Thanks for joining us for this Wednesday edition of Our Daily Bread.

Today's reading is titled, Practice These Things, and it was written by Glenn Packyam.

As I helped my son with his math homework, it became apparent he was less than enthusiastic about doing

multiple problems related to the same concept. I've got it, dad, he insisted, hoping I would let him

out of doing all of his assignment. I then gently explained to him that a concept is just a concept

until we learn how to work it out in practice. Paul wrote about practice

to his friends in Philippi, saying in Philippians chapter four, whatever you have learned or received

or heard from me or seen in me, put it into practice. He mentions five things, reconciliation,

as he urged Eudia and Sintechi to do. Joy, as he reminded his readers to cultivate. Gentleness, as he urged them to employ in their relation to the world.

Prayer, as he had modeled for them in person and in writing. And focus, as he had shown even in prison.

Reconciliation, joy, gentleness, prayer, and focus, things we're called to live out as believers

in Jesus. Like any habit, these virtues must be practiced in order to be cultivated.

But the good news of the gospel, as Paul had already told the Philippians, is that it is God

who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

We're never practicing in our own power.

God will provide what we need.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Philippians chapter 4, verses 1 through 9.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends.

I plead with Eudia and I plead with Sintechi to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women, since they have contended at my side in the

cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all.

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