May 14, 2018
Philippians 1:3-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
If you were allowed to give one message to people you truly cared about, what would that message be? What would you want to place in their thoughts that would last? In our lesson today, the Apostle Paul wants to get a message to his spiritual family of what really matters in life: to overflow with the love and righteous character of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Answer and Good News for every issue, because he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Way, because he brings new perspective to human thinking. He is the Truth, because he is Wisdom incarnate. He is the Life, because he is the Savior who leads us into eternal life in connection to the Father through the Spirit. Take time today to truly give thanks to the Lord and pray for opportunities to share a message of hope to those in your sphere of influence. God knows when someone needs to hear the Good News.
Philippians 1:3-11 Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ[a]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the love you pour into my heart each day. Guide me to share the message of your love and desire to grow righteous character in the lives of every one of your children. My spiritual growth is the evidence of Your favor operating in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.