METHODIST DAILY REFLECTION FOR TODAY SUNDAY, 20TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - FINDING JOY IN SUFFERING

DATE: SUNDAY, 20TH SEPTEMBER 2026

THEME: FINDING JOY IN SUFFERING

PASSAGE: PHILIPPIANS 1:20-26

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

MESSAGE:

While Paul longs to be with Christ, he also recognizes the value of continuing to minister and serve God through his suffering (Philippians). He finds joy in the progress and joy of others in the faith, even when facing hardship.

Practical Application: We have to start each day by surrendering our life to Christ anew. Seek His guidance in every decision you take and align your priorities with His will. It is also necessary for us to embrace a perspective that views challenges and even death as opportunities for Christ's glory.

Moreover, in the process of embracing suffering as a means to glorify Christ, we must trust that He can use our trials to impact others and draw them closer to Him. While we seek His strength to endure hardships with grace, unwavering faith. and joy of others in faith, even in the face of every difficult situation; we must pray without ceasing, study the word of God and fellowship with other believers in Christ.

In conclusion, ask yourself this simple question: Where do I go after leaving this world?

So, if you want to get to heaven, then you need to consider the question, "What am I living for?" Then Complete the sentence: ("For Me, TO Live ____."is What? Money, Success, Happiness, Pleasure, Fun, Good times, Family, Self?... If your answer is any of the But if, like Paul, you can honestly say as you evaluate your life, "For Me, TO Live is Christ," then you can also say with all the confidence of God's Word behind you that "To Die is Gain!"

MEMORY VERSE:

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8

HYMN: MHB 567 (7.6.7.6.) In full and glad surrender

1. IN full and glad surrender

I give myself to Thee;

Thine utterly, and only,

And evermore to be.

2. O Son of God, who lov'st me,

I will be Thine alone;

And all I have, and all I am,

Shall henceforth be Thine own.

3. Reign over me. Lord Jesus;

O make my heart Thy throne :

It shall be Thine, my Saviour,

It shall be Thine alone.

4. O come and reign,Lord Jesus,

Rule over everything;

And keep me always loyal

And true to Thee, my King.

Amen.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the words of encouragement sent to us. Help us, Lord, to live lives that are truly centered on Christ. Strengthen us with Your wisdom to discern Your will in all circumstances, and the courage to stand firm in the faith through Christ our Lord. Amen.

READ:

DAY: Ezekiel 46-47

NIGHT: Ezekiel 48

METHODIST DAILY REFLECTION FOR 20TH SEPTEMBER 2026 - FINDING JOY IN SUFFERING