel, even connecting to some of the things I experienced and saw this very day.  So we will highlight several verses with short thoughts.   

    The first verse is Philippians 1:21.  To ask the Apostle Paul what he was living for in this present world would bring about an immediate answer are you living for CHRIST?  What are you living for?  What goes in the blank when you state that for you to live is ________________.    Is it Christ?  

    Yesterday I was in Bethlehem and part of the tour was to see the living quarters of Jerome.  Jerome came to Bethlehem and did the hard work of translating the Hebrew Bible into Latin and gave us the version called the Latin Vulgate.  In the courtyard was a statue of him and at his feet was a skull.  Immediately questions started coming about why there was a human skull at his feet.  The guide told us it was there because Jerome understood that death was sure to come, and he needed to work with urgency and leave something for future generations.  He needed a symbol, and the skull was a symbol of the transience of human existence.  

    Jerome had a mindset of living every moment for Christ and making a difference that would carry on long after he was in heaven.   How about you? 

    A verse for January 21 (1/21) is Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

    Another verse for January 21 (1/21) is Deuteronomy 1:21 ‘Look, the LORD your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the LORD God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.’

    Being in Israel has been a reminder of what God told the Israelites to do and how they were not to live in fear nor be discouraged.  Are you stepping out by faith daily to do what God has called you to do?

    Another verse for January 21 (1/21) is Judges 1:21 But the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; so the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

    Reviewing the history of Israel, one has to acknowledge that they did not do what they were supposed to do and they ended up letting the enemy “hang around.”   A spiritual principle that can be drawn here is to ask if we are letting some temptations hang around.    

    Another verse for January 21 (1/21) is Ruth 1:21. Naomi says,  “I went out full, and the LORD has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”

    Being in Bethlehem meant we considered the various stories related to Bethlehem and one of the major stories is the story of Ruth. One of the tough verses of the book of Ruth is Ruth 1:21 where Naomi laments that she has come back to Bethlehem EMPTY and her evaluation of her life is God has afflicted her.  Yet knowing the full story we know that Naomi had made a bad evaluation because she did not return empty.  Returning with her was RUTH and Ruth was one of the greatest blessings Naomi would have.   Let us make sure we are evaluating our present circumstances carefully.  Let us not miss the blessings God is putting in our lives!

    Another verse for January 21 (1/21) is Matthew 1:21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

    Being in Bethlehem we were minded why He came and Matthew 1:21 lays out clearly what His purpose was. 
    Matthew 1:21 states it so beautifully, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

    On Thursday we were in Nazareth, and we pointed out that by 12 Jesus said that He must be about His Father’s business.  (Luke 2:49).  On the coming Tuesday we will tour where Jesus died and then rose again fulfilling the words of Matthew 1:21.  He died to SAVE!  He died to save you!

    Continue Strong 
    And remember to DATE THE WORD

  • Verse to DATE the Word on January 12 (1/12) is Philippians 1:12

    Our verse to DATE the Word on January 12 (1/12) is Philippians 1:12.
    Philippians 1:12 says, “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,“
    Seeing Difficult Interruptions as Divine Appointments 

    The question of WHY do bad things happen to good people is a question that has been asked for centuries. The Philippian church members wanted to know WHY a good man like the Apostle Paul who was faithfully serving the Lord would find himself arrested and in a Roman jail. Knowing his friends at Philippi were concerned about him and that his present situation or circumstances did not seem to have a purpose, Paul addresses their concerns in Philippians 1:12.   

    Looking again at our verse Paul says that the THINGS that have happened, the difficult, rough unsettling, unpleasant, hard things that have happened to him, happened so that there would be the opportunity to share Christ.  He saw his present situation OPENING CLOSED DOORS for an opportunity to SHARE THE GOSPEL.  Being in chains offered him the opportunity to proclaim the claims of Christ!  Roman soldiers of the highest order got saved. In Philippians 1:13 he writes that it has become evident to the whole palace guard and to all the rest, that his chains are in Christ. As well, he would end his letter by sending greetings from members of Caesar’s household.
    Philippians 4:22 says, “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.”  

    To the question of WHAT IS HAPPENING, PAUL WOULD SAY SHARING JESUS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING!

    Now for an answer to the question, WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE Paul tells us that the bad, horrible circumstances just might be happening for the FURTHERANCE of the GOSPEL.   The idea of “furtherance” is CLEARING or OPENING UP A PATH.  

    We need to see our CIRCUMSTANCES as a way God CLEARS a path to COMMUNICATE CHRIST!

    Are you staying alert with your TRIALS that they may be divine appointments to share your TESTIMONY? Are you staying alert with what might be unfavorable circumstances in that you are being placed by God at that moment to have a conversation about Christ? Are you staying alert to see your various situations as opportunities to share the gospel? 

    I am praying you will have a Philippians 1:12 testimony where the things (PLURAL) which happen to you (the good, the bad, the awful things) will turn out for the furtherance of the gospel!  So be watching and be alert to God clearing paths for you to communicate the gospel.  

    New contacts through new circumstances can become new converts!

    Verse to DATE the Word on January 12 (1/12) is Philippians 1:12. It says, “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,”

    Turn trials into a testimony and your rough circumstances will become rejoicing celebrations!

    Continue Strong alert to divine appointments for sharing the gospel,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD