FOCUS ON OTHERS
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 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.
Philippians 1:3-6 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
We should remember as we read Paul’s words in the book of Philippians that he is writing not from the peace and beauty of a beach but from a prison. He is literally chained to a Roman guard. His body is bearing the scars of multiple whippings—sometimes being whipped close to death. He has been beaten and tortured for his faith in Jesus.
I’m not sure my attitude would tend to be so positive. I would hope I could write encouraging letters, but I know it would be a struggle in the natural. What was Paul’s key to being joyful in the middle of pain and disappointment?
We discover at the beginning of this letter that Paul is a man of prayer. He is not just praying for his life to get better; Paul is praying for others. He says, “Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy.”
One key to being joyful in our present circumstance is to choose to focus on the needs of others. Choose to pray for others. When we pray for others, it transforms our present attitude.
Secondly, Paul chose to take a big picture look at life. In verse six, (one of my life verses), Paul reminds them that God has started a good work in them, and He will complete it. We must always remember that God is with us and working in and through us. He is working even when we don’t see it. He is working good for us and through us.
Who do you need to be praying for today?
Questions: What shift in your thinking does the Holy Spirit need to help you make? Do you believe God is working good in and through you?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit show me those I need to pray for today. Show me the work You have already begun in my life. Help me to rejoice in what You are doing in me and through me.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”