Author: Dana Hagstrom

Read Philippians 1:12-19

Paul’s joy while in chains is evident. Why is he joyful? Because the message about Jesus is getting out. People are hearing, believing, following and telling. He doesn’t even care why people are sharing, he’s just glad they are sharing. Selfish ambition or not, sharing about Jesus is what we are called to do.

There is some controversy over where (and when) Paul is imprisoned. I suppose the why even comes into play. We know Paul was bold in his faith and it sometimes landed him in jail. Thankfully we don’t have such fear and consequence, most of us anyway. What is important for us to take away is that Paul downplays his struggles and sometimes even seems to be thankful for them. Why? Because they are the result of the gospel being heard. The good news of Jesus is not to be kept to ourselves. We need to stop focusing our own struggles, for they are temporary, and look to the greater good, to our calling to make disciples.

So what chains are you in at the moment? Are you stuck in a job with long hours? Do you have one commitment after another that is keeping you from serving Christ? Are you using these as excuses saying that “one day, when things calm down…”. I hope not. The time is now to be opening your mouth and sharing. The time is now to intentionally find time to spend with your best friend, Jesus. What if “one day” never comes?

Think about what Jesus has done for you, for all of us. He left his heavenly throne of grace to come into this broken world. He encountered people who didn’t understand him, who were expecting a war giant to bring peace. He was beaten and killed, with God-fearing people looking on, and he did it all for us. Because he was also God, he could not stay dead, and he rose to life. Jesus’ mission was to take all of our sins to the cross for one sacrifice for all. The law changed and a new promise was born.

Our end of the promise is to share the good news. Paul didn’t let his circumstances stop him, and neither should we.

Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for the peace that washes over me when I remember your promise. You will never leave us or forsake us. Your power lives within us so we are never alone. Your great sacrifice for me leave me awestruck and overflowing with joy. I want others to know this joy, just like Paul did. While I’m not bound by physical chains, I have placed boundaries around me and built up walls of protection due to hurt and insecurity. Lord, help me to knock those down once and for all. Help me to stand tall and boldly, like Paul, profess my faith in and allegiance to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Philippians 1:3-11

Paul is clearly a fan of the people of Philippi who started following Christ. If you want to read about how Paul came to know and love them, you can find a recounting of his first encounter in Acts 16. You’ll recall the first convert was a wealthy merchant woman named Lydia.

Paul is thankful for these people and encourages them to keep on doing what they are doing. Verse 6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” How many times have we heard these very words and been comforted or empowered?

God is at work within us giving us the power we need. We often fall short when we forget to call upon that power. We see so many superheros in our day as movies like Batman, Captain America, the Power Rangers, to name a few. What they have in common is some special gift that helps them save the world. We all have a super power, God, and with his help, we, too, can change the world.

Think about that for a moment. How might God’s power in you change the world?

Paul’s prayer for them in verses 9-11 is so profound. It is a prayer we we should call upon today. It has probably been years since the church began there, and without proper nurture and care, doubt can set in. We’ve all seen that over time. Maybe we’ve even experienced it ourselves.

Remember when you first knew Jesus on a personal level as your Savior. Maybe it was a moment in time that will forever be etched in your memory. Perhaps it was a progression over time or something you have always believed. Suffice it to say that even a rock solid faith can be shaken by doubts, trials, and busyness. Paul saw the importance of encouragement. He didn’t want his friends in Philippi to fall prey to these distractions. The same is true for us today.

Let’s pray. Using the words of Paul, I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Philippians 1:1-2

I’m super excited to be spending quiet time with God and reflecting on Philippians. It’s one of my favorite books of the Bible. So many gems of wisdom and encouragement. As we walk through this Book together, please share your thoughts and insights as if we were sitting over a cup of coffee/tea.

This epistle, or letter from Paul and Timothy, is directed to those living in Philippi. While the city is now in ruin, it was at the time a very strategic city. Philippi was a commercial center sitting at the intersection of two continents: Europe and Asia. We as Christians are also strategically placed in life to bring witness to our non-believing brothers and sisters. We will see that the Gospel is for everyone, and meant as an encouragement.

I think you’ll agree that the tone of this letter is very encouraging. It is not a letter of condemnation or rebuke, but of thanksgiving. We all need a little (or a lot) of that in our hearts. Another cool thing I learned about this book is that the word “JOY” in noun or verb form appears 16 times. Being able to experience joy amidst struggle is what helped Paul endure many times of trial. We can experience joy, too.

Look at how this letter starts. “ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” What a great welcome line. You’ll find similar welcome lines in all of Paul’s letters to the people (to us). What better prayer than for God to give us grace and peace!

This letter is a great example of relationship building. I’m guessing the folks who first read Paul’s words would never have imagined this be included in Holy Scripture. My plan is to take it in small chunks so we can really explore Paul’s message to us.

Who do you know in your circle of friends that needs a word of peace from God today? Maybe you want to invite them to read these devotionals along with you? There is so much going on in our lives that peace often eludes us. How do you shut it out? What do you do to find that quiet place to be with Jesus?

For me, there is a peace that washes over me when I intentionally sit down with my Bible, my laptop, or a pad and paper. There are noises going on, restless dogs, street music and car horns, birds chirping, and horses neighing. This is Mexico and to find a quiet place in town is not going to happen. Instead, I embrace it and rest in the joy of the Lord, knowing he has brought me to this beautiful place. Time with him is precious and refreshing.

Work on your own quiet time location. Find that perfect, comfortable place where you can cuddle up with God.

Let’s pray. Father God I thank you for these moments of stillness, not n necessarily quiet. I cherish the time I spend with you. Thank you for the love and encouragement you provide for me. I praise your name and want to shout your praise all over this land. May your peace fill my heart today. May your word wash over me and reveal itself in new and exciting ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.