S – “Make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. ⁴ Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:2–4 CSB

O –  Commentary:

Paul exhorted his readers to show in practical ways the unity which was theirs in Christ. Their expression of that spiritual unity would make his joy complete. Corresponding to the four realities in verse 1 are four specific ways in which their spiritual unity would be realized. They would be like-minded, have the same love, be one in spirit (sympsychoi), and be one in purpose

  “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Unity is tremendously important as Christians.  That doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything.  But our thinking, hearts, beliefs and purposes should have a common center: Jesus.  We walk that out by not being “me” focused but having others as a priority.  

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  You alone are worthy of such honor.  Help us to prioritize others and display the love you give us to them in a tangible way.  Thank you, God that we get to do this journey with others and are not alone.

S – “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

 Philippians 1:21 CSB

O – Commentary:

Paul’s main purpose in living was to glorify Christ. Christ was the essence of his life. Yet Paul knew that if he were martyred, Christ would be glorified through the promotion of the gospel which would result from his testimony in death. And Paul himself would benefit, for death would result in his being with Christ (v. 23). The words to die suggest the act of dying, not the state of death.

 “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Paul expresses a true freedom in life or his death.  We can walk in the same.  Our message is strong when Christ is central in our lives and reflects his character and love.  In our passing, we are present with the Lord.  It eliminates the fear of death and we know that our lives accomplish his purposes.

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you above all today.  We invite your Holy Spirit to help us walk in your love and purposes today.  We want to honor Christ in our lives.  Thank you for taking the fear of death away.  We can walk in confidence that you are with us.

S – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens

Ephesians 6:12 CSB

O – Commentary:

The struggle is not physical (against flesh and blood); it is a spiritual conflict against the spiritual “Mafia.” Though the ranks of satanic forces cannot be fully categorized, the first two (rulers and authorities) have already been mentioned in 1:21 and 3:10. Paul added the powers of this dark world (cf. 2:2; 4:18; 5:8) and the spiritual forces of evil. Their sphere of activity is in the heavenly realms, the fifth occurrence of this phrase, which is mentioned in the New Testament only in 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12. Satan, who is in the heavens (2:2) until he will be cast out in the middle of the Tribulation (Rev. 12:9–10), is trying to rob believers of the spiritual blessings God has given them (Eph. 1:3).

“Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – We are in a battle every day.  We can look not only at what we see but also at the spiritual realm.  God gives us the tools and weapons to defeat the enemy and his forces.  We have the armor of God, God’s word and God himself (character, power, presence) to use as we engage in a spiritual battle daily.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the victorious God.  You have already won the war.  Help us today to win the battles we face physically and spiritually. We submit ourselves to your leadership and pick up the weapons you give us to remain victorious in our walk with you.

S – To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband. 

Ephesians 5:33 CSB

O – This is a summarization statement – Husbands love their wives and wives respect their husbands.

A – This is a great foundation for a marriage relationship.  A husband who loves his wife like Christ loved the church will give her unconditional, servant-based love.  He will esteem her more than any other woman.  A woman who respects her husband brings honor and reverence to him and his role of leading their home. She will esteem him more than any other man.  This requires work by both persons. 

R – Heavenly Father, we esteem you above all other things.  We pray over our marriages that we would start with ourselves in what we bring to the relationship.  Please help us to grow in our role set before us.  Help us to esteem our spouse higher than any other today.  We want to honor you in our marriage.

S – There is no peace for the wicked,” says the Lord. 

 Isaiah 48:22 CSB

O – How can we know his peace if we do not pursue Godly righteousness?  

A – Two of the greatest gifts we receive in a relationship with Christ are hope and peace.  In all situations, we can have both.  Hope that God can intervene supernaturally or even work in a situation for the good.  Peace that He’s got it no matter what we face.  Two good “bookends” to keep our hearts, minds and actions all pointed toward Him.

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you above all names.  Thank you for hope and peace in all that we will face today.  We trust in your love and sovereignty that you want the best in our lives.  Give us the courage to face today knowing you are with us and for us.

S – But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Ephesians 4:15–16 CSB

O – Commentary:

Paul stated positively that by speaking the truth in love (lit., “truthing in love,” which has the idea of maintaining truth in love in both speech and life) believers may grow up into Him with reference to all things… The phrase “in love” occurs three times (vv. 2, 15–16), thus pointing to the way unity is maintained. Significantly the word “measure” (metron) is also used three times in this context (vv. 7, 13, 16). Each believer is to function in Christ’s body by God’s enabling grace in accord with the measure of the gift Christ bestowed on him (v. 7). When each believer accomplishes that measure, then the church grows properly (v. 16), coming ultimately to the measure of Christlikeness (v. 13).

  “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 

A – We must express love in our thoughts, words and actions.  Unity doesn’t mean we agree on everything or we become “yes” people.  Our diversity gives us strength…as long as genuine love is the thread that keeps us together.  Also, we need to live up to the “measure” of the gift God gives us. It is our responsibility to grow it.  If we do both of these well, the church and its individuals will thrive.

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you above all things today.  Help our thoughts, words and actions be genuinely loving towards you and others.  We want to love authentically.  We also want to grow in the gifts you have given to us.  We ask for your Holy Spirit to guide us today.

S – Now this is what the Lord says—the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel—“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. 

² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and the rivers will not overwhelm you, 

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched and the flame will not burn you. 

³ For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior

Isaiah 43:1–3 CSB

O – Look at all the promises from God:

• I created you.
• I formed you (molded into your unique shape and design)
• Do not fear
• I have redeemed (bought you back) you
• I know you by name
• I give you my seal of ownership
• I will be with you in your escape from the enemy and trouble.
• I will not give you more than you can bear.
• I will be with you in the testing.
• I will not let you be consumed in the testing.
• I am your Lord God.
• I am the One, true God 
• I will save you from your sins

A – Although it isn’t an exhaustive list, what a compilation of God’s character and promises.  We can walk confidently in Him today, knowing He is all of these.

R –  Heavenly Father, we come to you in worship and surrender.  We are grateful for all of the blessings and promises that you give us today.  We walk in humility to who you are and confidently in who you have made us to be.  Give us strength and courage to accomplish your will today.

S – Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or who gave him counsel?  Who did he consult? Who gave him understanding and taught him the paths of justice? Who taught him knowledge and showed him the way of understanding? 

Isaiah 40:13–14 CSB

O – Commentary:

In verses 13–14 Isaiah spoke of the infinite knowledge and skill the Lord possesses. No one on earth can claim to have taught the Lord anything. He did not need to consult anyone. Isaiah was probably thinking of the Creation account (Gen. 1) in which God spoke and Creation came into being. In irony God had also pointed out to Job by numerous questions that his knowledge was nothing compared with God’s (Job 38:2–39:30

“Isaiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – When thinking of the “bigness” of God, it is hard to fathom that He has no equal or peer.  No one taught Him or instructed him to create the world.  And yet, He did so he could have a relationship with us.  With all of our flaws, imperfections and shortcomings, He chose us and paid for us with his son’s blood and life.  It is humbling and affirming at the same time.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one, true God who created, knows and holds all things.  Thank you for loving us.  We fall short daily but want to press toward you and your calling for us.  Please give us the courage and strength to honor you in all things today.

S – For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Galatians 5:13, 14 CSB

O – We are supposed to walk in freedom to support each other in love.  This love should be at the same level as our love for ourselves.

A – We should go through each day willing to accomplish God’s will and purpose in our lives.  Our focus should not keep us from caring for others to help them in their journey.  The love we have for God should empower us to do both.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one true God.  Help us to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit today in our lives and as we impact others.  We want the love we have for you and others to be evident in all areas.