Hello hello friends! Today we finish our journey through the book of Philippians featuring some of the best and most well loved scripture passages, including but not limited to, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" which read in the context of prison is a powerful image. While yesterday's reading was a little mellow in mood I personally found Paul's demeanor to be more hopeful - hopeful in spite of the situation he finds himself. As we mentally prepare for the fall and the likely resurgence of pandemic restrictions brought on by the delta variant what about this reading can inspire you to remain hopeful for the rest of this year?
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
Paul writes that he is going on to perfection even though he knows he will never achieve it. This is the biblical source for the Wesleyan belief of "sanctifying grace." How do you believe you are going on to perfection? How do you feel about the very concept?
What does it mean to be a "citizen of heaven?"
Have you ever felt like "God's peace guarded your heart?"
No commentary today because there is another Bible Project video to watch instead - yay! This one is on "Joy". I hope you find it enlightening and maybe even a little joyful.
Praying the Hymns
Our prayer for today is inspired by hymn 322 in our hymnal - Up From the Grave He Arose. Oh boy, I know this will be a favorite of many of you. Sing it with pride, sing it with JOY. :)
1 Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,
waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Refrain:
Up from the grave he arose,
with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
2 Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior;
vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord! [Refrain]
3 Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior; he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord! [Refrain]