Devotion for Saturday, January 4, 2014

Philippians 4:1–7

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

• Do you think he loved them? Count how many ways he expressed it in this verse. How many did you get? I counted five. Maybe there is more. He really loved them. This flavors the rest of the verses.

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

1. Peace comes by resolving conflict.
Notice about these 2 ladies:
-They both had worked with Paul.
-The issue is not mentioned directly. Maybe it wasn’t a big deal.
-Both are “beseeched”. Maybe Paul was trying not pick sides.
-Both were christians. “whose names are in the book of life”.
-They really just needed to get along.
– They were forfeiting peace in their life and in the church.
– They needed the people that Paul was naming to come alongside and help create peace between them.

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

2. Peace comes through worship.
– There is something about worship, celebration and thanksgiving that produces a right perspective in our lives.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

3. Peace comes through gentleness.
Moderation can be known as sensibleness, or gentleness. People who are gentle..
– Can be dealt with.
– Don’t over do things.
– Don’t create drama.
– Don’t ignore drama, but deal with it reasonably.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

4. Peace comes through prayer.

Stop worrying and start praying. Stop rehashing your problems over and over again in your mind. Start telling God about what is going on. Start thanking God for past faithfulness.

What happens when we do this?

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

“Keep” can be translated “guard”. Don’t you want God’s peace guarding your heart (emotion) and mind (where the worry is really happening creating chaos and confusion)?

Application:
– If you have a problem with someone go make it right.
– Take a few moments to make a list of all the things God has done for you. Share it with someone. Celebrate what God has done for you.
– Stop thinking about your rights. Stop trying to get your way. Your giving up your peace.
– If you’ve got something on your mind that is bothering you your crazy not to take it to God in prayer. Let Him take care of it!