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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.

(361) 28 December : Proverbs 19v23 / Philippians 1-2 / Psalm 80v8-15

BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
Phillipians tells us what matters for a church under pressure. Paul writes around AD60, thanking them for a gift, but mindful they are being called to suffer for Christ (4v18, 1v29). First, we learn the importance of prayer as Paul thanks God for their partnership in the gospel and prays they would be blameless. Second, we see the importance of evangelism. Speaking of his own desire to honour Christ whilst in prison and how it has encouraged others to boldly share the gospel, Paul urges his hearers to the same even though it may mean hardship for them. Third, he stresses the importance of prioritising others. The  famous "hymn" of Christ being exalted because of his readiness to obey even to death, teaches that it is this Christ-like forgetting of self for the sake of others in the fellowship, that God esteems. Ephraphroditus is the prime example of this, prioitising Christ's interests and so looking out for the welfare of the Philippians. These should all be our priorities too. As you read note the difference ways that Christ is put first.
Philippians 1-2

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.