UNITY WITH GOD

A Devotional Submitted by Pat Chappel

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE

Philippians 41: Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2: I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3: And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. 4: Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5: Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9: Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10: But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12: I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14: Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15: Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16: For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17: Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18: But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20: Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21: Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22: All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. 23: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

SCRIPTURE OVERVIEW

Rejoice! Rejoice. Have a spirit of unselfishness and patience. Do not fret or be anxious about anything. Pray and Petition everything in an attitude of Thanksgiving. Make your requests known to God. God's peace shall be mine. As I fix my mind on whatever is true, worthy of honor, just, pure, lowly and loveable, kind, gracious, virtuous, excellent, any thing worthy of praise - in other people, in myself, in the situations around me - I only think and weigh and take account of these.

THOUGHTS

You are my God and my Lord and you love me. You want the very best for me and those I love. You know what is the very best for us. So what do I ask for? If I begin my prayers rejoicing in You, have no selfish motives, refuse to be worried or anxious, if I talk to you and ask about my concerns with thanksgiving . . . THEN: I need to believe that You are listening to me and I must trust that You are taking care of the situation that concerns me. As I pray this way I will have Your peace in my heart and mind. After praying, I keep my mind under control by thinking - fixing - my mind on only good things (especially concerning the things I prayed about). This kind of prayer begins and ends in total unity with You. REJOICING SELFLESS NO ANXIETY PRAYER AND PETITION UNDER GIRDED AND INFUSED WITH THANKSGIVING FULL OF THE PEACE OF GOD GOOD, BEAUTIFUL, RIGHT THOUGHTS; PURE, LOVEABLE, AND EXCELLENT

REFLECTION POINT

This kind of prayer begins and ends in total unity with God.

CONVERSATION WITH GOD

I SAID There is so much disobedience in me! Every time I fight You, complain, hide, run, get upset, get anxious, want my own way, do my own thing - - I am being disobedient. I am not even real sure how to move into true obedience. Surrender, yieldedness, and acceptance all come to mind. Any strong thought, feeling, or reaction that originates from me has to be brought under submission to You.

AND HE ANSWERED Child, obedience is all-important because for every act of disobedience there is a hole torn in the covering I place around my children. In some, the holes are hard to see. Others mend the holes soon after they are made. Others of My children have large, open tears in their Robes and still others, the Robe of Righteousness I gave them as a covering is in tatters. All Power , All Blessing, All Strength and Goodness, All Love and Light and Protection - everything the Father has for you flows from that Robe of Righteousness I have given you. In place and whole it is a strong fortress against the enemy. Self is the only force that can destroy the Robe of My Righteousness. Any act of self reliance, self will, self defense, or self awareness can rip a hole in this Robe. satan 's forces are quick to take advantage of these openings in your armor. Stay hidden in Me, My child. I am your only defense against the wiles and the snares of the evil one. Be anxious for nothing, My dear one. As long as your focus in on Me I will lead you where you need to go.

 

Total hits all pages