Good morning! Have you ever heard the words “God knows how much I love you”? Have you ever struggled to tell someone the depth of your love for them only to ponder or say those words in your heart. Today as we continue our reading in Philippians we will read how much Paul loves them, but I tucked a surprise in here for you too. Enjoy today’s devotion and prayer.

Bible Verse – Philippians 1:7-11 NLT

“⁷ So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.  ⁸ God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

⁹ I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. ¹⁰ For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. ¹¹ May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

Reflection

I love this introduction Paul wrote to the Philippians. The depth of love, affirmation, guidance and blessings he wrote in a few lines were powerful. Can you imagine your greatest mentor speaking those words over you? I want you to go back and re-read verses 9-11 as if Paul were speaking directly to you.For example:

(Enter your name)__________, I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 (Enter your name) _________ For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 (Enter your name) ________ May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

Things to ponder over this week:

• 1st – allow your love to overflow. What will that look like this week?_______

• 2nd – continue to grow in knowledge and understanding of the Lord. Meditate on the word (e.g., a Bible verse or chapter), and spend time in prayer.

• 3rd – understanding what matters is more insightful when you seek to abide more in Christ Jesus and see things as he sees them. Will you set aside time (e.g., 20 minutes) to pray and listen to God? ______

• 4th – character. What is being produced in you? Are you producing fruit from the world and social media post? Or are you producing fruit from the transformation that Christ is doing on the inside of you? (See Galatians 5:22-23)

Sisters and brothers, continue to allow God to do a great work within you.Let the love of the Lord overflow.

Prayer

Father God we thank you for your compassion toward us. We thank you because we do not deserve the grace, mercy or salvation you provided through Jesus Christ. Yet, you made a way for us to be reconciled to you. Thank you Jesus for all that you have done for us. May the love that you displayed on the cross and on earth begin to overflow from our mouths and into action. Lord pour out knowledge and understanding so that we can grow and guide others in Your truth. Lord, change our character to be more like yours everyday. Lord as you work in us, continue your healing power. Heal us of our past, heal us from our present and continue to heal those who are physically and emotionally ill. Lord, continue to comfort those who are grieving. Open our eyes and ears to hear and understand; and soften our hearts to be obedient to your will and call on our lives.

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