TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Philippians 4:2
Listen: Philippians 4
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Pressure regularly causes relationships to suffer. Paul hears about the fissure between Euodia and Syntyche, and he wants them to get along. The Philippian church is beginning to treat each other poorly. Paul knows these women need to find their joy in God for the relationship to work.
When life gets hard, people around us tend to feel it the most. We think stress at home, work or school is a good reason to be a little short or salty with those around us. We believe others treating us poorly justifies an attitude. We give ourselves a free pass because we tell ourselves we deserve it.
Instead of trying to end the cycle of pressure, we exert pressure on others. Instead of finding joy rooted in Jesus, we take out our frustrations out on those around us.
Pastor Jeff says joy is a focus on the generosity of God that expresses itself through gratitude and praise even in seasons of extreme pain and deep disappointment. If we are joyful, our relationships will benefit.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As the weekend approaches, consider the three heart decisions for developing a life of joy. We need to focus on God’s goodness, ask God for help and renew our minds. These will only happen if we incorporate them into who we are. If we do them over and over. We need to practice them not just this week, but next week and the next week and the next week until they become habits.
On page 46 in your journal, write 5 practical ways you can work to make these three heart decisions stick. Then, choose to begin doing those things to remind yourself that you don’t have to live in with anxiety anymore.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
