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Daily Devotion: Philippians 3:1

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Philippians 3:1    "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe."

Repetition is the key to learning. Sometimes we repeat the same mistakes because we did not learn from them the first time. But on the positive side, repeating something helps instill it in our minds. Peter would say it in this manner, "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth." (2 Peter 1:12)  Throughout the Bible, in both Old and New Testaments, we see things repeated. That is not just to fill space; rather, it is for our learning.  For instance, it is very important that we understand "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:2)  In this verse, David is reminding us that God is our help, but also the importance of understanding that the same God who is our help is also the One Who made heaven and earth. The fact of God being the creator of all this universe is very important in our estimation of just how powerful He truly is. If we lose that fact, then our estimation of God lessens.

Yes, it is important to be reminded of God's creative power and His unconditional love and mercy which we call "grace". It is so important to be reminded that His grace is so deep that the only true and pure communication of that love was through the giving of His only begotten Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. There is great joy in our hearts when we can call this to our remembrance. Peter said, "I will stir your minds with these facts."  Paul said, it "is not grievous" to bring these things to our remembrance, because "for you it is safe."  That word safe means we are secure in that knowledge and understanding. We have a safe place in our hearts and minds in which we can retreat to be strengthened within and without. When we can keep these things in our minds, we can rejoice.

Yes, repetition is the key to learning and understanding great and wonderful truths of God's Word. I was hesitant to go back to this book of Philippians as a source of these devotions because I had used this book a few years ago. But even now as I read through it myself for the "umpteenth" time, I am learning new things as I am reminded of Paul's writings.  May we always approach the Word of God as being new and fresh and needed and a secure place for our hearts and minds.

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