Today we read Philippians 4. Paul’s last words in the Letter are greetings and blessings. Contrast Paul’s concern for greeting all and extending grace with our unwillingness to greet people in our own church communities. The grace of the Lord Jesus is so abundant that it flows over from Paul to us through this very Word and has the power to overflow from our lives into the lives of others, so that we genuinely greet and then extend God’s grace. • O give thanks to the Lord for His abundant grace! May His grace come continually to us and through us to others. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10298). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read Philippians 3. Paul holds out before us our upward calling, his example, and the promise of our transformation in the resurrection. In contrast, we often focus on earthly comforts, worldly examples of success, and maintaining a youthful appearance for this life. But, while doing this, we starve our souls. Our citizenship is in heaven! Our life is in Christ, who reigns over all things in heaven and earth. • Dear Lord Jesus, turn us from the destructive ways of our human nature and turn us continually toward the heavenly calling and promises You have set before us. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10294). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read Philippians 2. Paul takes a moment to inform the Philippians about the significance and well-being of two close associates, Timothy and Epaphroditus. These men provide remarkable examples of devotion to the Lord’s mission and to His missionary Paul. God’s grace makes a person genuinely concerned for the welfare of others and sustains us in such service. • Dear Lord Jesus, by Your mercy, make us faithful servants, looking after the welfare of Your fellow servants. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10289). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today, we begin a new book of the New Testament, the letter of the Apostle Paul to the Christian congregation in the city of Philippi. *** Paul turns his attention from the question of whether he will live or die to a more important issue: what it means to live in this world. If God grants you a day in this world, it is because He would have you serve others by living and speaking in a way that is consistent with (worthy of) the Gospel. Our ability to live this way is a product of the salvation God lavishes on us in the very words we read here and in the Spirit that accompanies those words. • Dear Lord Jesus, grant us grace and presence of mind to live in a way that agrees with Your Gospel and to strive for advancing the faith in the hearts and minds of others. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10284). (Function). Kindle Edition.