QT - Ph 1:27-30

COMBATTING FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL

Key Verse 1: 27

After expressing his testimony concerning his philosophy in the mission of God, Paul now exhorts the faithful to embrace the love of Christ. Regardless of his situation, Paul's exhortations were more than vigorous.

1. In a way worthy of the Gospel (27-28)

Paul was fond of the Philippians because they were faithful to God, but above all, they are the object of Jesus' affection. The gospel is precisely about this affection. We were worthy of eternal condemnation, but God sent his Son and delivered him to the cross, to make him suffer the punishment of death in our place. What to do after this Gospel? Now, it seems that Paul changed the tone. He wanted the Philippians to be the valiant soldiers of Christ. Many Christians already knew that Paul was a fervent defender of the Gospel (16). But Paul wanted the Philippians to realize that they had been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and live according to that grace. Their fight is not in front of the man, but before God, so does not depend on the presence of the servant. It is a fight not against man, but against the devil, therefore, they must be united in the same spirit and soul. if being intimidated, they will be doomed to defeat.

2. The grace of suffering (29-30)

This fight is universal because the devil is everywhere in the world. So being absent, Paul asked them to unite with him in the fight. The fight is also perpetual because the devil never rests. So Paul fought restlessly. The Philippians knew and wanted to participate through prayer and support. Paul emphasized that fighting and suffering from the devil is one of the immutable graces. Men appreciate, according to the etymological sense,  receiving the pleasant grace, but avoiding the suffering without knowing that this one is a blessing. We must know that if we are forgiven, it is grace, and if we are called to fierce fighting, it is also grace !

QT - Ph 1:1-11

WHAT I ASK FOR IN PRAYER 

Key Verse 1: 9 

This word shows us the way and the content of Paul's prayer. Paul had some urgency because he was in prison and was waiting for his death. But his prayer is so calm and so reassuring. 

1. The one who started his work is faithful

 First, Paul greeted the faithful Philippians by calling them saints and wished them abundance of grace and peace. Then comes thanksgiving. Paul's heart was filled with grace because of God. The large heart comes to desire grace in others. We must be filled with the grace of God in the thought of his work in us. Paul was in prison. But his heart was so wide. The beginning of God's work for Philipi had been through the opening of a woman named Lydia. He was very weak, but Paul's assurance of salvation for the Philippians was stronger than a rock. It was not because of the current favorable condition of the sheep that he saw the future as prosperous. But it was because of his firm faith in God, which he saw as well. Moreover, he knew that if anyone prayed, God would not abandon him, hence his perseverance. 

2. Paul's prayer topics 

 Paul's love for the Philippians was very sweet. He came from Christ. The Lord had so tenderly visited him and opened his eyes to see the kingdom of God. So, he wanted the Philippians to be filled with the love of God and grow up more and more. Unconscious love is likely to become sentimental. Knowledge without love is intellectual and dry. So Paul prays that they balance these things. Then, he asks that God give them the discernment of the important things in order to prepare for the day of the Lord. In this moment according to the flesh, we think that this or that is important. But it's an illusion. When we have the Holy Spirit, we see things correctly. Then we must seek to please not men, but God, bearing fruit inside and out. Then God will be glorified and our life too.  

QT - Esther 8

THE DAY OF SALVATION

Key Verse 8: 8

The small judgment on earth is the shadow of God's last judgment which will take place on the last day. What will really happen on the last day? At that time, there will be a great contrast between unbelievers and believers. Haman's sentence speaks volumes.                    

1. The villain will be completely destroyed

The risk that Mordecai and his people faced came from the mere fact that they believed in God. Their enemies were waiting for their execution day. However, how did the situation turn around? The misfortune that they had been waiting for so eagerly fell on them. The people of the world live and mock God. They conceive wickedness towards God and His people. However, they will not enjoy what they have been waiting for. We must strive to preach the good news to our friends and sheep in anticipation of the irrevocable judgment day that will fall on the unbelievers. We must pray for them so that instead of living a stupid life like a time bomb, they will live in fear and tremor before the sovereign God of history.

2. The child of God gets the eternal prize

The day of God's judgment is the day of salvation for God's people. To this day, the people were allowed to take revenge on their enemies by killing them and even looting their property. Verse 17 tells us that the Jews were respected and that even some Gentilles became Jews . On judgment day , God's people will be greatly rewarded. Even if we are despised and mocked now because of our faith in Jesus , there will come a day when we will be rewarded because of this faith. Therefore, for believers,  judgment day is not a day of terrible destruction, but a day of joy and gladness. That is why, we can live life joyfully for God without being intimidated by this mocking world, . The value of our life is not defined on earth, but by what will happen when we stand before God. Therefore, let us live our lives with a clear eschatological vision.

QT - Esther 4

IF IT IS FOR MY LOSS, I WILL PERISH Key Verse 4: 16
The 4x4 car moves forward with 4 wheels to which the engine force is transmitted the same weight, hence the need for its special driving for fear of skidding. All the wheels are the same and each role has the same weight. The life of faith is like that. The body is formed and each part of the body has a weight like the others and the whole body works together. What was asked of Esther despite her queenship was like that.
1. The lamentation of Mordecai (1-9)
Mordecai dressed himself in sackcloth and lamented bitterly in front of the concierge. He could not enter it according to the law. More than from the outside, the interior of Mordecai cried more, for it was because of his action that this misfortune had happened. He lamented strongly, shedding a lot of tears and fasting. However, his sadness was not according to the world that leads to death, but according to God. He did not take pity on himself and his people, and if he took pity he would have committed suicide because of the weight of his action. But his conduct being according to faith, God had given him the strength to stand firm to the end. His sadness had only one purpose, which is to beg God's mercy for him and his people. All knew what the decree meant, except the queen who had to find out from Hathac, the eunuch. Mordecai asked for the intervention of the queen.
2. If it is for my loss, I will perish (10-17)
Esther was confronted with possible death in case of violation of the royal protocol. Mordecai's answer was dry and brutal. His purpose was to ask the queen for solidarity with her people. Two points make us recognize the faith of Mordecai. God will bring salvation without depending on human will, hence no merit possible for any benefactor. Man is only an instrument used according to the sovereignty of God for the accomplishment of his will. It is irresistible, even if someone refuses it. According to Mordecai's faith, Esther finally made a decision to die, if it was the will of God. However, she felt inadequate, hence her urgent request for prayer and the fasting of her compatriots.

Esther 1:1-22 (Daily Bread of 21/9/2018)

Book of ESTHER

Introduction
An anonymous author wrote this story which occurred during the time of Ahasuerus, known in Greek as Xerxes I, around 470 BC. He is Darius' son. Some Jews had already returned to Jerusalem, but the rest were taking care of their businesses in Persia. They were ignored and despised by the Persian natives. This story is about a woman of faith who came to save her people who were in danger because of a plot by a Haman enemy. It is the origin of the Jewish holiday is still celebrated. It's called Purim. Three themes are to be noted in this book: divine providence, human responsibility and the absurdity of evil. Esther is supposed to be the prefiguration of Christ.

VASTHI REFUSED TO BE PRESENT

Key Verse 1: 12
Proverbs 16:18 says that pride precedes one's disaster and an arrogant spirit precedes one's fall. Chapter 1 of Esther's book tells us a lot about Queen Vashti's action.             
1. A King's Feast (1-8)
The King threw a great feast. The role of this feast was to manifest  the King's greatness and the luxuriance of his kingdom. All the eunuchs, princes and satraps were gathered to celebrate it for 6 months. After this, the palace was opened for all the people of Suze during one week. It was really a huge national program. It was also the usual custom of the world's powers. Nevertheless, all the glory of the world is like the flower on a blade of grass that dries up and disappears (1P 1:24).

2. Pride Vasthi (9-22)

Besides the feast amongst the men, there was also a feast for the women. The princes' wives and others came to this one and gathered around the Queen. The King wanted to brag about the Queen's beauty and as a special program he called Vasthi before all. It was because of his vanity. Vasthi would have felt this and refused to go, not wanting to play like a doll. It is understandable nowadays. Moreover she was a Queen who wanted some autonomy as first lady. However, unfortunately, it is not nowadays. At that time, there was a strict protocol of the queens and even for the kings. According to the royal consultation, one of the princes Memoukin, the influence of the Queen's act on homes and women would be dangerous. God had this event in His hand and He used her mistake  set up Esther's coronation of Esther. We must remember how much pride is a factor that precedes destruction. Then we must take into account the influence we have on others. Jesus says that the higher someone is, the more God will ask them to be responsible.

Acts 9: 31-43 (Daily Bread of 14/9/2018)

TABITHA, GET UP

Key Verse 9: 40

Like Philip, and Paul was solitary, because even if he came and went with the disciples, he was an exceptional case as he was called alone on the way to Damascus. Pierre acted solo this time. Here are the two episodes of the miracles that he performed.        

1. Aeneas was healed (31-35)

After Paul's conversion, the cities were quiet. Paul was the leaders' target and served as a bulletproof device for their animosity. It was a favorable time for evangelization. Peace does not necessarily guarantee the advancement of the Gospel. Peter arrived at Lydda. There was a paralytic called Aeneas. Peter proclaimed his healing in the name of Jesus Christ and raised Aeneas from his paralysis. Aeneas even picked up the bed himself, without any dependence. This served as proof of inner healing itself. Many were converted because of this miracle.

2. Dorcas was resurrected (36-43)

Tabitha whose other name was Dorcas was a Jaffa woman living close to Lydda and she was full of kindness and magnanimity. She was selfless in welcoming the poor to her surroundings through her specialty, which was knitting. She died as a result of an illness. Being invited by the disciples of the Jaffa city, Peter went there and went up to the upper room where she was deposited. He prayed there. He said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes and sat down, yawning. Then she was presented alive. Amazed, many were converted. These two works in the pagan region became widerspread. Many people were surprised, but nothing is surprising to God, and those who depend on the Holy Spirit can do great works. Although external miracles are lessened in our modern times, their need being superfluous, healing and inner resurrection continue today, through the repentance of men. If we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, we can raise and resurrect sick and dead souls like Aeneas and Dorcas.       

Acts 9: 31-43 (Daily Bread of 14/9/2018)

TABITHA, GET UP

Key Verse 9: 40

Like Philip, and Paul was solitary, because even if he came and went with the disciples, he was an exceptional case as he was called alone on the way to Damascus. Pierre acted solo this time. Here are the two episodes of the miracles that he performed.        

1. Aeneas was healed (31-35)

After Paul's conversion, the cities were quiet. Paul was the leaders' target and served as a bulletproof device for their animosity. It was a favorable time for evangelization. Peace does not necessarily guarantee the advancement of the Gospel. Peter arrived at Lydda. There was a paralytic called Aeneas. Peter proclaimed his healing in the name of Jesus Christ and raised Aeneas from his paralysis. Aeneas even picked up the bed himself, without any dependence. This served as proof of inner healing itself. Many were converted because of this miracle.

2. Dorcas was resurrected (36-43)

Tabitha whose other name was Dorcas was a Jaffa woman living close to Lydda and she was full of kindness and magnanimity. She was selfless in welcoming the poor to her surroundings through her specialty, which was knitting. She died as a result of an illness. Being invited by the disciples of the Jaffa city, Peter went there and went up to the upper room where she was deposited. He prayed there. He said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes and sat down, yawning. Then she was presented alive. Amazed, many were converted. These two works in the pagan region became widerspread. Many people were surprised, but nothing is surprising to God, and those who depend on the Holy Spirit can do great works. Although external miracles are lessened in our modern times, their need being superfluous, healing and inner resurrection continue today, through the repentance of men. If we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, we can raise and resurrect sick and dead souls like Aeneas and Dorcas.