Page 52 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Steve Maltz and are based on Philippians 4:1-7 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
Romans 12:3-8
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Sunday January 28 - Stand firm
Therefore... stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Philippians 4:1
In the previous chapter we saw the contrast between the ‘enemies of the cross’ and us, the ‘citizens of heaven’. As such we are called to stand firm, so this is how we are going to start the week. This is our position – let’s make it a reality. Let’s stand firm, despite what our culture and environment throw at us.
Recently I attended a residential workshop where the other attendees were very different from me in outlook and mindset. I realised that if I didn’t stand firm in my thoughts and actions then I would have put myself in a position of compromise, rather than demonstrating the ‘fragrance of Jesus’ (2 Corinthians 2:15). It was difficult, but the end result was an observation by one delegate that I was ‘definitely a one-off’! I had made an impact because I stood firm, despite all that was thrown at me.
How do we stand firm? Paul gives us the answer in Ephesians 6:11-18, telling us to ‘put on the full armour of God’, being people of truthfulness, righteousness, peace and faith. So God equips us with all that we need; all we have to do is take up this armour and prepare for battle. By doing so, Paul tells us in these verses that ‘when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground’ (v 13).
Father in heaven, please help me this week to stand firm and not to be swayed by our culture. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY