I love Christmas. As a kid, it was my favorite day of the year. But as much as I love Christmas and everything it represents, I must say it’s no longer the day of the year I look forward to the most. No, my friends, that day is now the fourth Thursday in November. That’s right, as an adult, Thanksgiving has become my favorite day of the year. Why? Well, if you knew anything about me and my love for […]
I remember the drive home from the hospital after the birth of our first child. While the drive to the hospital was obviously a significant moment, there was something much more weighty about that first drive home. On the way there, the car seat was still empty. But on the way home, little newborn Jude was there, lying in his little Marlins onesie and blanket . . . and I was very aware of it. Our Jeep had another passenger, […]
For those who don’t know this, I am bilingual. My family comes from Cuba, and my parents don’t speak a lot of English. In fact, Spanish was my first language, and I even spent a year as a Spanish teacher. One thing I’ve noticed as a bilingual person is just how much gets lost in translation. It’s crazy how often I try to translate something for my parents and get stuck because a certain phrase or word simply does not […]
“Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”—Philippians 4:21–23 (NKJV)
VERSE MEANING
Paul closed this powerful and beautiful letter as he did all his other letters: with an affectionate and warm salutation from himself and those with him. Often, his goodbyes included a general greeting to all the brothers and sisters […]
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”—Philippians 4:19–20 (NKJV)
VERSE MEANING
Plērōsei: To supply; to fill to the maximum (full extent), to the limit of one’s capacity. The root word (plē) describes fullness and totality; it implies full quantity (“to the brim”).
Ploutos: Riches, wealth, abundance (materially or spiritually); much in number, quantity; to flow. This word was most likely derived […]
“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”—Philippians 4:17–18 (NKJV)
VERSE MEANING
Reiterating that this isn’t an indictment of other churches, nor an appeal for aid, the apostle Paul states that what he “diligently seeks” (epizētō) is for the fruit (karpon) of their generosity and care […]
“Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.”—Philippians 4:15–16 (NKJV)
VERSE MEANING
Here, when Paul mentions the beginning of the gospel, he is specifically referring to the birth of the church in Philippi and their sister churches in Macedonia. The time period the apostle is referencing here are […]
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.”—Philippians 4:13–14 (NKJV)
VERSE MEANING
This commonly quoted verse is actually more accurately phrased: “Through Christ, I have strength in all things.” In context, the verse isn’t referring to being able to do all things. Instead, the apostle Paul is stating that he is able to endure or bear anything that has come—and will come—his way through the strength Christ supernaturally provides.
The […]
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”—Philippians 4:11–12 (NKJV)
VERSE MEANING
Today’s passage presents to us a very interesting and difficult quality to master: contentment. It’s an age-old struggle for mankind, one that goes […]
“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.”—Philippians 4:10 (NKJV)
VERSE MEANING
For some, it’s not easy to receive financial help, especially from friends. Often, pride takes over and accepting a handout or financial gift brings about a sense of embarrassment, possibly even deep shame and inferiority. This also has the tendency to make the situation awkward for the giver, as they don’t […]