Philippians 2:13 (NKJV) for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 (AMP) [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. COMMENTARY PEARL I love flowers. During the dark winter months, my husband, Dave, sometimes brings home bouquets. Nothing fancy, just a mixed batch to brighten my day. My husband knows those blooms give me hope for the future. So does Jesus. One day, my mood was anything but cheery. A dream for which I'd been saving money for years had fallen through, and I couldn't stop crying. Unsettled thoughts left me shaken, wishing for a sign - for some way to know Jesus was watching and listening. As afternoon turned to evening, I busied myself with preparing dinner while awaiting Dave's return home from his work at a nearby store. He entered the kitchen, two dozen long-stemmed roses overflowing in his arms. I paused before accepting them. How could we justify buying expensive flowers, especially now? Dave sensed my hesitation and explained the flowers had been about to be discarded. They'd cost nothing. I held the delicate buds close. These were much more than simple castoffs. Yes, my caring husband had spotted the roses and rescued them from the trash, acting on Jesus's prompting. But Jesus had picked them out for me. He'd heard my cry and stepped in to wipe away the tears, as He does for all of us. Some days He sends a friend to visit. Other mornings we might suspect the words of a devotion were written specifically for our needs. And sometimes He shares a loved one's heart and hands to present us with two dozen roses. Heidi Gaul Faith Step: Find ways to be the hands of Jesus for others. A call, a card, or even a smile can be enough to share His much-needed love with others. [Mornings With Jesus 2022 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] COMMENTARY Providence Whoever reads the writings of Christians from earlier centuries is struck with the frequent references to God's providence. Why don't we hear more about it today? What imp sneaked in and stole this good word from our twenty-first-century vocabulary? The spirit of naturalism that views all events in nature as ruled by independent natural forces has left its mark on our generation. Too bad. We would do well to reintroduce this grand word to our tongues as well as to our young. While Paul was addressing those sophisticated eggheads on Mars Hill, he spoke of providence when he stated "in Him we live and move and exist" (Acts 17:28). Our God not only struck the spark that gave you and me life, He continues to prompt each heartbeat in every chest every second of every minute. And what He does for us as individuals He does for the vast universe about us. Furthermore, what God creates, God sustains. Not only does He number the hairs on our heads, He determines the days of our lives. In doing so, He weaves everything together into His design. Ultimately, the tapestry of His handiwork will be something to behold! Let me urge you to remove three words from your vocabulary as you add providence. They are chance, fate, and luck. Those shallow terms suggest that there are blind, impersonal, and spontaneous forces at work in the ranks of humanity. Not! Only One is at work, as the apostle has written: Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13 So, take heart. God is in full control. Nothing is happening on earth that brings a surprise to heaven. Nothing touches us that has not first passed through the fingers of His hands. Nothing is outside the scope of His divine radar screen, as He guides us safely home. [Chuck Swindoll www.insight.org.] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE Philippians 2:12, 13 - Cooperating with Divinity. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210125-1103.html Philippians 1:6 - Its His Work, Not Ours. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211128-0955.html YOUR COMMENTS If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or testimony on this passage of Scripture, either personal or otherwise, I would be interested in hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred Gibbs LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT Most Important Decision in Life: http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo Steps to Peace by Billy Graham: https://stepstopeace.org/ Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782 Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ Amazing Facts Bible Studies: http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study Guides: https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/ LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/ Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657 Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE