Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Worry”
Our Bible verse for today: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Follow Paul’s prescription for worry-free living.”
I love Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It is the most positive, uplifting, and encouraging book in the New Testament. It was also written during a time when Paul was old, sick, nearing the end of his life, and in prison. It’s amazing that he could write a letter like this under such circumstances. The fact that he could, reveals a lot about where he was at in his relationship with the Lord, and therefore there is a lot we can learn from it.
If you have a propensity for worry, you would benefit from spending a little time in Philippians chapter four. In it Paul gives us a step-by-step prescription for worry-free living. Here are just a few of the points he makes:
Verse four: Make it a point to intentionally rejoice in the Lord constantly.
Verse six: Rather than worrying about things, pray about them.
Verse seven: Accept and embrace the peace God wants you to have.
Verse eight: Control the things you allow your mind to dwell on. Make them positive.
Verse nine: Make it a point to consistently do the things you know to be right.
Verse ten: Take your eyes off yourself and be concerned about the well-being of others.
Verse Thirteen: Rely on Jesus.
Verse Nineteen: Trust that God can and will provide for your needs.
Through many years of hardship and struggles the Apostle Paul learned how to avoid worry and to truly enjoy life, regardless of his circumstances. It was his strong faith in, and reliance on, Jesus. We can do the same.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim.
Oak Hill Baptist Church 