Head: Know God’s Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God’s Way

Read Philippians 2:12-18

HEAD

The first thing you need to know when reading Philippians is that Paul wrote this Bible book while in jail. I don’t know what prison was like, but I imagine it was dirty, he was literally in chains, and eating crumbs. But he says, “And I will continue to be glad” (Philippians 1:18b, NIRV). He keeps writing…”I know that you are praying for me. I also know that God will give me the Spirit of Jesus Christ to help me. So no matter what happens, I’m sure I will still be set free.” Wow! 

HEART

Picture this. Paul, on his knees, in chains, on the nastiest floor you can imagine, covered in dirt and bugs, hungry, with his hands lifted to Jesus. Paul says this is possible because of prayer and the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Paul was in prison because he spoke boldly about Jesus, leading others to Him. He understood that our job on earth is to point people to the Lord. I love how Paul describes us when we obey Jesus: “You will be children of God without fault among sinful and evil people. Then you will SHINE among them like stars in the sky. You will shine as you hold on tight to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15b-16a, NIRV).

HANDS

Friends, I want to see you SHINE. Just like Paul says, he can rejoice because the Philippians are praying for him; you can rejoice because so many are praying for you. Let your Venture family pray over you today.

Prayer: Lord, help the person reading this to shine for you no matter what their day brings. Give them a heart to serve others, and help them make choices that allow other people to see You. Help them fix their eyes on You through the trials they experience today. Amen.