While in prison, the apostle Paul wrote letters including one to “all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi” (Philippians 1:1 NIV). His letter to the Philippians shares Paul’s appreciation for what the Christians there did to support him while he was being held captive in a Roman prison. Along with expressing his gratitude, Paul instructs the believers to rejoice no matter what circumstances they face (Philippians 4:4). Rejoicing at all times, including while suffering, is much easier said than done. Yet the apostle Paul shares that he experiences contentment even while in prison because “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NIV). You, too, can be content in the midst of your circumstances which includes now as we live through a world-wide pandemic. In and through Christ there is peace, contentment, grace, strength, and joy.

 

 

As he concludes his letter, the apostle assures the saints of Philippi that, “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). Rejoice! Our God will meet your needs too. Rejoice! The God of more-than-enough “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV). Rejoice! “The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5b NIV).

 

 

*For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

 

Today I am going to offer God____________________________________________________________.

 

 

During the worship service, God revealed ______________________________________________________________________________________.

 

 

I am going to respond by _________________________________________________________________________________________.

 

 

 

Read Philippians 1:1-11 and thank God for your partners in ministry. If you

are married, that could include your spouse. Pray for the needs of those who serve Christ with you, and consider sending them a card, note, text message, or calling them to thank them. You could also pray for the Avon UMC partners in ministry:

• Over 12 million United Methodists around the world
• The Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church
• Hendricks County Churches (various denominations)
• Local Organizations, including:

Care to Change Counseling

Family Promise

Hendricks County Senior Services

Hope Healthcare Services

Light & Life and the Mary Lee Maier Food Pantries

Sheltering Wings

The Gathering Together

 

Read Philippians 1:21-26 and pray for there to be an overflow of God’s joy in your life and in the lives of Jesus’ followers around the world.

 

Read Philippians 2:1-11 and pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ within Avon UMC, as well as Christians throughout the world, to be like-minded, united in spirit and purpose, as we love God and one another like Christ loved us.

 

Read Philippians 2:19-30 and pray for God to reveal a word, phrase or verse that is specially for you for today.

 

Read Philippians 4:4-9 then pray using Paul’s instructions from the verses:

• Rejoice (This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!)
• Let the phrase “the Lord is near” roll around in your mind over and over again
• Thank God
• Present your requests to Jesus on behalf of others and yourself
• Focus your thoughts on Christ
• Ask the Spirit of the Living God to help you to put into practice the Christ-like thoughts, words, and actions you’ve seen and heard in other believers

 

Rest, enjoy recreation, and re-read verses or phrases that stood out to you from this past week. The questions below can be used to reflect upon the week:

How did you see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

Who needs to hear about your experience sometime in the coming days?

 

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.