Ramesh C. Reddy
Editor in Chief
Hi everyone :)
May you experience the strength of the Lord in your life and not give up whatever you are facing! Amen!
Quiet Times (Psalm 144:1-2 and Philippians 4:12-13)
“Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” (Psalm 144:1-2, NIV)
“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. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV)
Observations:
What stuck out in my mind are opposites so I asked myself what comparison-contrasts I see here?
Next I looked for repetition of a word/phrase:
Interpretation:
Paul shared his experiences and then reminds the Philippians that he can do everything through Christ who gives Him strength. This is amazing for me because he does not allow circumstances to control the situation tactically. Rather, Paul reemphasizes the importance of being content here. I learned about that in yesterday's Quiet Times on C.O.N.T.E.N.T.
Application:
I saw important implications for my own life. Regardless of what I am facing, I need to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ by claiming His promises. It is assuring to know that Paul felt he could live it out with Christ’s help who will give him the strength. I can claim this promise too!
I ask you now dear friend, where do you need strength?
Dear friend, whatever you are facing even as you read this, I have encouraging news for you. You do not have to face it alone for that could be worse many times but you can have the Lord’s strength to get you through and you can get through.
Isn’t that amazing friend? You can have the strength of the Lord who created Heaven and earth. For me that is awesome to know.
Even in the direst circumstances, we have a Savior who loves us and looks after us. After everything Paul has been through he is able to tell the Philippians that he can do all things through Christ who gives Him strength. It is not human strength but supernatural God-given strength.
I believe you and I can experience that too. Jesus offers His promises to you too! Yes, He does! May you depend on the Lord who trains you and gives you His strength! Amen!
"Savior Today Reassures Everyone Now Giving Tactical Help!" (S.T.R.E.N.G.T.H)/”Where do you need strength?”
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for helping me learn no matter what Paul was facing, he was able to depend on your strength. That is so cool to know Jesus. You offer us your strength! While we are weak you are strong. You train our hands for battle and bring us through. This means a lot to me Lord. Help me please to claim your promises and seek you with my whole heart. Oh Lord, I pray for the one who is going through turmoil right now. You know Lord exactly what they are faced with and you see them in their pain. Please Lord Jesus intervene and help them. Thank you for your goodness and we can seek after you. Lord thanks for answering our prayers and listening to them! Please forgive us our sins and come into our life and make our life into what you want it to be. Whatever your will give us the willingness and strength to bear it even as Paul bore through what he was faced with as he turned to you. Thank you Jesus! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!
Love in Christ,
Ramesh
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