New Testament | Philippians 4:4-13 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
We Praise You by Brandon Lake, Brian Johnson, Matt Redman, and Phil Wickham

Lyrics:
Let praise be a weapon that silences the enemy
Let praise be a weapon that conquers all anxiety
Let it rise let praise arise

We sing Your name in the dark
And it changes ev'rything
We sing with all we are and we claim Your victory
Let it rise let praise arise

We’ll see you break down ev'ry wall
We’ll watch the giants fall
For fear cannot survive when we praise You
The God of breakthrough's on our side
Forever lift (Him) (You) high
With all creation cry God we praise You
Interlude
Oh we praise You oh

Let faith be the song
That overcomes the raging sea
Let faith be the song
That calms the storm inside of me
Let it rise let faith arise

Oh we praise You oh we praise You
Oh we praise You oh we praise You

This is what living looks like
This is what freedom feels like
This is what Heaven sounds like
We praise You
We praise You

Ending
Oh we praise You oh we praise You
Oh we praise You oh yeah with all Your praise

Passage:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[b] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

God's Provision
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

(Philippians 4:4-13)

Musical Reflection:
Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

Reflection Notes:
Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

Prayer:
Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.