⏱ 8 min read

• It’s Day 16 and we’re ending the book of Philippians today with an anointed word from Deaconess Denise Oppong! You’ll be super blessed by this!
• We continue with Colossians 1 tomorrow on our 50 Days Quiet Time journey 🤗📖
• As iron sharpens iron, may we continue to sharpen one another with the Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God 🔥

Say Cheeesseee! Snap! 📸

• Did you know you cannot mention certain words without showing your teeth or triggering a grin on your face?
• Everybody say, “Cheeesseee! Monneeyyy! Caaasshhh! Smiiillee! ‘Bankyyeee!’ Great, you just tried it out lol.
• These and many more joyful strategies are what photographers use to create the atmosphere for a good photo outcome, regardless of any downsides you may be going through.

Today, we explore the Word and Promises of God – our perfect photographer (James 1:23-25). Ready? Let’s hit the booth.

The Reality versus Our Reality

• The reality is that life is not child’s play. Life can be very tough.
• Life can be filled with many overwhelming and unpleasant situations that will try to steal your joy.
• It is popularly said that in life you are either in trouble, have just come out of trouble, or about to enter trouble. Mercy! (1 Pet 5:8, John 10:10, Job 1:7, Eph 6:12-13).

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ~ 1 Peter 5:8

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~ John 10:10

However, despite all the pressures we are faced with in our journey of faith, the reality of life must be overshadowed by Our Reality as believers; as Jesus admonishes through the teachings of Paul.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” ~ Philippians 4:4 

This is Our Reality behind the reality as children of God. Although these words of encouragement sound simple, it becoming your reality can be very difficult when approached from the flesh. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. 

The joy described here encompasses one that is deep seated in the spirit and comes from knowing one’s identity in Christ and having a personal revelation of the Love of Christ and the immeasurable privilege of His Grace.

• In order to operate in this level of Joy, it is essential for you to indulge and meditate on the word of God to feed your Spirit and build your faith (Romans 10:17).
• It is my prayer that as you study the word, the Love of Christ will be revealed unto you and your Spirit will open up to the Joy of the Lord (John 15:13, Eph 3, Rom 8:38-39, Neh 8:10).

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ~ John 15:13

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 8:38-39

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;" ~ Philippians 4:6

How comforting are these words. Be anxious for nothing dear friend. Taking it all back to God shows your trust in His abilities, goodness and Love.

• Worry is not of God, it is the devil eating your joy and health away, while causing you to lose focus on Christ (Heb 12:2, Matt 6:25-34). 
• What a friend we have in Jesus, and what a privilege to carry everything and anything to Him in prayer.

“…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:7 

This is one of my favourite scriptures. There is a peace that surpasses natural understanding of men and they cannot figure you out. The reality of your situation naturally demands you to be distraught but Our Reality as believers says “Peace!”

This is our advantage in Christ, the Prince of Peace. This peace guards and protects your heart and your mind from the attack of the devil, so you can press on in the faith (2 Cor 4:8-9, Prov 4:23, Heb 12:15). Receive the Liberation, Peace and Joy of God!

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ~ 2 Cor 4:8-9.

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. ~ Prov 4:23

When I Remember His Promises

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. ~ Philippians 4:8-9

• Your maturity in Christ and ability to run your race is directly dependent on what you feed your spirit on.
• Paul in the text admonished the church to direct their focus on what is true and of good report.
• Your choice of friends, music, literature, source of counsel, etc., all have a direct effect on the level of Spiritual Joy you operate in.

• You either believe and meditate on the lie of the devil, or you focus on the promises of God (2 Cor 1:20). 
• What is God saying about the situation? What are His promises for your life?

The Bible is replete with numerous beautiful promises for them that love and are called of the Lord. We encourage you to fill your spirit with these words of life and truth to help build you up in the Joy of the Lord.

Psalm 23:1 says, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

• Jer 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

• Lam 3:22-23, Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
• Isa 43:2, When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ~ Rom 5:3-4

I recommend to you Promises (hallelujah) by Victoria Orienze, Promises and Firm Foundation both by Maverick City, and any other Christian music on the Love of Christ. Listen and be lifted.

• Rejoice! again I say Rejoice! Take it all to the Lord in prayer, surround yourself with like-minded believers, and do as the Lord instructs in His word.
• You are on the winning side. Jesus loves you, and He will come through when the time is right.

This Joy that we have, the world did not give it, and the world cannot take it away… Say Cheesseeee!📸

We would love to hear from you. Share with us in the comments some of the promises of God that keep you encouraged. ~ Deaconess Denise Samuella Oppong

Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved! Do share your lessons from Philippians 4. Remember to tag us and your friends on 📲:
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