Today in our POWERful Bible journaling we have moved into the book of Philippians. I love this book. The world needs this book. Philippians has been referred to as St. Paul’s “Letter of Joy.” Yes, the world could surely use some joy right now. And when I’m in a place where my joy is gone or wavering, I turn to Philippians. Thankfully I already have my favorite verses highlighted so I can even just skim through, finding old familiar favorites.
I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight (Philippians 1:9)
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, (Philippians 1:27)
make my joy complete: be 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 regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:2-5)
so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)
for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (Philippians 2:14-15)
Ignatius Catholic Study Bible states in the introduction to Philippians, “Philippians does not address any doctrinal or disciplinary crisis; rather, it is a letter of thanks and encouragement to a congregation of dear friends.”
How often do we say thank you? I don’t mean a flippant, roll off the tongue, said in habit “Thanks.” I mean, look ’em in the eye, say it with our heart “Thanks.” There are lots of people we could and should give a hearty “Thank you” to every single day. Take time today to say “Thank you” with all your heart three times. Have you thanked your husband for his faithful service to your family? Have you thanked your children for their efforts and progress, granting tremendous grace for their lack of perfection? Have you thanked your best friend for listening–laughing–praying for you and yours? Have you thanked your mother in law for the gift of her son? Have you thanked the school crossing guard for their faithful service? What about the mother of your children’s friends for raising a great kiddo? How about your priest? Or the organ player at Mass? What about the altar boys?
Today should be…everyday should be, a day of thanksgiving.
POWERful Bible Journaling: Philippians 1 & 2
P –I want to be a thankful person Lord. I want to count the blessings and teach my children the same.
O –I really like the introduction to Philippians in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, “Philippians follows an informal structure and is marked by a joyous and positive tone.” The “joyous and positive tone” also makes me think of one of my all time favorite books, The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life.
W –see above verses
E –I take up my own “Thanksgiving” challenge.
R –Thank you Lord.
Please leave your POWERful reflections in the comments
deb00 says
P: Lord gan me the ambition to keep up my bible journaling
O: Paul’s joy, as he was imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel, must have been contagious and a great source of encouragement for those reading his letter. He saw his imprisonment as a positive to bring others to proclaim Christ and he did not judge their motives………….. saying that whether they did so for selfish ambition or out of good will he was just rejoicing that Christ was being proclaimed
W: Phil 1:9-10 This is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception to discern what is of value so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ
E: If I could be joyful in all my trials and tribulations how many others could “catch” that joy
R: Lord help me always to be joyful!!!!. May my love for You be contagious. Help me to become pure and blameless for the day of Your return.
Jenny says
Oh please don’t stop Deb! Keep going.
Deb00 says
I start a formal bible study of James next week. I am journaling on it in prep for the class. thanks for getting me started!
Jenny says
Through your Church?
Deb00 says
Yes and no…. Mostly ladies from my parish and leader was RCIA director for years…we have been doing bible study together during school year for about 13 years. We use catholic scripture study international
Michelle says
Great list of reminders Jenny. Thank you. And thank you for gathering us chicks up to read and benefit from the Word.
1:20 My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
They echo the canticle of Mary in Luke Ch.1:46 And Mary said: “My soul doth magnify the Lord…”
To magnify is to enlarge something or make it clearer. It doesn’t take the emphasis away from Jesus.
Lord, help me to yield to your word and magnify you to the world today. Amen.
Jenny says
Yield to His Word…Amen girl! And then magnify Him…another Amen! Makes me think of my word for the year…More…as in More of Him less of me.