Joy in the Journey
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of April 20, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9 NLT
4Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You that You give me joy in my life, and today I pray with the Apostle Paul that You will empower me to rejoice always and in ever situation. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
4Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
What is the difference between joy and happiness?
Is it possible to always be full of joy? If so, how does one do it?
Today’s Challenge: I will rejoice in the Lord throughout the day!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, the Apostle Paul said that Jesus was coming soon, and that has been 2,000 years ago. I know that from Your perspective 2,000 years is less than the blink of an eye, but I pray You will move me and the believers around me to persevere in our walk with You, even though it seems like a long time to us since Paul said that Jesus will be coming soon. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
5Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
What does the Lord’s impending return have to do with our need to be considerate in all we do?
What one thing will you do today to be more considerate of others?
Today’s Challenge: I will show the compassion of Jesus to those I meet today!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Worry is so easy and natural. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may pray instead of worrying, and that I may rely on You to provide for my needs as You have always done. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
What is the “antidote” to worry according to this verse?
What are you going to do today to see that you are more prayerful and less worried?
Today’s Challenge: I will pray every time I am tempted to worry today!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of peace that passes all human understanding! Let me live in that peace today, not only for my benefit and blessing, but also so that I may pass it on to others for their benefit and blessing as well. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Are you experiencing God’s peace right now? If not what does this verse call you to do?
What are the benefits of God’s peace in our lives?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in God’s peace, and share the resulting blessings with others!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, focus my thoughts today on You and on the attributes that the Apostle Paul lists in Philippians 4:8. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may not be distracted in any way from You or Your ways. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
8And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
What would be the result if you fixed your thoughts on the eight priorities Paul lists here?
What keeps you from fixing your thoughts here? When you know, pause in prayer and ask God to refocus your thoughts in His ways!
Today’s Challenge: I will fix my thoughts on the eight priorities that Paul lists, so I may honor God in my life today!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that it isn’t enough for me to pray and think about Your ways—I must live them! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may be faithful in honoring You and doing Your will. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
9Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Why do you think the Apostle Paul used himself as a role model for the Philippian believers to follow?
What do you need to do today so that you will be a role model worthy of following?
Today’s Challenge: I will follow Jesus so that others may follow me!