Philippians 4:10-14 (HCSB)Appreciation of Support10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances ...  Read More

Philippians 4:8-9 (HCSB)8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.Marliss O'Neal Paul continues with the encourage...  Read More

Philippians 4:5-7 (HCSB)5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.Marliss O'Neal Verse 5 starts out with 4 great words – “The Lord is near...  Read More

Philippians 4:1-4 (HCSB)Practical Counsel  So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in ...  Read More

Nothing is more important than knowing Jesus! We can never be good enough or do enough good things on our own, but our goal is to know Him intimately and follow Him faithfully. Study the Word: Key Truth: Believers put no confidence in their own righteousness (Philippians 3:1-7). We should not put our trust in a veneer of self-righteousness but in the genuine righteousness of Christ.Key Truth: Beli...  Read More

QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK Philippians 3:2-6 warns against trusting your flesh. One problem people have is that they trust themselves. They work harder and longer to get ahead – at school, in sports, at work, compared to others... Is this something you struggle with? What area are you most prone to trust yourself instead of Christ? One day we will all stand before Christ and realize just how much of t...  Read More

1 John 2:3-10 (HCSB)God’s Commands 3 This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” yet doesn’t keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: 6 The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as ...  Read More

John 17:1-5 (HCSB)Jesus Prays for Himself Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said: Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You, 2 for You gave Him authority over all flesh; so He may give eternal life to all You have given Him. 3 This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent —Jesus Christ. 4 I have glorifi...  Read More

Philippians 3:20-21 (HCSB)20 but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself. Glynda SteeleAs a woman battling cancer and lung disease, and a mother of a severely mentally and physically d...  Read More

Philippians 3:10-19 (HCSB)10 My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead. Reaching Forward to God’s Goal 12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been...  Read More

Philippians 3:1-9 (HCSB)Knowing Christ Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a protection for you. 2 Watch out for “dogs,” watch out for evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh— 4 al...  Read More

Paul's teachings in Romans and Philippians were written in the late AD 50s and early AD 60s. In these passages Paul encouraged his readers to conform their thinking to that of Jesus.A Different MindsetA transformed mind is developed through an intentional seeking of God's thoughts. Our attitude and our focus must be on Christ, His Word, and the virtuous things of life.Study the Word: Key Truth: Th...  Read More