Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It is short but is so rich and deep. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this new book, Whatever Happens, by Robert J. Morgan. It is a timely book for the turbulent time in this troubling world, filled with timeless wisdom from the book of Philippians.
The book consists of 31 chapters (which can be used as a daily devotional) and covers all 4 chapters of Philippians. The author encourages readers to carefully study the inspiring messages given by Paul from prison and learn to joyfully stand firm in Christ...whatever happens. I can tell that the author is an excellent teacher of God's Word because he continues to be a diligent student of God's Word. I really appreciate all the original Greek words and meanings included in the book. There is no fluff in this book; there's only gems. I delved into all the referenced Scriptures and was so blessed. Like the author, I love hymns; I was glad to see several hymn references. I also love his other book called, Then Sings My Soul (150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories).
I highly recommend Whatever Happens for everyone. It is insightful and impactful. It will help strengthen your faith and show you how to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." (Philippians 1:27) The book includes practical advice such as choosing a life motto, building your own mental hymnbook (a soundtrack for your mind), and beginning & ending everything with prayer and praise. You can tell I really love this book by the amount of quotes I picked out to share here (there are many more that I like).
"When we're Spirit-filled, our thoughts, choices, reactions, responses, and decisions will reflect the mind of Christ. This is the growing Christ-life within us." (p.46)
"Whatever happens, it won't matter all that much as long as Christ is exalted in it all." (p.68)
"Wisdom is having a view of things that mirrors the thoughts of God; it's thinking about things as Christ does." (p.88)
"The joy of the Lord is a safeguard. It protects you against fear and paranoia, dejection and despondency, weariness and worry, temptation and sin, pain and sorrow, and the devil and his demonic forces. Satan doesn't know what to do with a joyful Christian. He can do a lot with believers who have lost their joy, but you might as well try to hold an inflated basketball underwater as try to submerge a joy-inflated Christian. Joy is an attitude, an activity, and a piece of armor. It is a safeguard for the soul." (p.129)
"We should always exercise future-oriented therapy--the Biblical practice of knowing our best days are ahead and that even after this life, we have the certain hope of Heaven and the resurrection body...Why aren't we more excited every day about the glorious future God has revealed to us in His Word? We get so caught up in the here and now that we forget the then and there." (p.166)
"Contentment is the quiet joy of knowing the eternal God is our Refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. We may not have everything we want or even need, but we have Him--and that gives us the inward, quiet joy that we call contentment." (p.202)
"The unsearchable, inexhaustible, incalculable richness of knowing Him (Christ), personally, intimately, eternally--that is the very best thing in life." (p.227)
About the Author
Robert J. Morgan teaches the Bible each week on his podcast, The Robert J. Morgan Podcast, and through his speaking engagements and his books, including: The Red Sea Rules, The Strength You Need, 100 Bible Verses That Made America, The 50 Final Events in World History, and Then Sings My Soul. He also serves as Associate Pastor at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, TN.
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