By Prayer And Supplication

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The LORD is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:4-13

Blaise Pascal was a brilliant intellectual who made significant contributions in the fields of science and mathematics. He established the groundwork for the development of mechanical calculators and modern hydraulic operations. As a young man Pascal had a profound encounter with Jesus Christ. It changed his life. He refocused his life into theology.

He once wrote a prayer asking God to let him do great things as though they were little, because in his mind he did them with the power of God behind him. He also prayed to be able to do little things, as though they were great, because he did them in the name of Christ.

The next time you face a huge task, remember that God is your strength. And when you encounter a seemingly insignificant task, determine to do it with excellence to the glory of God.

Expect great things from God;

attempt great things for God.

Our Daily Bread – August 23, 2008