Today's Verse - Philippians 4:5

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

—Philippians 4:5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Extravagant over-reaction! That's what we're programmed to seek and to display in our modern world of sound bytes, social media "likes," and the over-hyped cult of personality. But gentleness, the moderating grace amid chaos and conflict, is vital to bringing God's peace to conflict-laden churches, families, relationships, and our troubled world. How can we be gentle? How can we restrain from over-reacting to the wounds, offenses, and slights that come our way? The LORD is near! He is our vindication. He is our example. He is our comfort. He is our hope. He is our strength. He is near. We are not alone and our destiny, reputation, and value are not up to decide. He claims us! And, he is near.

My Prayer...

O LORD, my Father God, please be ever near me as I seek to be your person of character and gentleness in the middle of the chaos and conflict around me. I ask that your presence be made known and that my character reflect that presence in all that I do and say, especially with gentleness. In Jesus' name and for his sake, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

—Philippians 4:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Sometimes, the squabbles among church folk can discourage us and lead us to lose sight of our incredible blessings in God's family. We have many reasons to rejoice in the LORD. Let's not lose sight of those reasons, especially when those around us get caught up in pettiness, division, and rivalry. Let's not let discouragement, grief, or danger wear us down and make us lose our joy. Our joy is in Jesus, an eternal, glorious, and victorious joy . Let's remember our hope is in our resurrected Jesus, our LORD and ever-present Savior. Paul wants us to know that it is time to reclaim our joy!

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for the joy I have in knowing Jesus. I rejoice in the salvation you have brought me through his death and resurrection. With joy, I anticipate the day of glorious celebration when he returns to share your glory with me and all those who long for his coming. Even in my darkest moments of despair, I thank you for the flame of hope and the assurance of victory that sustains my deep and abiding joy of being your child. In the name of my Savior, the LORD Jesus, I rejoice as I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:9

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

—Philippians 4:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As we seek to pass on the faith to our children, friends, and younger spiritual "children" in Jesus' family, we would do well to remember Paul's example: Paul...

• Taught the truth.
• Passed on the truth that had been revealed and passed on to him.
• Displayed that truth in his life.
• Called on the people he was mentoring to put this truth into practice in their daily lives.

Paul's life enabled the Philippians to fully experience God's presence and find the peace God longed to give them. May our words and examples do something similar in the lives of those we long to influence!

My Prayer...

Father, help me be a better teacher in word and deed as I seek to influence those around me to become more JESUShaped. May my words and example bless those who need my help in their Christian walk and those in my family seeking to grow in your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.