Daily Bible Reading – August 2023, God’s Saving Word: EncouragementSample

August 7

Introduction

Today we begin reading the apostle Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, which he wrote while in prison. Paul had established the church in Philippi, located in the Roman province of Macedonia (Acts 16:12), and it was the first church he had established on European soil. The letter is marked by its emphasis on joy, confidence, unity, and perseverance in the Christian faith and life. It also reveals the deep affection Paul had for the church at Philippi, and he begins with a greeting, traditionally used in formal Greek letter writing, followed by a prayer of thanksgiving, and then proceeds to share the good news about Christ.

Scripture Reading

Philippians 1:1-30

Today’s Key Verse: Philippians 1:11

Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.

Reflect

Reread verses 3-11. For what does Paul pray? What does Paul’s prayer indicate about his relationship with the Philippian church? Paul refers to Christ’s return several times throughout the letter. In this opening chapter, the reference appears in verses 6 and 10; and Paul expected Christ’s return to happen soon. How does this expectation influence what he says in verses 20-30?

Pray

Lord God, help me to keep on growing more and more in true knowledge and perfect judgment, so that I will be able to choose what is best and be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. Amen.

And now, join us in prayer for those serving in the military who are receiving comfort from God's Word. Loving God, the realities of war are part of every moment of every day for active-duty service members. Thanks to the generosity of Bible-A-Month Partners, they are receiving comfort and relief from being away from family and from the stress they face by reading the Bibles they have received. Lord God, we thank and praise you for your life-sustaining Word. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Philippians 2:1-30: The apostle Paul describes Christ as the example of true humility.