Passage of the Day:
Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord—with the first of them and with the last—I am he.” 5 The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward; 6 they help each other and say to their companions, “Be strong!” 7 The metalworker encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer spurs on the one who strikes the anvil. One says of the welding, “It is good.” The other nails down the idol so it will not topple. 8 “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:4-10.
Reflection:
One of the first verses in the Bible that I was introduced to as a new Christian in high school was Philippians 4:13. From a logical perspective, I didn’t understand how to place my strength in an invisible spiritual entity. This concept remained a mystery to me until I took my faith more seriously in college. A song by Bruce Carroll helped me realize that God wants Christians to open every area of their lives up to God. When Christians make Jesus the Lord of their lives, Romans 10:9-11, the hope of God’s strength is unveiled.
Prayerful Action:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength, Philippians 4:12-13.
Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:
The context of Philippians 4:13 is about being in need. As a church planter and missionary, the apostle Paul was reliant on love offerings from Christian communities. The apostle Paul tried to become self-reliant as a tentmaker, so that he could earn money when tithes didn’t meet all the needs of his ministry team. Rather than focus on the luxuries of life, the apostle Paul come to grips with the reality of his call to faith as an apostle and missionary. Like the Israelites in the days of manna from heaven, Paul realized the hope of God’s strength.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
As you learn what it means to find hope in God’s strength, may the lyrics of Above and Beyond blow you away spiritually. Bruce Carroll sings this song as a prayer when he didn’t have strength to carry on. Yet, by trusting in God’s love, you too can understand what it means to place your strength in Christ Jesus.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 