Day 274 Bible Readings – Philippians 2: 14-16 (ESV)

Jeremiah 2: 31-37, Jeremiah 3, Jeremiah 4: 1-9, Philippians 2: 12-30, Psalm 145: 14-21

Philippians 2: 14-16 (ESV)

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

In verses 14 through 16 from Philippians 2, Paul gives more practical advice to the Church at Philippi. Paul tells them to not grumble or argue when doing things. Many bible commentators believe that Paul was referencing what happened during the Exodus from Egypt when the Hebrews were complaining about their life. Charles Spurgeon gave three examples about what people of faith must not complain about: the providence of God, each other, and the ungodly world.

Spurgeon’s examples make sense to me although I know I have complained about all these things and more. I know I have complained about how God cares for me in my life because I think I know better than God. I have always complained to God and friends about other people. And I have absolutely complained to God and other people about how “ungodly” the world is now. Paul’s advice also make sense because it makes our life more peaceful if we stop complaining and arguing about everything in life.

Day 273 Bible Readings – Philippians 2: 1-4 (ESV)

Jeremiah 1, Jeremiah 2: 1-30, Philippians 1: 27-30, Philippians 2: 1-11, Psalm 145: 8-13

Philippians 2: 1-4 (ESV)

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

In verses 3 and 4 from Philippians 2, Paul gives advice to the Church in Philippi on how to have unity. The first step is to never do anything because of “selfish ambition” or for your own desire or advancement. The second step is not do anything because of “conceit” or because you fell you so important that you think no one can do it better than you. The third and final step to have unity is always do everything with an attitude of humility where you act and behave like Jesus. Jesus by his actions always put the interests of others before his own desires. Jesus healed people wherever he went and treated each person with love and care. Paul then says to act not only with you own interests in mind, but to keep in mind the welfare of others.

Paul’s advice seems easy enough, but I know the hardest thing to stop is the “conceit” and “humility” part. We are taught in our modern culture to have “good self-esteem” and to take pride in everything we do. But I know that often my pride went to my head, and I started thinking I was better than everyone else because of all the work I was doing. God gave me this gift, and I needed to show it off and get recognition for it. With these kinds of thoughts in my head, I was no longer acting with humility, but with pride and ego. I was working for myself, and not for others and certainly not for God. When recognition came for my efforts, it felt empty and meaningless because my ego and my pride were never satisfied. Had I been working instead with God and others in mind, I would have felt more satisfaction and joy for just being able to contribute my gifts for the glory of God and to help others. So now I always check myself before I do anything – am I acting in selfish ambition and conceit? Or, am I acting with my own an other people’s best interests in mind?

Day 272 Bible Readings – Zephaniah 3: 9 (ESV)

Zephaniah 1-3, Philippians 1: 1-26, Psalm 145: 1-7

Zephaniah 3: 9 (ESV)

“For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord.”

When I read verse 9 from Zephaniah 3, I thought of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came up the followers of Jesus and everyone started speaking in tongues. After the day of Pentecost, the followers of Christ travelled all over the world to spread the message of Jesus Christ so the world could all serve God and be unified. The gift from the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues is considered by many Christians a personal way to talk to God. Speaking in tongues allows a person of faith to say to God what cannot be said in the person’s normal language.

When I received the gift of speaking in tongues, I have no idea what I am saying but I know that God understands me because all the thoughts of my mind go into my speech. I feel closer to God when I speak in tongues, because it is my own personal language to talk to God. I can pour out thoughts and emotions into my speech to God, that I would be embarrassed if anyone heard me in native tongue. I love that I have my own language to speak to God. It makes me feel closer to him because only he can understand what I am saying. But any gift of the Holy Spirit will bring you closer to God, if you embrace it and take fully advantage of the gift.

Day 271 Bible Readings – Ephesians 6: 10-11 (ESV)

Nahum 1-3, Ephesians 6, Psalm 144: 9-15

Ephesians 6: 10-11 (ESV)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

In verses 10 and 11 from Ephesians 6, Paul tells the Church of Ephesus to be strong and if needed to put on the armor of God to help stop from sinning and disobeying God. I like Paul’s advice. If we need help, why not think of our faith as an armor. If we feel we do not have the strength to face something going on in our lives, why not ask God to protect and help us by using our faith as armor.

We do not have to feel we are all alone in the world with no help. We have God to help and protect us. Our faith is like armor. It will protect us against sinning and repel all evils. If we need reminding of having God’s protection and help, we can read these verses to remind us that we are not alone. That God is always with us and will help and protect us.