Author: admin

¹² We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. ¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.¹⁵ See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies, ²¹ but test everything; hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil.

²³ Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.²⁴ He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

²⁵ Brothers, pray for us.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: In view of Christ’s imminent return, Paul reminded the Thessalonians to be ready to meet the Lord at any time. He then closed this letter with various specific instructions.
2. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances”, these three teachings are totally contrary to our human nature.  However, as we learn to obey God’s word wholeheartedly, we will develop different perspectives toward people, and things, and we will then discover that to be joyful and thankful isn’t that difficult after all, but rather is the natural outpouring of our hearts.
3. Write down three things you are thankful for and offer your praise and thanksgiving to God!

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 23:19-21

¹⁹ Hear, my son, and be wise,
    and direct your heart in the way.
²⁰ Be not among drunkards
    or among gluttonous eaters of meat,
²¹ for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
    and slumber will clothe them with rags.

¹ Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. ² For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴ that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, ⁵ not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶ that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. ⁷ For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. ⁸ Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

⁹ Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, ¹⁰ for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, ¹¹ and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, ¹² so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Paul urged his readers to continue living as they have been instructed by Paul.  They are to live with a motive to please God by obeying God’s will – to avoid sexual immorality, and to love fellow-Christians.  All who belong to Christ will be raised at Christ’s return.
2. The call to holiness is a call to sever ties with sin and follow Christ in our daily life.  As we go along our journey of following Jesus, we are called to seek after a life of holiness—one that is different than that of the world—and one that we can only live by God’s grace and Spirit at work within us.
3. Take a moment to consider your surroundings, the competitive workplace, the stressful family life, or busy studies.  Pray that the Holy Spirit work within you to teach and guide you and show you specific aspects in your life that you need to seek to live out a life of holiness in all areas of your being.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 23:15-18

¹⁵ My son, if your heart is wise,
    my heart too will be glad.
¹⁶ My inmost being will exult
    when your lips speak what is right.
¹⁷ Let not your heart envy sinners,
    but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.
¹⁸ Surely there is a future,
    and your hope will not be cut off.

¹ Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, ² and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, ³ that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. ⁴ For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. ⁵ For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

⁶ But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— ⁷ for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. ⁸ For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, ¹⁰ as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, ¹² and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, ¹³ so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Paul expressed his great desire to see the Thessalonians again and explained how news of their continuing steadfastness gladdened his heart. He said these things to encourage them further to persevere in their faith and service.
2. The Thessalonians’ testimony of faith and love comforted and encouraged Paul.  Similarly, your testimony can also provide much needed encouragement to fellow believers, your cell leaders, Sunday school teachers, and your pastors.  We can also be encouraged by the stories of other members of our community of faith.
3. Have you had the privilege of hearing the testimony of a fellow believer?  Is there anyone at church you’d like to share your experiences or reflections with?   Pray that God will use your sharing to encourage that person.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 23:12-14

¹² Apply your heart to instruction
    and your ear to words of knowledge.
¹³ Do not withhold discipline from a child;
    if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
¹⁴ If you strike him with the rod,
    you will save his soul from Sheol.

¹ For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. ² But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. ³ For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, ⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. ⁵ For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. ⁶ Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. ⁷ But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. ⁸ So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

⁹ For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.¹⁰ You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. ¹¹ For you know how, like a father with his children, ¹² we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Paul reminded his readers that he had been persecuted for his preaching and claimed that his message was true, his motives pure, and his methods straightforward.  He encouraged them not to abandon the gospel.
2. For Paul, evangelism was always delightful and exciting.  He has been a faithful servant of God with the motive not to win the approval of the Thessalonians, but to please God who knows our hearts and our motivations.  His attitude toward the Thessalonians was gentle and unselfish like a nursing mother.  Paul gave himself, not just his message, to the Thessalonians out of love for them, not for personal gain.  This is the secret of Paul’s success—the continual and selfless giving of his all to people whom he loved dearly.
3. How do you feel about telling others about your faith? Talk with God about any fears or guilt you experience.  Ask God to give you encouragement to be a gentle and loving evangelist.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 23:9-11

⁹ Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
    for he will despise the good sense of your words.
¹⁰ Do not move an ancient landmark
    or enter the fields of the fatherless,
¹¹ for their Redeemer is strong;
    he will plead their cause against you.

¹ Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace.

² We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, ³ remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴ For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,⁵ because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. ⁶ And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. ⁸ For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. ⁹ For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰ and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Paul praised God for the Thessalonians’ steadfastness and evidences of their true conversion.
2. For Christians, faith, love and hope are not just abstract ideas.  We see in the example of the church of Thessalonica that their faith, love and hope were very real and were manifested through their actions.  These actions then became an example and a source of joy for Paul and other churches who heard about what God was doing among the Thessalonians.
3. What do you think your reputation is with non-Christians?  How can your faith (and the faith of your church or small group) become more of a witness to others?
4.  Ask God to make you a genuine witness, and pray for the witness of your church.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 23:5-8

⁵ When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.
⁶ Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy;
    do not desire his delicacies,
⁷ for he is like one who is inwardly calculating.
    “Eat and drink!” he says to you,
    but his heart is not with you.
⁸ You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten,
    and waste your pleasant words.

² Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: In this last chapter, Paul shows that witnessing involves prayer, living and speaking. His closing greetings illustrate many ways Christians help and encourage each other.
2. Expressing Christ in our lives is vital to an effective witness.  But it is not enough.  The gospel is a message delivered in words, and authenticated by life.  Both word and life must be shared and accompanied by fervent prayers before the Lord.
3. How well are you in sharing the gospel?  Which do you need to improve (in word or life) to become more effective in advancing the gospel?
4. Use verses 3-4 to pray for yourself, your church leaders and missionaries. Ask God to make you aware of every opportunity to encourage nonbelievers to consider Jesus.

Proverbs for Today 23:1-4

¹ When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
    observe carefully what is before you,
² and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to appetite.
³ Do not desire his delicacies,
    for they are deceptive food.
⁴ Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.

¹ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

⁵ Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁶ On account of these the wrath of God is coming. ⁷ In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. ⁸ But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. ¹¹ Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

¹² Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³ bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: True spiritual reality is experienced and expressed in rejection of evil and a transformed character. We recognize Christ in the Christian’s life by the love and mutual submission expressed in every relationship.
2. Read the passage and consider these segments included in the process of putting on the new life.

–           A new life is possible (vv3-4)

–           Get rid of the old life (v5)

–           Put on the new life (v12-14)

–           Inner thoughts and behavior needed to put on new life (vv15-17)

1. Which part speaks to you most right now?  Why?  How does that idea relate to the other parts?  How does it relate to love “which binds them all together in perfect harmony”?
2. Pray to God the part that speaks to you, personalizing it.

Proverbs for Today 22:26-29

²⁶ Be not one of those who give pledges,
    who put up security for debts.
²⁷ If you have nothing with which to pay,
    why should your bed be taken from under you?
²⁸ Do not move the ancient landmark
    that your fathers have set.
²⁹ Do you see a man skillful in his work?
    He will stand before kings;
    he will not stand before obscure men.

⁶ Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. ⁹ For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, ¹⁰ and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. ¹¹ In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ¹² having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.¹³ And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴ by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

¹⁶ Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. ¹⁷ These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. ¹⁸ Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, ¹⁹ and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Understanding life in Christ, and we won’t be taken in by substitutes for true spirituality.
2. In v8, Paul criticized the Colossian false teaching that is not based on God’s revelation in Christ but the “misleading philosophy and empty deception based on traditions fabricated by mere mortals. These are sourced in the elementary principles originating in this world and not in the Anointed One (so don’t let their talks capture you)”.  (The Voice)
3. In this passage, it was clear that the “elemental spirits of this world” refer to the rituals and rules of the Old Testament (vv16-17).  The legalistic false teachers were probably advocating obedience to the Law of Moses for justification and sanctification.
4. Silently reread verses 9-15, inserting your name every time Paul says you or us. How do these facts affect your view of yourself?
5. Consider the fact that we are made complete in Christ. Let your prayer and praise to arise out of that fact.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 22:22-25

²² Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
    or crush the afflicted at the gate,
²³ for the Lord will plead their cause
    and rob of life those who rob them.
²⁴ Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
    nor go with a wrathful man,
²⁵ lest you learn his ways
    and entangle yourself in a snare.

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Without Christ, Christianity is nothing.  Paul offered prayers for the Colossians (vv3-14), and made a profound affirmation of Christ’s supremacy (vv15-23) and his living presence in the believer (vv24-29).
2. We often hear: “All roads lead to Rome. Everyone is eventually going to the same place. How can Christians say Jesus is the only way to God?” What is your response?
3. In this passage, Paul adamantly declared Christ’s supremacy over every being and every idea. It is the central truth of Christian faith.  Christ is Lord over all creation and is the reconciler between God and his creation.  Our lives are built upon it, shaped in every way by it.  Through Christ’s reconciliation we may be given back to God holy, blameless, and irreproachable.  God is the all-powerful ruler of heaven and earth.  God expresses his supreme power in this world in the person of Jesus.  God still expresses His supreme power in this world – through us!
4. Silently reread verses 21-23, inserting your name every time Paul says you. What emotion, phrases, or thoughts come to you?  What insight do you have about Jesus Christ, your new life in Him?  Talk to God, wait and listen to Him speaking to you.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 22:19-21

¹⁹ That your trust may be in the Lord,
    I have made them known to you today, even to you.
²⁰ Have I not written for you thirty sayings
    of counsel and knowledge,
²¹ to make you know what is right and true,
    that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

¹⁴ Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ¹⁵ And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. ¹⁶ Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. ¹⁸ I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Paul exhorted the Philippian Christians (vv1-9), gave a most unusual thank-you note (vv10-20), and added final greetings (vv21-23).
2. Many people believe they can only be content and happy once they have reached a certain level of economic prosperity. How does their view differ from Paul’s secret of contentment?  How is your view compared with Paul’s?  How can you become a better giver? Or a better receiver?
3. Richard Foster defines “simplicity” as “an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle” (Celebration of Discipline).  According to Paul, what is the inward reality?  How close are you to experiencing this in your life?  What can you do to encourage it?
4. Pray for Christian workers you know, that they would have the emotional and financial support they need.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 22:17-18

¹⁷ Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
    and apply your heart to my knowledge,
¹⁸ for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.

¹ Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

² Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. ³ For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. ⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— ¹⁰ that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Paul had abandoned confidence in his own works (vv1-6) to trust Christ completely (vv7-11).  All mature believers will follow Paul’s example and press toward this goal (vv12-17), eagerly awaiting Christ’s return and our transformation (vv18-21).
2. Paul had credentials: his family heritage, education, and zeal.  These would have secured him a prominent place in the society.  But Paul’s encounter with Christ radically changed him.  When Paul met the risen Christ, his resume did nothing for him.  What mattered now was relationship with Christ.  Christians learn to recognize and abandon those things that must be counted as losses (possessions, credentials, attitudes, etc.) in light of our encounter with Christ (the gain of our relationship with Christ).
3. What are the things that you count “gain” but actually are “loss” and may become “weight and sin that clings so closely” (Heb 12:1) for your heaven-bound journey?  How can you change your perspective and consider everything as secondary to knowing Jesus as your Lord?
4. Sing this song meditatively as your prayer of dedication to God – “All I once held dear” by Robin Mark.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09CzdMszUos

All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this

Knowing you, Jesus, knowing you,
There is no greater thing
You’re my all, you’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 22:13-16

¹³ The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
    I shall be killed in the streets!”
¹⁴ The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit;
    he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
¹⁵ Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
    but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
¹⁶ Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
    or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

¹ So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but inhumility count others more significant than yourselves.⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: Paul urged the Philippian Christians to imitate Jesus Christ who being equal with God yet whose incarnation and life are the supreme example of humility (vv1-18).  He commended two men he was about to send to Philippi (vv19-30).
2. Here Paul encouraged Christians to look at the attitude of humility Jesus displayed, and adopt it in our relationships with others.  Whatever basis we might have for believing we are better than others, all pale to utter insignificance when we see Jesus, willing to abandon His rightful claim of full equality with God, to not only become a human being, but even to die on a cross.
3. It’s no wonder that Christians have been considered weak, dull, too scrupulous or too cowardly, to make it big in the world.  What the world doesn’t understand is that Christians choose humility not out of weakness, but out of strength.
4. How would things change if you consistently applied v v3-8 in your family? Church?  Work?  Which do you need to work on now?

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 22:9-12

⁹ Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
    for he shares his bread with the poor.
¹⁰ Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
    and quarreling and abuse will cease.
¹¹ He who loves purity of heart,
    and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
¹² The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
    but he overthrows the words of the traitor.

¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶ And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸ For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance.  Paul thanked God and prayed for his partners in the gospel (vv1-11). He assured them that his imprisonment had been a good thing (vv12-26), and encouraged them to stand firm together (vv27-30).
2. Have any of your good friends ever told you what they appreciate about you? Have you ever listened while others prayed for you? If so, how do you feel when you are assured that others care for you?
3. As you read the passage, try to imagine yourself sitting with your whole church listening to this letter as if it’s written for your church. What emotion, phrases, or thoughts come to you?  Allow God to speak to you about what that word or phrase means and listen to what He has to say.
4. Take a few minutes to put Paul’s prayer into your own words.  Use this to pray for your church and your group.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 22:5-8

⁵ Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
    whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
⁶ Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.
⁷ The rich rules over the poor,
    and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
⁸ Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
    and the rod of his fury will fail.

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Reflection

1. Paul examines mutual responsibilities of children and parents (v1-4), and of slaves and masters (v5-9).  Paul reviewed the teaching of this letter, picturing the resources God had provided as a soldier’s armor (v10-20), and closes with brief greetings (v21-24).
2. Ephesians is a book about the church. In it Paul presented Christ’s church as a body, a family, and a holy temple. Each of these images calls for Christians to live together in love and unity. It is this dominant theme of the book that helps us understand the nature of the devil’s schemes, and the armor God has provided us to use in withstanding them. Simply, the devil’s schemes in Ephesians are his strategies for disrupting the unity of the church. And the armor of God is God’s resource for maintaining unity.
3. Use the following as you pray about your fight in spiritual warfare.

Dear God,

Keep my mind free from worry and from being controlled by my own plans.  Instead, I ask for the mind of Christ.  (Helmet of salvation )

Thank you that Jesus died for me that I can be righteous in your sight.  Please give me a heart of love like Christ’s. (Breastplate of Righteousness)

Please help me see the truth about myself and the situations around me through the mirror of your Scriptures.  (Belt of Truth)

Help me to be aware of the nudges of the Holy Spirit today everywhere I go and help me to be ready to share the gospel on these nudges.  (Shoes of Gospel of Peace) 

Help me to trust you and believe that you are always with me. (Shield of Faith)

Come Holy Spirit and empower me today.  (Sword of the Spirit)

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 22:1-4

¹ A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
    and favor is better than silver or gold.
² The rich and the poor meet together;
    the Lord is the maker of them all.
³ The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
    but the simple go on and suffer for it.
⁴ The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
    is riches and honor and life.

⁷ But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men.”

⁹ (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) ¹¹ And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, ¹⁴ so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵ Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Reflection

1. Paul encouraged them to preserve unity (v1-3), he laid down the foundation for unity (v4-6), listed the many gifts God has given to the church (v7-11), and explained how to use these gifts in love and truth in order to build up the body of Christ into maturity (v12-16). Starting verse 17, Paul began to admonish believers who have put off the old self and put on the new self to start living the new life in true righteousness and holiness. The last part of this chapter, Paul encouraged believers to live a holy life.
2. The church is a diverse body composed of many different people who must give attention to preserve their unity. The Spirit gives gifts to every believer so that, by all of us exercising these gifts, we will build each other up to be more and more like Christ, thus to preserve the unity of the church.
3. This list of gifts (v11) is by no means exhaustive.  Similar lists appear in Paul’s other letters.  Here, Paul says that the purpose of these gifts is “to train Christ’s followers, so that the body of Christ may be built up”.
4. What gifts has God given you?  How are you using them?  Thank God for the gifts he’s given you and other members of the church.  Pray that you will do your part to help build up the church.

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 21:25-28

²⁵ The desire of the sluggard kills him,
    for his hands refuse to labor.
²⁶ All day long he craves and craves,
    but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
²⁷ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
    how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
²⁸ A false witness will perish,
    but the word of a man who hears will endure.