Are you diving in with me?

For the next eight weeks we are diving into the book of Philippians in our weekend services at Community. I want us all to get the most out of this as possible.

On my 60 Seconds with PJ on Facebook and Instagram, as well as this blog, we’ll be using the book of Philippians to guide our thoughts for the next two months. Let’s make the most of our time in this little letter to the church at Philippi and let God do a work in our hearts together.

This series, BRIGHT LIGHT IN A DARK PLACE, will be especially helpful for anyone of you going through a difficult season…and yet wanting to shine brightly for Jesus even in the dark.

For starters, I’m so glad we get to do this TOGETHER!!! These words Paul uses in the opening of this letter reflect my heart for my family at Community.

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. ” (Philippians 1:3-5 NLT)

Have you seen a perfect reflection?

I love reflection shots when I have my camera in hand. I am always looking for water and a way to double the impact of a great sunset.

There is a perfect reflection the Bible talks about I’d like you to think about today. We read about it in several places, but one of my favorites is in the book of Hebrews. By the way, we’ll be studying the book of Hebrews this next Summer.

Read the following verse and then thank Jesus for giving us this clear image of God’s glory.

“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3 NLT)

You really need to check this out!

This weekend we’ll start into an 8-week series through the book of Philippians. In less than 10 minutes you can get a full overview of this special letter by the Bible Project. I love how they put it all together. Click on the link below to check it out:

SEE VIDEO HERE

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:3-6 NLT)

Are you doing this TODAY?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of loving God, but only spending time with Him when we get to “church.” Sure, we can pray for a meal here and there…but really spending time with Him?

Each and every day God invites us to meet with Him. Each day we have the honor of interacting with the Living God. Don’t let another week slip by where you haven’t engaged Him in His Word.

As you read these words in Psalm 95, pay special attention to the very last line…the last word. That’s why we, at Community, talk about Every Day WIth Jesus!

“Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!” (Psalm 95:6-7 NLT)

Can you prove it?

The rainbow is a reminder of God’s promise not to flood the entire earth again. It’s a visible sign to remind us of this truth.

Our actions are a sign of the truth of our love.

I’m a true believer in telling those I love that I do love them on a regular basis, but how empty those words would be if I never demonstrated that love in practical ways.

I wonder, while we say we love our neighbors or we love our Valley, if we are expressing our love in tangible ways on a regular basis.

As we head into another weekend, look for ways to show your neighbors and friends that you love them. Let the love of Jesus flow through you in a powerful and practical way.

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” (1 John 3:18 NLT)