Meditation for Preparation – Sept 26
Awe Isnât Just for Special Occasions Do you ever stop to think about what brings you the feeling of awe? Or maybe the last time you were truly in awe? How did it feel? How did it affect your mind? Heart? Soul? Maybe a better question would be, do you look for opportunities or places to be in awe? The feeling of awe has been shown in studies to diminish oneâs sense of self. You understand your âsmallnessâ when observing the vastness of a truly great thing. Maybe you have felt this at the beach or on top of a
Meditation for Preparation – Sept 19
READ: Philippians 3:1-11 âIndeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.â (Philippians 3:8) Counting on The One Who Counts A Reflection on Knowing Jesus What do you count? The amount of money in your bank account? Calories burned or steps walked? The number of âlikesâ on your social media posts? The number of people you manage at work or kids you have? How many achievements youâve earned or awards youâve
Meditation for Preparation – Sept. 12th
Read: Philippians 2:19-30 The Interests of Jesus Christ What is Godâs will for you? Do you have a clear sense of it? Many of us struggle to find Godâs will, looking for clear signs as to whom we should marry, what job we should take, where we should live. We ask friends, âWhat should I do?â We search scripture for a verse to claim. We study all the options, pray and pray, and still often continue in indecision. But in our passage this week, Paul describes two friends who have no question about what they should do. Philippians 2: 19-30
Meditation for Preparation – Sept. 5, 2021
Hortatory Letter of Friendship While studying and reading to write this Meditation for Preparation, I came across a commentary on Philippians by Dr. Gordon Fee. His commentary begins by making the argument that the letter to the Philippians is a âHortatory Letter of Friendship.'' If you are like me, âhortatoryâ isnât a word that is in your everyday correspondence. Hortatory can be understood as exhorting or encouraging as well as edifying, advising, and instructing. This struck me in an illuminating way. Why? Because, when studying Philippians 2:12-18, my legalistic, rule follower, to-do list, type âAâ personality can view verses such
Entermissions Fodder
This 6 minute video points out the need to send workers to âfrontier peoplesâ who have no way to hear of Jesus.  Watch this and pray and get fired up for Entermissions! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZQDJNUOty4
Meditation for Preparation – Aug. 29, 2021
Cross Cultural Missions Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called âthe uncircumcisionâ by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by handsâ remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:11-12  On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God.
Meditation for Preparation – Aug 22nd
READ: Acts 16 When is the last time someone âshowed upâ for you? Not just in a text message or emoji prayer hands ?, but actually showed up in personâflesh and bloodâ at your door? For me, I canât help but think about November 12th, the worst day of my life. The young Rolesville boy who died in the flash floods was my child. My son. As I fought to catch my breath, comfort my other children, and get myself off the floor⊠people came running. Family, friends, North Wake Elders. They hugged us, wept with us and prayed for
Meditation for Preparation – Aug. 15th
Read: Philippians 2:1-11 Philippians 2:1-11 may be one of the most familiar passages in the whole Bible. Even though you may know it well, take a moment to read it through once again. If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look
Meditation for Preparation – Sunday, Aug. 8th
Read: Philippians 1:18-30 Article Emphasis: Contradictions abound, but one choice is clear â strive together for the gospel. Illustrations: Charlie Brown is wishy-washy. Kids canât decide to go or stay. Paul seems to be in the same mindset. Have you ever met someone who canât make up their mind? They are in constant debate about what they should do, what they should buy, what they should eat, what they should wear, and so on. When my girls were little, they went through this phase where the decision to stay at home with Mommy or run an errand with Daddy could
Philippians Resources
As we get underway in our study of Philippians, here are some helpful resources to deepen your study: Overview: The Bible Project - this is the super helpful video Jake used in his sermon on Phil. 1. Philippians in 5 Minutes - another really insightful (and fun!) video overview of the book. Philippians Bible Chart - and here is a simple overview chart of the book. Commentaries & Resources for Personal Study: Exalting Jesus in Philippians - Helpful commentary from Raleigh pastor, Tony Merida. Desiring God - Pastor John Piperâs Bible studies are always so very helpful. To Live is