Personal Devotions
Notes from Mark's personal Bible reading and meditation
With a goal to apply one truth from each day's reading to my life that day
Oct 21, 2024, 4:27 PM
Passage Read: Philippians 3-4
Meditation Verses: 3:15-16
Thought
The NASB chooses the word "perfect" to translate Paul's idea here: "As many as are perfect." As many as are mature or complete in Christ, as many as have attained perfection according to the standard preached in Christ. Anyone who has attained a completeness in their pursuit of Christ, he encourages to have the same attitude as he does, of continuously pressing on, not plateauing or being content in their spiritual growth or maturity, but continually pressing on toward the goal of knowing Christ better and reaching His presence in heaven. And if there is a matter about which they think differently, God will make it clear to them.
Oct 20, 2024, 4:29 PM
Passage Read: Philippians 1-2
Meditation Verses: 2:14-16
Thought
This is a letter of thanks for a gift sent through one of their number, Epaphroditus, but in it, Paul has some exhortations, including a call for humility and this instruction to do all things without grumbling or disputing, which is actually an expression of humility. These are the Macedonians, whom elsewhere Paul has praised for their generosity in spite of their poverty. These people seem to be such models of Christian life and faith. Yet Paul still includes these commands.
Oct 1, 2023, 7:47 AM
Passage Read: Philippians 3-4
Meditation Verse: 3:15
Thought
Paul believes everyone who is mature should have his same view of life and righteousness, that they should all consider their own efforts and privileges and achievements as rubbish compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. All who are mature should desire to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, so as to somehow attain to the resurrection.
Sep 30, 2023, 7:48 AM
Passage Read: Philippians 1-2
Meditation Verses: 2:14-16
Thought
Just by doing everything without complaining or arguing, we can shine like stars in the universe, even as we hold out the word of life. People may not like the idea that we have to repent of our sins to be saved, but we'll stand out because of our lack of complaining and arguing. If we're eager to do what is asked of us, we'll already stand out as so different from everyone else.