A Couple of Philippian Prayers

Hi, all.

We are back. Vacation was wonderful and not nearly long enough. I very much relished watching my two children play delightfully on the beach - not a care in the world. And it was wonderful kicking back a bit with my hubby. We all really needed some time away from home and routine in order to be with one another. I spent some time reading a little biblical history. I haven't read much in the OT historical books in awhile. I look forward to more of it. Anyhow, thanks for the prayers.

A side thought ... I walked into the grocery store this morning and every person I passed was on his/her cell phone. Technology has been such a blessing but also a curse. I realized this while I was away. Not having the computer around was a total blessing. I realized how much time I waste on the Internet. And yet it was a blessing to have my cell phone because my mom called me to tell me that my grandfather was in the hospital with advanced colon cancer. We have distanced ourselves with technology and yet we have gotten closer as well. We use e-mail more often to communicate than the phone. But e-mail has enabled and encouraged us to communicate more frequently with those we may not have otherwise. When we are on our cell phones, we may miss opportunities to speak with people whom we are passing. Yet we are able to conveniently reach more people with such mobility.

Well, to the matter at hand. It has been awhile since I've read in Philippians, so I took some time this morning to reread chapters one through three. A few verses stood out to me today as wonderful prayers to pray for ourselves and others, and I thought I'd share them with you. And next week I hope to jump back into our study, picking up at the beginning of chapter three.

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation - those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ - for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (Philippians 1:11)

For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ ... and that my life will always honor Christ ... (Philippians 1:20)

[Be] careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him. (Philippians 2:12-13)

Grace and peace to you!