Sunday Scripture

 

I've been posting Sunday Scriptures on both of my blogs this December, taken from an Advent study I did in 2013 with Good Morning Girls.  The study, Keeping Our Hearts Focused on Jesus, is still available as a free download; it's not too late to head on over there and get it, though it may be a little late to use it this year.  Scroll down and click on the book-like image, and the pdf should open right up.  More than just a Bible study, this is an ebook that includes recipes, Advent activities, and more.  I think it will be a blessing to you.

I've mentioned before that I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the studies from GMG use a very similar one.  I find this method a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, so I hope you'll give it a try if you haven't ever done so. Just a reminder that the S is for Scripture -- just write it out -- and the O is for Observation, the A is for Application and the P is for prayer -- concerning how you'll apply this verse or passage,  or praise for what it means to you.

This last week's verses are focused on Peace.  If you downloaded the study and are following along with it, this is the one from December 25.

Today's Scripture is Philippians 4:4-7.

S= "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice."
"Let your moderation be known unto all men.The Lord is at hand.
"Be anxious for nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:4-7)

O= Paul is writing this from prison!  He is obviously writing out of his own experience.

He instructs the believers at Philippi to rejoice in the Lord always -- and even repeats the instruction to "rejoice".  

Because the Lord is at hand, and sees all, they are to let their moderation be known to all men.  They're not to be anxious for anything, but instead to commit all of their concerns to God, with thanksgiving.  As they do so,  God's peace will guard their minds and hearts through Christ Jesus.

A= When I did this study back in 2013, I noted that there was a lot for me to apply here.  At the time, my dad was in the hospital.  (My hubby had found him on the floor when he went to pick him up for Christmas Eve supper.)  It was not a life-threatening situation, but I noted that there was a lot I could have been anxious about.  I commented that I am to rejoice always.  And I'm not to be anxious about anything, but instead let my requests be made known to God with thanksgiving.  I found much to be thankful for in that situation: even though my dad fell, he was not seriously hurt and broke no bones.  We had been wondering how to get him to a doctor for symptoms he'd been having -- and this got him there. 

I found that I experienced God's peace throughout that situation as I committed it to Him.  I prayed that I would be able to let my moderation be known unto all as I dealt with it.  My dad regained his health to a degree and lived several more good years.

Today I still have concerns about matters of life as most of us do.  But I can commit each situation to Him, with thanksgiving, and experience His peace as I do so.  I can rejoice always because the Lord is at hand.  He is able to work in each of my requests and to help me "let my moderation be known unto all men."

P= "Lord, I thank and praise You that as Your child I can have rejoicing in any situation.  I praise You that there is much to be thankful for even in our most difficult moments.  I praise You that You always give me good sleep and rest even in harder times, and that You guard my heart and mind with Your incomparable peace.  I pray that as I go into each new day, no matter my circumstances, that You will help me to show moderation in my dealings with all the people I encounter.  I praise You for all that You are doing and all that you will do, in Jesus' name, Amen."

There is our last Sunday Scripture from this little series!  I hope it has been a blessing to you.