Philippians 1:1-11; Psalm 81

Philippians 1:1-11
This is another of Paul's letters from prison--this time to the church in Philippi which consisted mostly of Gentile or non-Jewish believers. In v. 2 he reminds them of God's wonderful gifts of grace and peace. These are things that money can't buy and can't be found anywhere outside of God! Think of the misery in this world that could be alleviated if people knew the grace of God which grants us that which we don't deserve and the peace that comes with being right with God.

When Paul thinks of the Philippians, he gives thanks to God. He is joyful as he makes his requests to God for them. He remembers that they were eager to spread the Good News about Christ from the first time they heard it until now. And he expressed certainty that God, who began a good work in them, will continue it until the day Christ returns. What a testimony! This is the journey toward Christian maturity that we should all be on. It began the day we believed, and it will continue until Jesus comes back or God takes us home. And I truly hope that when others think of us, it will be with a smile!

In vv. 8 and 9, Paul expresses his love for them and the special bond he feels with them. Perhaps the best thing we can do for those we love is to pray for them. And this is exactly what Paul did for the Philippian believers. It's interesting that he focused his prayer on spiritual well-being.

• He prayed that their love would overflow more and more.
• He prayed that they would keep growing in knowledge and understanding. He wanted them to understand what really matters so they could live pure and blameless lives.
• He prayed that they would be filled with the fruit of their salvation--the righteous character produced in our lives by Jesus Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (see Galatians 5:22-23)

Psalm 81

Psalm 81 is a hymn of praise to God for His rescuing them from slavery in Egypt. They cried out to Him in their trouble and He answered them and delivered them. 

The psalm comes with a warning not to worship any false gods. God promised to shower good things on them if they would obey Him, but they wouldn't listen. They followed their own desires, living according to their own ideas. 

I'm afraid we are often like Israel, stubborn, rebellious, and self-centered. But God remains faithful, waiting to bless us. "But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock."