Devotionals. This is the one thing I am constantly looking towards in my week. “What Matters Most” is a bible study on the book of Philippians by Karen Ehman. I started this with my cell group leader and one of my close friends. We have just finished up week 3 of the devotional, and I am loving it!
I decided to share this journey with you all and give just a quick summary of each chapter.. Here is a recap of the past 3 weeks…
Week 1: The Gospel (Focused on Philippians 1:1-19)
“I want you to know brothers that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” Verse 12
This verse gets me ever time. To give a little background, Paul currently is chained up in jail because of his faith. He is sitting alone in jail and writing out saying that he is actually preaching the gospel more, while he is in jail! Paul uses his trials, not to blame God, but to proclaim God’s name even more.
This passage also talks about Christian companionship (verses 3-7). Paul thanks his Christian friends. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are very important, and this devotional challenges us in chapter 1 to thank them for being there for us. (verses 9-11)
When was the last time you thanked your friends for always keeping you faithful, for holding you accountable, or for challenging you in your faith? Before reading this, it had been a while for me. I found that I take all these things for granted. I challenge you to think of your best friend that keeps you always in the Word, and write them a letter or call them and tell them how much they mean to you and your walk! They really don’t hear that enough..
Week 2: Heavenly Minded & Earthly Good (Focused on Philippians 1:20-30)
“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” Verse 21
This passage is all about living or dying. Paul has found that dying means he gets to be with Christ, which is the ultimate goal, but to live means he brings others to Christ. It also challenges us to live as passionately for Christ and for serving others.
Have you ever thought about the benefits other Christians would receive by you remaining alive? Maybe your accountability, your kind word, your experience or just your relation with them. You would be surprised by how many people look up to you in your faith, or even just need you for help in their walk.
I challenge you to encourage your friends in their faith! Urge them to stand firm and endure until the very end. They need you, just like you need them.
Week 3: Living for Christ & Others (Philippians 2:3)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves” verse 3
The devotional says “Godly unity in the body of Christ requires us to think of ourselves properly…. We maintain an accurate picture of who we are and who we are not.”
The passage also talks about humility. Humility is the humbleness of mind. To be authentic in this, you can’t be all about yourself. As a Christian we shouldn’t be satisfied with anything less than the total benefits of the gospel… let that sink in.
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This was just a quick recap of 3 weeks of “What Matters Most” devotional by Karen Ehman. There is so much more to read and learn in this devotional then what I talked about. If this devotional interests you any further, totally reach out to me .. I’d love to answer any questions on it!
– KaGie 🙂
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