This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey

Reading for Today

Set some time aside; maybe 10-20 minutes each day for the next two days. Read Philippians 3:17-21 using your Bible or the passage lookup tool: Passage Lookup. After reading the passage for today, click back and continue with the items below.   

Questions:

Considering the truths from the reading so far in Philippians, how could you be an example for others to follow? What should Christians keep their focus on? How have you responded to bad experiences in the past?

Video:

Heaven in the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman

Application:  What lesson has been learned or what are some plans of action I can take?

Paul was in prison but saw a better future. We may struggle at times in our world today but we can maintain hope for a brighter future. We can pay attention to what brings a little heaven on earth. Pray today that God will show it to you. It may be in a sunrise or sunset. It may be at a worship service or in a song you hear. God can fill your heart with examples of what heaven will be like. When He does, take note so you remember and share with others.

Reading for Today

Set some time aside; maybe 10-20 minutes each day for the next two days. Read Philippians 3:12-16 using your Bible or the passage lookup tool: Passage Lookup. After reading the passage for today, click back and continue with the items below.   

Questions:

What is Paul seeking to make his own (relate to the goal in verse 14)? Compare and contrast your own intense desires and goals in life.

Food for Thought:

If life seems useless, tiresome, dull or insignificant; remember life is designed for eternity. Get to know God, strive to be like Christ, and share life’s purpose with others. – _{Message received from sermon of Steve Ramsdell, Pastor FUMC Waco}

Application:  What lesson has been learned or what are some plans of action I can take?

Paul is seeking the prize of the race which is to become more and more like Christ. Think of what it will take for you to win the prize. Pray for understanding of God’s purpose for you. Pray that you can accomplish something unique and worthwhile that you and God can be proud of. 

Reading for Today

Set some time aside; maybe 10-20 minutes each day for the next two days. Read Philippians 3:1-11 using your Bible or the passage lookup tool: Passage Lookup. After reading the passage for today, click back and continue with the items below.   

Questions:

Explain the two kinds of zeal pictured here. What does Paul contrast to flesh? How does he develop the basis of this idea here? Relate these ideas to gain and loss?

Food for Thought:

If the things of God are your treasure, then you have all things. What drives you toward God? Why do we not ask God more often for help? Think of the possibilities if we went to Him more. – _{Paraphrase from sermon of Steve Ramsdell, Pastor FUMC Waco}

Application:  What lesson has been learned or what are some plans of action I can take?

Paul had a passion to become more like Christ and receive the power from the Spirit of God. Pray that you and the people you know will receive ideas that can help more people have this same passion. Pray that these ideas create more desire to know Christ who teaches wisdom, atones for sin, and reigns in the heart.

Reading for Today

Set some time aside; maybe 10-20 minutes each day for the next two days. Read Philippians 2:12-18 using your Bible or the passage lookup tool: Passage Lookup. After reading the passage for today, click back and continue with the items below.   

Question:

What is the essence of Paul’s challenge to the Philippians?

Photo:

Develop a plan by trusting God and then be disciplined to stay with the plan. Work daily with continuous effort at the process of growing to be more like Christ and visualizing the reward at the finish line.

Application:  What lesson has been learned or what are some plans of action I can take?

Like a runner visualizing a win, pray and see yourself being victorious each day. God’s influences will encourage and support your own efforts to build character by developing a plan, by trusting God, developing good habits, and expecting rewards.