Exodus 2:21 Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.
 
EXODUS 2 is about the first 40 years of Moses’ life. He was born under the threat of Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys. God protected Moses from the Nile’s water when Pharaoh’s daughter took him as her own. His mother became his nursemaid. And Moses became a man in Pharaoh’s household. At about age 40, Moses killed an Egyptian, who was abusing a Hebrew slave. He escaped to the desert. Now his “desert life” is beginning. This will prepare him for God’s ultimate plan for his life. In that plan, God brings to Moses the strong, gracious woman Zipporah.
      Zipporah was the daughter of a wealthy man who lived in the Sinai desert region. Zipporah likely had no particular plans for life. Obviously, there had been no arranged marriage as was common. Then God began to move in her life. There she was, tending to her father’s sheep when her life took a dramatic change. God sent Moses, his ordained Deliverer, his people’s savior, into her care. God has a way of announcing his Deliverer to unsuspecting shepherds – maybe even to you?
      Of course, neither Zipporah nor Moses knew what would happen about 40 years later. But, of course, God knew the plans he had for this couple. He knew Moses would need a wife strong in will and duty. The LORD God Almighty formed Zipporah to be a woman who witnessed strong leadership in her family. She understood how to respond to authority, too, as she obeyed her father to marry this stranger.
      Some may see this as a male-dominated women. But God prepared her for critical moments to take control and advance his plan. Exodus 4:24-27 At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met (Moses) and was about to kill him. 25 But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son's foreskin and touched (Moses’) feet with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. 26 So the Lord let him alone.
       Translated, Moses had not circumcised his two sons to mark their relationship as the LORD’s own. Moses and his family were going to Egypt at the Lord’s command. But God met them on the way to kill Moses’ sons to keep these uncircumcised men from entering Egypt. The just God commanded full obedience from his appointed leader. But Zipporah took charge to circumcise her sons and appease the LORD.
      This act also formed Zipporah, born a pagan, into a covenant child of God. Zipporah understood the LORD’s authority, and now Moses’ family is complete. It’s impossible to imagine the trauma and fear this woman would face alongside her husband in the years ahead. But certainly God had formed her to be a God-fearing, faithful woman to encourage and guide her husband to become the Deliverer – the Law Giver – who would lead his people to freedom.  
 
LIFE Link: A God-centered marriage is God’s way to advance his kingdom.    

Philippians 4:15-20 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. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 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. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 
 
OFTEN, as we hear of opportunities to donate to Christian organizations, we ask, “Do they really need my money? How much should I give? Do I have enough money?” With a desire to be generous, it’s difficult to know how much to donate, isn’t it? The best way to respond is with specific prayers to seek God’s leading and to understand the Bible’s teaching regarding your finances.
    When Paul left Philippi, the church kept supporting his physical needs. In fact, Philippi was the only church of the many he helped start that regularly cared for him financially. Philippi blessed Paul with their offerings.
    What will be God’s response to Philippi? Paul says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” When you bless God’s workers with your offerings, God will bless you in some way. Countless people who give as God directs them will testify how God has blessed them. The Lord, who is Provider, has added to their lives in some way, whether it be finances, health, relationships or a deeper faith experience. Matthew 6:4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  
    Yes, you will be blessed, be rewarded in some way. But note this is not only for your benefit but for God’s glory. Paul encourages Philippi to seek the fruit that abounds to your account. The fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, and self-control grows from the seeds of your trust in God’s care in all circumstances. Blessed by God, you get to be a living testimony of God’s love and salvation. You will be able to tell people that following Jesus will bless their lives now and forevermore.
    There is joy in giving because this is the way of God. Remember the most well-known verse in the Bible is about giving. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” When you wonder, “Should I give?” maybe that’s the first verse to consider.
 
Joy Link: A generous heart.
 
 

Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 
 
YOU could easily use these verses to define the complete letter of Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
    As Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything.” he has plenty to be anxious about. He’s been in prison about 5 years. He awaits a trial that could end in his death. He is literally chained to a prison guard 24/7. He must pay for his own prison house. Jesus’ new churches are threatened from the inside and out. And certainly his afflicted body suffers pain and discomfort daily. He is likely wondering, “When will I be free to do Jesus’ work?”
    But amid such anxieties, Paul doesn’t ask, “Where is Jesus?” He knew that Jesus was always, always present with him through the Holy Spirit. That’s why Paul can say “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
    And even more in this great faith in Jesus’ constant presence, Paul can also say, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Paul sets his mind to the truth of Jesus as his Savior. He looks not upon the world to see reasons to be anxious, but he looks upon Jesus to see reasons to rejoice and be at peace.
    What is happening in your life? Likely there are many reasons to be anxious. Try this prayer. “Jesus, you are bigger than my anxieties. You are my Savior. Keep my mind on you.” Yes, trust the risen Jesus and rejoice.
 
Joy Link: Rejoice! Jesus lives.

Philippians 3:17-19 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame; who set their minds on earthly things. 
 
PERHAPS you’ve heard the advice to share the gospel that goes something like this: “Preach the Word often and sometimes use words.” The intent, of course, is to be real in your faith through what you do. Your faithful actions will attract people to Jesus. This does not mean we never speak the gospel. Words are vital. And so are your gospel-like actions.
    In the days before Jesus’ gospel was written (and still in many places in the world) the good news was communicated through declaring God’s truth. Then the preachers and teachers demonstrated the gospel as they served people to care for their needs. These disciples followed Jesus’ pattern. Yes, discipleship is to speak and act as Jesus. (Of course, Jesus still speaks today through the Bible the Holy Spirit.) Thus, as Paul says, “join in imitating me”, his desire is for the church to model his discipleship attitude. His words and actions help others see the gospel is real for them.
    No, Paul was not perfect as Jesus was, but his life demonstrated a confidence that Jesus is Lord and Savior. He experienced Jesus’ authority and power to strengthen him. Paul knew this same power and authority was for all who called on Jesus’ name and were saved. Paul’s life glorified – gave credit to – Jesus. He helped people see the Savior’s gospel as life-transforming truth.
    How about you? Are you able to say to your family, “Join in following my example.” as you encourage them to speak and act as Jesus? Yes, I know you’re not perfect. But are you real about your faith, even your faith struggles to show people the real Jesus? That is what Paul is teaching. False disciples turned people away from the Lord. We must be true to Jesus’ commands. John 15:10-11 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  
 
Joy Link: People will know when Jesus is really your Lord. 

Philippians 3:15-16 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
 
ARE you mature? Perhaps that question caused you to think of how you’ve changed from your childhood to now. Did you, too, think of your relationship with Jesus?
    What would it look like to be mature, to have a mind in Jesus’ teachings? One aspect of a mature faith is the joy that infuses Paul’s writings throughout Philippians. Everywhere you look in this letter, Paul linked a joyful maturity to his faith in Jesus. He celebrated his salvation. He rejoiced in the Philippi church caring for him. Paul rejoiced in his imprisonment. He demonstrated the mind-changing power of the gospel as he matured to truly know deep in his heart, mind and soul, “Jesus saves.”
    Yes, Jesus saves. You hear that often, don’t you? But have you grown up in that truth? Have you changed from when you first heard of Jesus? Are you mature to believe he’ll save you from sin and Hell? If so, rejoice!
    Are you mature to believe obeying His commands will make your life better? As you mature in Jesus’ gospel, you will find joy amid even the hardest circumstances. Maturity in Christ is a confidence that Jesus is who He says He is. A mature faith knows Jesus will do what He says He will do.
    You haven’t returned to your youth, have you? Why would you hold on to the days of being young in knowing Jesus? As you mature in Jesus, grow in faith. Hold on to your faith. Know Jesus. Believe Him. Rejoice in Him.
 
Joy Link: Grow up steadily in Jesus.



 

Philippians 3:10-11That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
 
IT is a wonderful thing to know someone loves you, isn’t it? When you know someone loves you, you live with an emotional security to trust that person. You are certain the one who loves you will be with you in all circumstances.
    For about 35 years Paul had been getting to know Jesus. Jesus came powerfully to Paul one day (Acts 9) to disrupt Paul’s life. Jesus’ resurrection power changed Paul from a man of worldly power and prestige into a man who was impoverished and persecuted for the Lord Jesus. Through many trials of physical, spiritual and emotional distress, Paul grew to know Jesus was always with him. Jesus saved Paul from being dead in sin, an object of wrath (See Ephesians 2.) to live in Christ and minister the gospel. Through many experiences, Paul came to know Jesus would give him enough food to eat and clothes to cover his nakedness. He would know, too, that Jesus would insert His church into an evil culture of idolatry and devil worship to proclaim victory for the Kingdom of God.
    After these “knowing” experiences, what did Paul want? He longed to know and trust even more deeply the Holy Spirit’s power that raised Jesus from the tomb. He hungered to attain that knowledge even if he had to suffer more, for it is suffering that helped him experience life as Jesus did.
    Why is Paul so passionate to know Jesus even more deeply? Paul can’t get enough of Jesus, that’s why. He loves Jesus with his heart, mind and soul. And there’s one more thing Paul knows. He knows that even in physical death, there really is no death because Jesus will be with him forever.
 
Joy Link: You know Jesus is with you always.