Read the selected chapter each day.
Spend some time in prayer reflecting on how God spoke to you through the reading.
Read the study guide for the day you are on to dig a little deeper into a few selected verses.
Respond to the questions and prayer guides as you apply the biblical teachings to your life.
By the end of this week we will have read through Matthew, John, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 Timothy, 1 Thessalonians, James, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John.
Sunday, May 22nd – Philippians 1
Sunday, May 22nd – Philippians 1
Paul uses his letter to the church at Philippi to provide a sort of map and encouragement for how the Philippians could grow in faith. He begins his encouragement in verse 6 by saying, “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.” In what manner is God working on you right now? How can you take Paul’s words of encouragement and apply them in your life?
Monday, May 23rd – Philippians 2:1-11
Read this passage two or three times throughout the day today. How clearly do these directions from Paul stand out? Don’t be selfish. Don’t try to impress others. Be humble. Look out for others. Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. How difficult this can be for so many of us. Keep a mental tally of how many times God provides for you to exercise these principles today. How can placing this passage at the forefront of our day change our focus and the way we respond to the challenges that come our way?
Tuesday, May 24th – Philippians 2:12-30
Reread verse 13. This verse reminds us that our desire and strength to live for and please God comes from God himself. If we’re left to do things for God out of our own power, we will faith. But Paul continues to provide the encouragement that it is God’s power which helps guide us, not our own. In what ways do you need to rely on God to help you love Him today?
Wednesday, May 25th – Philippians 3:1-11
It’s easy to list all of our good deeds and religious accomplishments, pat our selves on the back and say we’re good Christians. But in verse 7, Paul reminds us that what we do means nothing without understanding Christ’s sacrifice first and letting our good deeds flow from our faith in Christ. Reread verses 10-11. Could this be your wholehearted prayer today?
Thursday, May 26th – Philippians 3:12-21
Can you associate with Paul in this passage? Faith is like a journey or a long race. Paul calls us to rely on God’s strength to get us through the journey. None of us are perfect, but God still calls us to run the race and win the prize. Be encouraged. Keep running. Press on.
Friday, May 27th – Philippians 4:1-9
Can you imagine never being worried about anything? It’s seems like an inpossibility. But Paul’s advice to us in verse 6 is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more and focus your thoughts on those things mentioned in verse 8.
Saturday, May 28th – Philippians 4:10-23
Paul writes he has learned to be content with whatever he has (verse 11) and that he knows the secret to living in every situation (verse 12). In verse 13, he gives the answer, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Where does your strength come from? Are you drawing from the source? How can you begin today to seek out God’s strength and power more in your life?
(Thanks to Chad Schuchmann for writing this study guide.)
2 comments:
Wow. Five to 10 minutes a day ... That's a stat worthy of note. Keep up the God-Work!
I found this site on accident while looking for pictures of the word "miserable" for my 4th graders. Your site came up and it by no means was an accident. God's will will and continues to thrive in my heart. Thank you and most of all, OUR CREATOR for all his underserved kindness he continues to show.
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