The blessings to give

Philippians 4:10
January 28th 2018, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Paul here reviews the gift, probably monetary collection of the church in Philippi. Let us also have the teaching about the gift to the Lord.

First is that the collection expresses how much we dedicate to God. It is to thank and keep giving to the Lord who gave his everything to us. One of such dedications is the collection.

Second is that the Lord blesses those who give willingly. We give, not because we want benefits, but the Lord remembers those who give, and rewards them.

Thirdly is to make good use of opportunities to keep giving. The church in Philippi started supporting Paul again when he was in chains. It is important also for us to give by making good use of the given opportunities.

Next month is the month to support the missions. This is a wonderful opportunity. The Lord gave us Christians and the churches the mission to preach the gospel. Let us keep giving willingly and voluntarily for the souls who are perishing!

<The Verse of the Bible>

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Philippians 4:10 (NIV)

Things to think about and put into practice

Philippians 4:8-9
January 21st 2018, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Then Paul said 2 things to do, to the brothers and sisters of the church in Philippi.

Firstly, it is to think about whatever is good. This doesn't mean whatever is good in this world. The rules are in the word of the Bible. Then, it is to walk our lives while thinking about what is right.

Secondly, it is to put what you have heard from the Lord into practice. Things we have learned, received, listened and seen must not be ended just as they are. Just by listening doesn't change anything. We can be transformed by putting them into practice.

When putting these things into practice, the God of peace will be with us. The peace of God is in us and we will be able to testify the God of peace. People around us are watching us.

There will be no spiritual growth just by listening, without doing anything. We cannot testify anything either. This year, let us put what has been revealed to each of us into practice. And let it be a year of our great growth!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:9 (NIV)

To get free from anxiety

Philippians 4:4-5
January 14th 2018, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

I think we get anxious easily. How can we get free from anxiety?

Firstly, it is by believing the truth of the promises of God. God promises the blessing to us. It is to believe that His promises are true.

Secondly, it is by praying to God. Three important things in prayers are described. The first is to pray in everything. We tend to limit the time of prayer. The second is to pray with thanksgiving. Prayers without thanksgiving shall be prayers without strength. The third is by presenting our requests to God.

God wants to hear the requests out of our mouths. As the result of these, God gives us peace. God secures our minds from anxiety and fear.

Aren't we being captives of anxiety? Pay careful attention to this word, and let us walk our lives while we pour out our souls and pray to God anytime!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Our steps before God

Psalm 95:1-11
January 7th 2018, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

A new year has begun. In this year, what kind of steps should we make before God, in order to receive the blessing from Him?

Firstly, it is to make our steps while praising God. This is because we receive salvation, which is such a wonderful grace. Let us walk our lives while praising God, so that the people around us will notice it.

Secondly, it is to walk by having the worship to God centered. It is to place the worship to the heart of our lives. Then, there comes the blessing of God. Do not center other things.

Thirdly, it is to follow the word of God today. The more humbly sheep follow the voice of the shepherd, the safer they are and the better things they can receive. It is important also for us to hear the voice of the Lord our shepherd, and follow it humbly today.

How are we walking our lives before God? If we rely on our thoughts or the experiences we had last year, we will fail. Instead, let us bear what we learned today in mind. When we hear the voice of God, let us follow it humbly today and go forward!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

Psalm 95:2 (NIV)