Be Still… – Page 458 – Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart

Philippians 1:3-11 – Praying for You

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.

Philippians 1:1-2 – Peace to You

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.

Hosea 14:1-9 – Refreshed

Read Hosea 14:1-9

I didn’t realize the book of Hosea was so beautiful with the word pictures and expressions of God’s love for his people. God says, “I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven.”

After the last several passages chronicling the Lord’s displeasure and doom for his people’s behavior, they repent. It’s like a light is turned on or a veil lifted. The curtains have flung open, and God’s people are back. They are following him again. The whole tone has shifted.

This passage again clearly shows how God is crying out to his people, warning us of the ways of the world (idols) that will not give us what we are looking for. Only God can answer our prayers. Only God can provide for us. “Like a tree that is always green” – that suggests plenty, provision, completeness. What a beautiful reminder.

Ask yourself: Am I wise, as is suggested in verse 9? Do you want to understand God? Do you long, like I do, to hear him? I seek discernment for my life, it works better that way. I am hopeful I living in God’s will. What if I’m not? What if I’m making him angry like he was with the Israelites? It’s one thing to be safely in my box, going through the motions of life, sleeping, eating, working, etc. I know God wants more for me. I want to make a difference on this planet while I’m here. Leave God fingerprints all around.

There is such a happy ending here in today’s reading. This is a happy place we should all return to regularly.

Let’s pray. Father God, how blessed you are when your people return to you. Joy is felt by all when we realize that we are not in charge, we don’t have to be. In fact, it’s better when we let you have it God. Thank you that you have patience with me. Open my ears so that I can hear you loud and clear. I want to live in your will and help others find their way back to you, too. Use my words, this blog site, my actions all for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hosea 13:1-16 – What Makes You Angry?

Read Hosea 13:1-16

We see what has made God angry. His people have turned away from him. He has tried to reconcile, but his requests have been ignored. Verse 4 sums it up and even speaks to us. ““I have been the Lord your God ever since I brought you out of Egypt. You must acknowledge no God but me, for there is no other savior.” There is no other savior. Jesus Christ is the truth, the way and the life. He is the ONLY way to the Father.

Think of what makes you angry, and then multiply that times infinity. God is infinite. His plans are now underway. It is not going to be a pretty sight by any means. It is fury like this that has given people a picture of God that is less than favorable. How could a loving God rip his people up and let them be exposed to such destruction?

We may forget how accommodating God has been. How he has rescued his people time and again. As he says here, he has given them what they wanted. He is referring to the kings. You may recall he had sent Judges first to try and keep peace and bring wisdom to the people. They were already starting to grumble and be ungrateful while in the wilderness. In their greed and wanting to “keep up with the Joneses”, they asked for kings to rule them like their neighbors had. If kings were good for other nations, they must be good for the Israelites, too.

Have you ever done that as a parent? Had a child ask for something you knew would not be the best for them, but gave it to them anyway? Perhaps it was soda pop, candy, or a toy when their toy box was already overflowing. What happened? Did it satisfy them for good? Or, did they soon tire of it and want more of the same or something even worse for them?

God had every right to feel anger. His power and provision was not enough. His love had been trampled on. Rather than act in haste, God issued a warning to his people. He gave them a chance to get right with him, to realize the stupidity of their ways.

Are there any verses in today’s reading that puzzle you? Drop a note in the comments and I’ll see what I can do to find an answer for you. Remember, we brought our library with us, and I’m just waiting to do a little research to help you out with your burning questions.

Let’s pray. Father God I am sorry for the pain you feel when your people turn from you to other idols. Forgive me when I have been one of them. It’s easy to say I would listen if you sent a prophet to warn me. I believe that is true. Lead me in the direction you want for me to go. Help me overcome obstacles that rest in my way. Show me the people you want me to touch. I will wait upon you. In the meantime I praise you with all that I am. Be blessed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hosea 11:12-12:14 – New Chapter

Read Hosea 11:12 – 12:14

If the reading looks disjointed today, it’s because a new section started at the very end of chapter 11. I wanted to keep the thoughts together. I see that happen, especially in the New Testament. Chapters flow into new chapters.

It’s kind of like that with life, too. One chapter of our life may not close before a new chapter begins. They can run concurrently for a while. Or, the new chapter once opened, immediately extinguishes the preceding chapter.

Think of some of the scene changes or new chapters in your life. Have you always been a follower of Jesus? If not, what did that conversion process look like? What changes do you foresee in your near future? Perhaps you have a big change coming, how are you preparing?

For me, our retirement to Mexico is probably the biggest life change I’ve ever experienced. Many people retire, and many people move abroad. Some do both at the same time like us! We felt God was really working this process for us. Thinking back, the transition time was so short. I still am amazed to be here, and we’re coming up on our year anniversary! How can that be?!

Speaking of new beginnings, verse 6 has a bit of a homecoming feel to it. “So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him.” Coming back to God. What a nice through for us today. We know God has never left our side. Not for one minute. But have we wandered? Have we always been on the path God has for us? Maybe a detour looked alluring, so we stepped away from God. Maybe roadblocks kept us stuck, despite the ability to work around them with opportunities only God could offer.

Re-read this passage, knowing that Jacob is Israel, the person and the region.

Reflect on the person God made you to be. Review the chapters of your life. Many more chapters are yet to be written. Is your current chapter a doozy or a dozer? Either way, depend on God to get you to the next chapter.

Let’s pray. Father, this chapter I’m in right now is intense. I feel so empowered by you to make it the best I can. I know you are fighting for me and giving me wisdom. Satan is also at work, looking for any and all opportunities to make me stumble. I can feel him close. It’s unpleasant God, put him in his place. Help me not to listen to his lies and deceits. Thank you for healing me from Satan’s attack on my body. It feels good to be able to enjoy your world and my tasks again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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