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Bible Reading:
Philippians 4:1-9
1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Devotional:
Like so much of evil, transcendental meditation has come into prominence at a time when some aspects of its nature or program appear to meet a need. In our world of confusion, mechanization and externals there is a need for individuals to learn how to be quiet and think. William Henry Davies in his poem, 'Leisure,' expresses it this way:
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?
For the Christian, meditation has a quality not known to unbelievers. It transcends all that unbelievers may experience. The meditation of the Christian brings him into communion with God Himself. It is a step away from prayer and often moves into it.
Meditation and prayer are both activities of our minds as well as of our emotions. Paul tells us (4:6) that we are to pour out our pleas and our requests to God. And thanksgiving is to accompany our requests. As we freely turn our minds to God and communicate with Him He will flood our hearts with peace and keep our 'hearts and minds through Christ Jesus' (4:7).
Every part of our thought life is to be characteristically Christian. After all, we are not to be conformed to this world, but rather transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Paul describes for us what should be the content of our thought: 'Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things' (4:8).
Do our children know that verse? Are they learning to make it a touchstone of their thinking? What about us? Do we meditate in God's law 'day and night'? (Psalm 1:2). The Puritans recognized the value of meditation and it doubtless contributed to their virile Christianity. God's people today need to revive the art.
We are happy to have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples,"the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."
Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.
Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and pastored a number of OPC churches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you.
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