Favorite Verses (Philippians 4)

 

"We are so not angels!"
God still loves us.
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Every year I make Valentines for my friends and family.  Some of my family have passed away over the years.  It's a strange feeling.  I'm thankful to have a lot of memories.  It's that way with the Bible too.  Over the years I've memorized verses that I knew would help me when I'm scared or worried.  I got a big smile when I saw a lot of them in this chapter. I'll try and scan one of my cards in on Valentine's Day and put out the Love Chapter, "1 Corinthians 13."

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:17 NKJV)

This chapter of Philippians has some great verses to memorize.  I was told once that in order to recall verses when you need them, you have to know them.  I put stars by the verses that I've memorized.  Maybe you'd like to as well.  God's Word makes life much easier and faith is awesome!


Philippians Chapter 4

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


Paul is telling all the disciples from his time to ours to stand fast in the Lord.  He calls the believers "his beloved, joy and crown."  Can you see the change from the rugged soldier out to destroy Christianity?  Wow!  God is so good with people : )  Paul is still our beloved Apostle today.
 
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
I don't know what Euodia and Syntyche did exactly.  I smile because I'm a woman and can only imagine.  I imagine rude glares and snippy words.  I don't believe all women should always be silent all the time.  I've shared my testimony in Churches and always received good comments.  I've been able to accomplish a lot working with men and we see it in the military as well. Some of the Churches do believe that women should be silent.  Paul isn't telling them to put muzzles on these two ladies mouths.  I believe he's asking Timothy to help them stop arguing.  In my world today, I know arguments just sneak up on us... then voices rise and eyes start twitching... Oy!  It's a challenge being human isn't it?  hahaha at least it's not just us...
 
**4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!


**5 Let your gentleness be known to all men.


I think a sense of humor really helps leading teams of men and women.  Defining software requirements doesn't have to be a snooze fest.  We all feel better when we can look at ourselves and realize how silly we can be.
**6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

**7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, 

** whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
I could never say this.  I'm not good enough to be an example.  The times I do the very best healing and helping is when I'm not thinking about myself at all.  I'm just not worthy to claim to be an example.  But, some people are.  Paul certainly lived a rugged life filled with all sorts of things: wealth, jail time for simply believing in Jesus, military training, leadership training, blindness, and so on.  He was such an amazing man.  Hope we can chat in Heaven one day. I wonder if he paints.
 
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
I don't know what this means exactly.  It sounds like Paul is thankful for the help he has received.  Also, there must've been something interfering with his receiving the aid.  To be honest even in American Churches workers often do things out of the kindness of their hearts.  So, it's important we help out financially and make sure those who have given all for the Church aren't lacking in necessities.

**11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

**13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
 
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet- smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 

Paul sounds as though he wants to encourage those who have helped him out.  We should always seek to help those in need.  Sometimes a huge blessing comes and overwhelms me.
 
**19 And my God shall supply all your (my) need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I memorized this verse and when my contract jobs ended in a company, I would recite it.  It always brought peace and sometimes the Lord led me to visit Nursing Homes to help out.  I walk into those places where elderly are in bed and when I ask the Holy Spirit for Words to say I sense this huge wave of joy!  He loves it when we help others. 
 
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
I never really noticed this before.  Wow!  There were Christians in Caesar's household.  Something must've changed after Jesus was crucified.  Probably God's will and Paul's work as well.  I saw that Paul liked to add information about Christians from other places so they would be aware of each other during this time period.

Dear Heavenly Father-
I lift up our President to You.  I pray You will surround him with intelligent people.  Help him to understand what is going on and move in the right direction.  Help him let go of the past and quit trying to blame dead people.   We long for You to do something new and stop the terrorists.  Father I am reminded of the prayers of George Washington.  He was so humble and sincere in his quest for freedom.  Bless us again with a strong healthy nation that we might be able to help out our allies and bless You.  Guide us with Your presence Father.  Thank You so much for giving us the Bible so we could know more and more of You.  I pray our next president will have military experience. 


Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes.
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)
 
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen   

Here's another song from Chris Tomlin-
Chris Tomlin (link) "Our God"
 
(Philippians 4:1-23 NKJV)